Mon., 7/27/26 Devotion (Acts 14:27)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 14:27, which says this:

“And when they [Paul & Barnabas] arrived [in Antioch] and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he [God] had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” (ESV)

We think of Lewis' & Clark’s expedition to be monumental; we consider the manned moon landings to be amazing—but nothing can match the adventure into the “twilight zone,” accomplished by Paul and Barnabas in their First Mis-sionary Journey.

. . . The reason for this, is because what God does through Christ’s gospel and His church ministers on earth is more spectacular than anything that can be accomplished in ordinary human affairs. Only Jesus’ own Incarnation “tops”’ the marvel of the gospel going out into the dark corners of this fallen globe.

[Edwards quote of the day: "God's will will be done upon us whether we do His will or not. There is no such thing as frustrating the Almighty.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "God Does What He Pleases"]

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Sat.-Sabbath, 7/25-26/26 Devotion

Dears:

Yesterday’s devotion may have seemed confusing; and I had some typos in it.  At the very bottom, those are corrected.

Here are some clearer words, from Thomas Goodwin. . . . “Do but possess your heart then with the thoughts that there is this fullness of grace, these great riches of mercy in God, and it will make your soul easily believe that there is a willingness in God to bestow them [those great riches of mercy], and that a He is resolved to give them out to you whenever you come to Him . . . "

“The believer’s faith has the freedom and liberty to draw in the ocean of God’s mercies, to draw (if it were possible) the whole of the sea itself to make a full stream for its support, and to help it off the ground, and to help its being borne aloft above all mire of temptations. Nor are there any restrictions about how much or how little it may let in; and to confirm this, why should not faith as well have this immediate recourse, in and with the promises while yet unperformed, unto these essential mercies beforehand, to bestow and give forth the things promised, as well as afterwards in thanksgiving, when we have received the mercies as performed  unto us, we bless God for them, and we celebrate all those essential mercies in God as the original and immediate cause of them? . . . The great return which the Gentiles, and all the nations in the world, are said to bring unto God (when converted by the gospel), as the richest present of thankfulness, is set out by this, ’to glorify God for His mercy,’ (Rom. 15:9). . . . "

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Fri.-Sabbath, 7/24-26/26 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here again. In order to prepare us for church worship on the Sabbath Day, here are some very good words from Thomas Goodwin, from his, “The Object and Actings of Justifying Faith” book.  (I have updated some of the language.) . . .

“The believer’s faith has the freedom and liberty to draw in the ocean of God’s mercies, to draw (if it were possible) the whole of the sea itself to make a full stream for its support, and to help it off the ground, and to help its being borne aloft above all mire of temptations. Nor are there any restrictions about how much or how little it may let in; and to confirm this, why should not faith as well have this immediate recourse, in and with the promises while yet un-performed, unto these essential mercies beforehand, to bestow and give forth the things promised, as well as afterwards in thanksgiving, when we have re-ceived the mercies as performed unto us, we bless God for them, and we celebrate all those essential mercies in God as the original and immediate cause of them? . . . The great return which the Gentiles, and all the nations in the world, are said to bring unto God (when converted by the gospel), as the richest present of thankfulness, is set out by this, ’to glorify God for His mercy,’ (Rom. 15:9). . . . "

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Wed., 7/22/26 Devotion (Mk. 4:38a)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 4:38a, which says this:

“But he [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. . . . ” (ESV)

For someone (me) who enjoys his naps, I can really appreciate this half-verse. Preaching can be extremely satisfyingly-exhausting. The Lord Jesus was physically-spent; and He needed some well-deserved rest.

. . . But, there was a huge storm on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples were coming “unglued”; but the Messiah was perfectly at peace and calm. When we have our tribulations, let us call on the One who knows our struggles, who is even “in” the “boat” with us—and who yet has no perturbation of spirit. As we are in Jesus, we, His church, may be as tranquil as He is, by grace through faith.

[Puritan quote of the day: "None are damned in the church but those who are determined to be . . . “ —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

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Tues., 7/21/26 Devotion (Acts 8:5, 8)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 8:5 & 8, where these words are found:

“Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.

. . . So there was much joy in that city.” (ESV)

Sometimes I think we forget just how much joy is experienced when elect sinners hear the gospel preached/believe it/and realize that all their sins are forever remitted from them in the blood of the Son of God. Whole nations and cities and families can be so profoundly affected by this supernatural grace and wonder—that they are never the same again.

There is no joy, like the joy of knowing and loving God in and through Jesus Christ and His gospel of grace and mercy. There is always hope for the sinful world (to be made very happy), so long as we have Jesus, His good news, and His holy church.

[Edwards quote of the day: "The love of Christ for the elect is so great that God the Father looks upon it proper and suitable to account Christ and the elect as one, and accordingly to account what Christ does and suffers as if they did it and suffered it.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "The Wisdom of God"]

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Mon., 7/20/26 Devotion (Mk. 1:35)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 1:35, where we read these words:

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (ESV)

No matter how “busy" the Lord Jesus Christ was, He always gave His Father the best of His time; and the “cream” of His affection. No matter how “full” His day was, nothing would ever intrude on this sacred prayer time. We sinners protest that we do not have time for God—but we say this because we are not being honest. We make time for what we want to do; and we avoid any-thing we would rather not do.

But, for the regenerate saints of the church who love God in Jesus Christ, time in prayer is not a chore; instead it is our chief delight—just like it was for our Gentle Shepherd (Jesus).

[Puritan quote of the day: "But now Christ does that which we could not do, that is, fulfill the law for us. And He also does that which the law could not do, which was justify us.” —Obadiah Grew, in, "The Lord our Righteousness"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 7/17-19/26 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here again. In order to prepare us for church worship on the Sabbath Day, here are some very good words from Thomas Goodwin, from his, “The Object and Actings of Justifying Faith” book.  (I have updated some of the language.) . . .

“A promise of life to a condemned man is sweet, for life is sweet, as we say; but, ‘Your lovingkindness,’ said David, who had tasted how good the Lord is, ‘is better than life,' and infinitely sweeter, (Ps. 63:3). And again David says, ‘Because Your mercy is good, deliver me,’ (Ps. 109:21). Deliverance was good; yes, but the mercy in God apprehended thereby was infinitely more good to him, which was the greatest incentive for [David] to seek deliverance. . . . And David in this psalm first laid hold on the goodness that is in the mercy of God, and then prays and pleads, ‘Deliver me.’ . . . And when the thing sought for comes to be granted and obtained, a believer rejoices more in the mercy and lovingkindness he finds to be in God’s heart towards him, than in the benefit given; and this is what takes his [the believer’s] heart—Ps. 31:7: ‘I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy; for You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities.’ That  God’s mercy and kindness should own his [David’s] soul at such a time, was more than the deliverance."

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Thurs., 7/16/26 Devotion (Josh. 23:11)

Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 23:11, which says this:

“Be very careful, therefore, to love the LORD your God.” (ESV)

Does it not seem a bit strange, that we have to be exhorted to “love” the Lord our God? But, what is our religion, or our life, if we do not love the Lord? Ba-sically, they are worthless (without this love). There is no obedience where there is not Spirit-wrought love for God; and this love of The Divine is the heart of all true religion.

No one loves God who does not love Him in and through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. All people who do not love Jesus Christ, in fact, hate God. Let all the church’s true saints love God in Christ with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength—and hence live life to the full, in the Person of Life, Jesus Christ our Lord.

[Puritan quote of the day: "[Prayer] is God conversing with man, and man with God.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Wed., 7/15/26 Devotion (Matt. 25:40)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 25:40, where we read these words:

“And the King [Jesus] will answer them, ’Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ ” (ESV)

I hear that politicians are arguing over Matthew, ch. 25. As usually happens when people take the scriptures out of context, the discussion becomes little more than the sharing of passionate ignorance.

Jesus is referring to His own elect/regenerated Christian churchmen in this account. He is not alluding to “immigrants” (legal or otherwise); nor is He cit-ing poor people in general, etc. Christ is concerned here about how *His* people were treated in this world. If we belong to Christ, let us esteem His church as, “the excellent ones, in whom is all [our] delight,” (Ps. 16:3).

[Puritan quote of the day: "How [Jesus] defends His disciples from malicious imputations of the Pharisees!” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

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Tues., 7/14/26 Devotion (Josh. 21:45)

Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 21:45, where we read these neat words:

"Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass."

God’s word's track record is 100%. When the Lord makes a promise to His church, He keeps it. In Jesus, God’s new creatures enjoy the complete fulfill-ment of the final and ultimate promise of God, (see 2 Cor. 1:20). Everything that we supremely need and want is totally found in Christ (alone). Just as God delivered the Israelites into the promised land of Canaan, and gave it to them—so He has translated His redeemed church from sin, to His Son.

What subordinate things do we need today? Let us go ahead and ask God for them in and through Jesus. So long as we belong to the Savior, our Father is more than pleased to show us all His faithfulness.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Shall man be proud after God has been humble?” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

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Mon., 7/13/26 Devotion (Ps. 149:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 149:6, which says this:

"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand."

It is interesting how the Spirit-filled Christian church member is both a joyful singer of praise to God, and a valiant soldier for Christ. In fact, until or unless we take up Jesus' spiritual arms, we are no adorers of God at all, (despite all vain protests to the contrary).

Worshippers are warriors, fighting under the banner of the Prince of Peace. Our mission is to conquer the entire world for our Redeemer—starting in our own hearts, where Jesus is enthroned. From there, the faithful church is to be revived in Christ. And from there, the fertile ground of the unconverted na-tions are to be brought to The Messiah.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Oh, let us strive to keep God among us! What is the glory of a nation but the presence of God in His Word and ordinances?” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "Comfort For the Church"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 7/10-12/26 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here again! In order to help us get ready for church, let us consider these words (below), penned by John Calvin, (who was born 527 years ago today [7/10]). This teaching comes from Calvin’s monumental “Institutes of The Christian Religion” book. . . .

“We posit God’s free promise as the foundation of faith, because it is there that faith properly resides. For although it understands that God is ever and always truthful, whether He commands or forbids, promises or threatens; and although also it obediently receives His commands, respects His prohibitions and fears His threats, nevertheless, strictly speaking, it begins with the prom-ise, holds fast to it and ends in it, for it looks for life in God. Now life is not found in the commandments or in the threats, but only in the promise of mercy—mercy which is moreover free, since conditional promises which send us back to our own works promise no other life than that which we find in our-selves. . . .

“It is, too, for very good reasons that we enclose all of God’s promises in Christ, for the apostle [Paul] includes the entire gospel in the knowledge of Him (Rom. 1:17). Elsewhere he teaches that the many promises of God are ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’—that is, ratified—in Him [Christ] (2 Cor. 1:20). . . . "

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Thurs., 7/9/26 Devotion (Matt. 19:26)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 19:26, where we read these words:

“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this [salvation] is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’ ” (ESV)

The disciples were right in asking, “Who then can be saved?” (in v. 25). It *is* literally “impossible” for us fallen sinners to do anything—even the smallest thing—to procure our salvation. But, this is not impossible for God.

Though it was (and is) not “impossible” for God to save sinners—this does not mean that it was not a monumental work of infinite greatness and effect. It cost the beloved Son of God His lifeblood. For God to redeem sinners, God Himself (in the human flesh of the Son of God) had to die for their (our) sins. Let us bless our Father for His salvation of us through His glorious Son; and let us adore the Holy Spirit for applying Christ's atonement to our hearts.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We are only poor for this reason, that we do not know our riches in Christ.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

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Wed., 7/8/26 Devotion (Matt. 18:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 18:6, where we read these words:

“ . . . but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (ESV)

Matthew, ch. 18 is famous for its “conflict resolution” verses; but this theme of “little ones” runs prominently through at least the first half of it. Jesus uses the “little ones” as the model of true greatness (vv. 2-4); and He makes a strong point about how precious those “little ones” who believe in Him are, to the Heavenly Father (v. 14).

The “sin confrontation” texts that follow (that are so well-known), may well still attach themselves (at least somewhat) to what preceded. Let us lead all the true church to Jesus all the time—especially the “little ones,” those who most particularly need our help and protection.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We borrow all our holiness from God. As the lights of the sanctuary were lighted from the middle lamp, so all the holiness of oth-ers is a lamp lighted from heaven.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divin-ity"]

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Tues., 7/7/26 Devotion (Matt. 17:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 17:8, where we read these words:

"When they [Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration]] had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.”

As great and impressive as Moses and Elijah were on the Mount of Transfig-uration, they were insignificant compared with the Lord Jesus Christ. Even in heaven, we will see, love, appreciate, and fellowship with multitudes of other saints—and yet, always, our gaze will be on our glorious Redeemer/Messiah/ Savior. We will be transfixed on Him.

None of this supreme glory of The One (Jesus) denigrates anyone who is in-ferior to Him. Instead, we enjoy all our derived glory from Him; and we are perfectly situated in God’s kingdom in such a way, that everyone and every-thing gets its proper and satisfying “due”—all in Christ our Head.

[Puritan quote of the day: "In a word, as Christ's Person excels your person, so His obedience infinitely exceeds your disobedience.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 7/3-5/26 Devotion

Happy 250th Birthday, USA!

Praise God—Sunday is almost here again. To help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "A Divine Cordial” book. . . .

"Love will make us stoop to the meanest [lowest] offices. Love is a humble grace, it does not walk abroad in state [or, “strut around”]; it will creep upon its hands. It will stoop and submit to anything whereby it may be serviceable to Christ. As we see in Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus, both of them honorable persons, yet one takes down Christ's body with his own hands, and the other embalms it with sweet odors [spices]. It might seem much for persons of their rank to be employed in that service, but love made them do it. If we love God, we shall not think any work too mean [low] for us, by which we may be helpful to Christ's members. Love is not squeamish; it will visit the sick, relieve the poor, wash the saints' wounds. The mother that loves her child is not coy and nice; she will do those things for her child which others would scorn to do. He who loves God will humble himself to the meanest [lowest] office of love to Christ and His members."

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Thurs., 7/2/26 Devotion (Matt. 12:14)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 12:14, where we read these words:

“But the Pharisees went out and conspired against [Jesus], how to destroy him.” (ESV)

Unregenerate though passionate overtly-religious sinners are the worst hu-man enemies of the Triune God, by far. “Garden-variety” sinners, who make no pompous claims to their own “righteousness,” are much to be preferred to Pharisees, hypocrites, and cruel, vicious religionists.

In the preceding verse, our Messiah had just cured a poor man of his wither-ed hand. What was the Pharisees’ reaction? Thankfulness? Praise? Wonder? No; they—the ones who claimed to uphold the Ten Commandments—“con-spire” to murder the Son of God who stood in their midst. No wonder they will occupy such low places in hell, barring regeneration and repentance.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Grace is not glorious if we add the least thing of our own to it.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

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Tues., 6/30/26 Devotion (Matt. 10:38)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 10:38, where we read these words:

“And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (ESV)

These words of our blessed Messiah Jesus have kept a lot of honest people outside of the Christian faith, the church, eternal life, and heaven. But, for those elect souls who have become convinced, by sovereign grace, that Jesus is worth everything—they are willing to bear the cross.

“Bearing” our “cross” is to be identified with Christ (especially) in His suffer-ings and death (Php. 3:10); but also in His burial, resurrection, ascension, session, and glory in heaven.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ was made sin for saints, therefore their sin shall not hurt them.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Mon., 6/29/26 Devotion (Isa. 61:1a)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 61:1a, where these great words are found:

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor . . . ” (ESV)

Our blessed Lord Jesus Christ directly applied these words to Himself (in Lk. 4:18 ff.). Jesus came here to earth to save dirty, rotten sinners—who had be-come because of their sin—“poor,” and “captives,” “blind,” and “oppressed,” (see the balance of the texts).

Christ did not come to this fallen planet to redeem self-righteous people who think they can add anything to their supposed standing with God. Rather, He atones for those who recognize, by God’s grace, their total unworthiness and degradation. Let all the elect be “Prodigal” sons and daughters of the King of heaven—and come to Jesus joyfully, by faith.

[Puritan quote of the day: "There is nothing within us that could justify, but something without us; not any righteousness inherent, but imputed. We may as well look for a star in the earth as for justification in our own righteous-ness.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 6/26-28/26 Devotion

As we prepare for Sunday's church worship, let us allow these words of Jona-than Edwards, from his sermon entitled, "A Warning to Professors of Reli-gion," to bless our hearts. . . .

"When we are in attendance on the ordinances of divine worship, we are in the special presence of God. When persons come and attend on the ordinan-ces of God, they are said to come before God, and to come into His pres-ence. Jer. 7:10: 'Come and stand before Me, in this house which is called by My Name.' Ps. 100:2: 'Come before His presence with singing.'

"In divine ordinances, persons have immediate [interaction] with God, either in applying to Him (as in prayer and singing praises), or in receiving from him, waiting solemnly and immediately on Him for spiritual good (as in hearing the Word), or in both applying to God and receiving from Him (as in the sacra-ments [baptism and the Lord's Supper])."

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Thurs., 6/25/26 Devotion (Matt. 5:20)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 5:20, where our Savior said these words, in His "Sermon on the Mount":

"For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

People naturally and understandably think that the scribes’ and Pharisees’ “righteousness” required a lot of them. And, in one sense it did. But the truth is, that their (false) “righteousness” is the “easy” one, the “doable” one. True, gospel righteousness in Jesus’ blood and resurrection is *infinitely* more dif-ficult to attain. In fact, it is impossible, except by miraculous regeneration.

The religion of works or performance is “a piece of cake,” compared to “taking up one’s cross” and “following” Jesus. Let us throw ourselves entirely on our Savior, and forsake all self-righteousness.

[Puritan quote of the day: "As godly men shall never be condemned for their sins, so their sins shall never part God and them.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Wed., 6/24/26 Devotion (Isa. 56:6b, 7a)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 56:6b & 7a, where we read these words:

" . . . Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and holds fast My cove-nant—even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. . . . "

There is, I think, such a thing as “covenantal perfection”—where the regener-ate saints of Christ’s church are so much in love with God, that they keep, by His grace alone, the stipulations of the “covenant.” By this, I mean, they are joyful in the church services every Sunday/they submit to the discipline of the church/and they do the work of the ministry.

In our natural selves, we are infinitely gross sinners. In Jesus, we are new creatures. In our daily walks, we continue to sin, though we are making prog-ress in Christlikeness. In our outward covenant in the church we are “perfect-ly” faithful, by grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Prayer is the pouring out of the soul to God; not the pouring out of words, nor the pouring out of expressions; but the pouring out of the soul to God.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Tues., 6/23/26 Devotion (Isa. 55:1a, 3a)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 55:1a & 3a, where we read these words:

"Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. . . . Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live . . . "

God lays-out a great feast, and He invites all nations to it. To partake of the luscious fare of the Christ who is set before us sinners, all that is necessary is our "taking" of Him (by faith). Money, effort, works—none of these may be used, to "buy," earn, or apprehend the Lord Jesus.

The practical dimension for getting the goods of the banquet of Christ and His kingdom is simply to "hear," (as v. 3a says, above). The church proclaims the good news of the Redeemer's free grace; and the only ones who benefit from it are those who come with empty and hungry hearts, and who unashamedly gorge themselves on the Lord's promises and Provision (of Jesus). Let us be good “feasters” on Christ, the Bread of Life, today!

[Puritan quote of the day: "Justification admits of no degrees. No, not in heav-en—you are not more justified there than you are here. You are now as per-fectly justified as ever and as accepted of Christ as ever.” —Jeremiah Bur-roughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

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Mon., 6/22/26 Devotion (Isa. 54:17)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 54:17, where the prophet wrote these great words:

" 'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the ser-vants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,' says the LORD.”

This (above) is an absolutely amazing verse. The promise found here is re-served *only* (now, in the New Covenant aegis) for Christ-loving and faithful members of the church which gathers on the Lord’s Days to worship God in and through the mediation of Jesus Christ.

The “righteousness” (or, “vindication”) that the saints possess is sealed in the blood of the Son of God, and it is validated in Christ’s resurrection from the dead. The enemies of the church have no chance against the true saints. Praise God!

[Puritan quote of the day: "Justification is the very hinge and pillar of Christi-anity. An error about justification is dangerous, like a defect in a foundation.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 6/19-21/26 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is *almost* here! In order to help get us ready for church, here is the incomparable 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 eunuch 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 dial, but he cannot tell how the day goes, 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 prerogative-royal to teach: 'I am the Lord thy God, who teaches you to profit,' (Isa. 48:17)."

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Thurs., 6/18/26 Devotion (Rev. 20:14b, 15)

Today's encouragement comes from Revelation 20:14b & 15, where we read these words:

“This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (ESV)

Though it is true, that everyone in hell would rather be there, than in the pres-ence of the glorified Lord Jesus—this fact in no way lessens the pains and torments of that awful place. Hell was originally designed—not for human be-ings—but for Satan and his fellow fallen demons.

Let all of us flee to Jesus for the forgiveness of all our sins. Only sinners can go to heaven—but only those sinners who become new creatures in Christ, and now love the Holy Trinity through their living faith in Him.

[Edwards quote of the day: "God, in the sentence of justification, pronounces a man perfectly righteous, or else he would need a further justification after he is justified.” —Jonathan Edwards, in, "Justification By Faith Alone"]

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Wed., 6/17/26 Devotion (Ps. 110:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 110:1, where we read these words:

“The LORD says to my Lord: ’Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’ ” (ESV)

This (above) is one of those great Trinitarian verses of the OT. The Father (“LORD,” in this case), tells Christ (“my Lord”), to “sit at [His] right hand.” And all of these words were directly inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity.

Ps. 110:1 is the most quoted verse from the OT, in the NT. Whether cited in the Synoptic Gospels, Acts, Hebrews, or First Corinthians, it extols Jesus as the One placed in the throne of the church and the whole world. Let us bless Him as God's happy and forgiven people.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If you look into the scripture, you will observe that when the people of God fall, usually they fail in that grace wherein they most excel.” —William Bridge, in "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Tues., 6/16/26 Devotion (Rev. 18:2b, 4b)

Today's encouragement comes from Revelation 18:2b & 4b, where we read these words:

“ ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons’ . . . ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins’ . . . ” (ESV)

In this section of the Book of Revelation, The Triune God, His saints, His apostles, His prophets, and His angels are all celebrating the destruction of Jerusalem (which would happen in 70 AD)—[see v. 20]. The new heavenly Jerusalem had come; and the old was done away with.

. . . Still, God’s people, Christ’s church, was to “come out” of old Jerusalem prior to its impending doom (prophesied in v. 2). The saints did this, and they were spared. Let all the elect/redeemed of Christ leave off all the remnants of “oldness,” and embrace Jesus in His perfect “newness."

[Puritan quote of the day: "As God is the worst enemy, so He is the best friend, the truest friend, the most real friend in all the world.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Sat.-Sabbath, 6/13-14/26 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday. Richard Sibbes is the Puritan doctor of sad souls. Here is his gospel remedy, taken from "The Bruised Reed." . . .

"Among other causes of discouragement, some are much vexed with scruples, even against the best duties; partly by disease of body, helped by Satan's malice in casting dust in their eyes in their way to heaven; and partly from some remainder of ignorance, which, like darkness, breeds fears—ig-norance especially of this merciful disposition in [Christ], the persuasion of which would easily banish false fears. They conceive of Him as One on watch for all advantages against them, in which they may see how they wrong not only themselves but Christ's goodness.

"This scrupulosity, for the most part, is a sign of a godly soul, as some weeds are of a good soil. Therefore they are the more to be pitied, for it is a heavy affliction, and the ground of it in most is not so much from trouble of con-science as from a disordered imagination. The end of Christ's coming was to free us from all such groundless fears. There is still in some such ignorance of that comfortable condition we are in under the covenant of grace as to discourage them greatly."

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Mon., 6/15/26 Devotion (Rev. 17:14b)

Today's encouragement comes from Revelation 17:14b, where we read these words:

" . . . and those who are with Him [Christ] are called, chosen, and faithful."

The Holy Scriptures clearly teach that God elects some (not all) people unto salvation—and that He then places them into His true church (cf. Eph. 1:3-6). But what is sometimes not emphasized enough is the fact that those who are truly chosen, and therefore really redeemed, *will be "faithful" and/or persevering* in this life.

In other words, there is no such thing as an unfaithful "chosen" person. If we *are* chosen, by grace, we *will be* faithful in Christ and His church. Some people (hypocrites) have a false assurance in this regard. They believe in the doctrine—but they do not possess the goods. Let us be true Christian church-men: acknowledging that we are chosen, and showing it by being faithful.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Going to hear a sermon in jest has proved some men's conversion in earnest.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]

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Wed., 6/10/26 Devotion (Isa. 42:6-7)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 42:6 & 7, where we read these words:

“ ‘I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.’ ” (ESV)

Notice here, that our Heavenly Father took even His Own natural Son Jesus Christ “by the hand,” and He “kept” Him (Jesus). All the glories of the Messi-ah’s ministry mentioned after this, viz. being the “covenant,” the “light,” the giver of sight and emancipator of prisoners—are (all) premised on the Father “tak[ing]” His Son “by the hand,” and “keep[ing]” Him.

And so it is with the elect/redeemed members of Christ’s church, as well. *All* of our being, our ministry, and our success is the result of our Father “holding our hand,” and leading us to His Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a true rule in divinity [theology] that the desire for any grace is the grace itself; for to desire to believe is faith, and true desire to repent is repentance, and true desire to mourn for sin is mourning for sin.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

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Mon., 6/8/26 Devotion (Isa. 41:10)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 41:10, where we read these great words:

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

This promise (above) is for the regenerate members of Christ’s faithful church (in the Old Covenant aegis and the New). It is intriguing, that God opens with “fear not.” . . . Everything we do today, in the power of the Holy Spirit, is ef-fected by God Himself. Because of this, we may be assured of victory (in Jesus alone).

What is our role in all this? Faith. Faith in Christ and His gospel of grace; faith in the goodness and promises of our loving Heavenly Father; and faith that the Holy Spirit will apply all of God’s miraculous provisions to us (in our Re-deemer).

[Puritan quote of the day: " . . . Get your self-love mortified, even religious self-love.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 6/5-7/26 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is a snippet from Martin Luther's "Declaration," found at the beginning of his Galatians commentary. . . .

"First of all, we speak of the argument of this epistle [of Galatians]. In it Paul is seeking to establish the doctrine of faith, grace, forgiveness of sins, or Christian righteousness in order that we may know the difference be-tween Christian righteousness and all other kinds of righteousness. There are many sorts of righteousness. There is a civil or political righteousness, which kings, princes of the world, magistrates and lawyers deal with. There is also a ceremonial righteousness, which the traditions of men teach. Besides these, there is another righteousness, called the righteousness of the law, or the Ten Commandments.

"Above all these, there is yet another righteousness: the righteousness of faith or Christian righteousness, which we must diligently discern [isolate] from the others. The others are quite contrary to this righteousness, both because they flow out of the laws of kings and rulers, religious traditions, and the commandments of God; and because they consist in our works, and may be wrought by us either by our natural strength, or else by the gift of God. These kinds of righteousness are also the gift of God, like all other good things which we enjoy.

"But the most excellent righteousness of faith, which God through Christ, without any works, imputes to us, is neither political, nor ceremonial, nor the righteousness of God's law, nor consists of works, but is contrary to these; that is to say, it is a mere passive righteousness, as the others are active. For in the righteousness of faith, we work nothing, we render nothing unto God, but we only receive, and allow Another to work in us, that is to say, God. This is a righteousness hidden in a mystery, which the world does not know. In-deed, Christians themselves do not thoroughly understand it, and can hardly take hold of it in their temptations. Therefore it must be diligently taught, and continually practiced.” [Italics mine]

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Tues., 5/26/26 Devotion (1 Jn. 5:4)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 John 5:4, where these great words are found:

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

Whatever comes from heaven is sure to be stronger than anything originating in the fallen world. Regeneration is a miraculous heavenly new birth (cf. Jn. 3:1 ff.). A true saint is born of God, from above. This God-given faith is our solid "victory" that subdues the world (under us). The faith of sincere Christian churchmen is victorious—not in itself—but because of Who it is that it fetches to our hearts: the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us never lose sight of the primacy of faith in Jesus. Many voices encour-age a works-or self-righteous religion on us. Let us remember this: God is only pleased with a life in love with Christ. Anything good in or from us will *only* flow from Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "There are many ways to hell; men may go there whichever way their fancy leads them; but there is only one direct road to heaven.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Sat.-Sabbath, 5/23-24/26 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! We GET to go back to church, to worship God together. In order to help get us ready, here is the great Puritan Richard Sibbes, from his excellent book, "The Bruised Reed." . . .

"Preachers should take heed likewise that they hide not their meaning in dark speeches, speaking in the clouds. Truth fears nothing so much as conceal-ment, and desires nothing so much as clearly to be laid open to the view of all. When it is most unadorned, it is most lovely and powerful. Our blessed Savior, as He took our nature upon Himself, so He took upon Himself our fa-miliar manner of speech, which was part of His voluntary abasement. Paul was a profound man, yet he became as a nurse to the weaker sort (1 Thess. 2:7).

"That spirit of mercy that was in Christ should move His servants to be con-tent to abase themselves for the good of the meanest [lowest/humblest]. What made the kingdom of heaven 'suffer violence' (Matt. 11:12) after John the Baptist's time, but that comfortable truths were laid open with such plain-ness and evidence that the people were so affected with them as to offer a holy violence to obtain them?

"Christ chose those to preach mercy who had felt most mercy, as Peter and Paul, that they might be examples of what they taught. Paul became all things to all men (1 Cor. 9:22), stooping unto them for their good. Christ came down from heaven and emptied Himself of majesty in tender love to souls. Shall we not come down from our high conceits to do any poor soul good? Shall man be proud after God has been humble? We see the ministers of Satan turn themselves into all shapes to 'make one proselyte' (Matt. 23:15). We see am-bitious men study accommodation of themselves to the humors of those by whom they hope to be raised; and shall not we study application of ourselves to Christ, by Whom we hope to be advanced, nay, are already sitting with Him in heavenly places? After we are gained to Christ ourselves, we should labor to gain others to Christ. Holy ambition and covetousness will move us to put upon ourselves the disposition of Christ. But we must put off ourselves first."

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Thurs., 5/21/26 Devotion (2 Pet. 3:15b-16)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Peter 3:15b & 16, where we read these words:

“ . . . just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wis-dom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures." (ESV/italics mine)

I think that this is a singularly intriguing Scripture (above). Peter equates Paul’s epistles with “the other Scriptures.” Paul is on an equal footing with Moses/John with Isaiah/Jude with Jeremiah/Matthew and the other Gospel writers with David or Solomon.

“Ignorant” and “unstable” people “twist” all the Scriptures to their own per-verse ends. Paul—who often is a target of the godless who hate Christ—is not alone in this regard. Let all the true saints of the church treasure all 66 Books of God’s Holy Bible.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Every godly, gracious man is a praying man.”

—William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Wed., 5/20/26 Devotion (Ps. 73:25)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 73:25, where we read these words:

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth I desire be-sides you.” (ESV)

This is a beautiful verse (above). The psalmist had struggled mightily with the apparent-well-being of the wicked; and now he (the psalmist) is resting his soul in the God Who makes all things right; and Who is in charge of every-thing.

The church’s true saints desire Jesus above all else. Having Him totally satis-fies us. Losing our “sense” of Him unnerves us—but it compels us to seek Him in a new and fresh way.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The valley of your discouragements shall be the door and inlet unto all your rest and comfort.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Tues., 5/19/26 Devotion (2 Pet. 1:16)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Peter 1:16, where we read these words:

“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (ESV)

Our Christian faith relies on credible eyewitnesses. Peter and the other apo-stles were principal among them. We trust their characters and their testi-monies—but we especially trust their Holy Spirit-inspired writings (scriptures, [cf. 2 Pet. 1:19; 3:16]).

All Holy Spirit-less religions rely on “myths”: be these “Jewish” myths, or other kinds, (cf. Titus 1:14). But the heavenly gospel faith relies on Truth: the Per-son of Truth Jesus Christ—who sent His apostles and ministers into the world to preach His good news of grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ's blood is the object of faith, and faith brings peace.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Mon., 5/18/26 Devotion (1 Pet. 5:10)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Peter 5:10, where we read these words:

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has call-ed you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (ESV)

A little bit of suffering in Christ leads to a whole lot of wonderful blessing in Christ. Because we are (past tense) “called to [God’s] eternal glory in Christ,” suffering results in positive graces for us: restoration, confirmation, strength-ening, and establishment—all in Jesus.

Those who will not suffer with Christ receive none of this—but that is because they do not belong to Christ. All the regenerate church members suffer and glory in our Blessed Redeemer. Let us be glad to do so.

[Puritan quote of the day: "As you have any spiritual comfort from Christ, spend all for Christ . . . " —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 5/15-17/26 Devotion

Praise 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 lies are discovered, his enterprises laid open. Therefore when the gospel was spread the oracles ceased, Satan fell from heaven like lightning (Lk. 10:18). Men were translated out of his kingdom into Christ's. Where prevailing is by lies, discovery is victory: 'they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men,' (2 Tim. 3:9). So that manifesta-tion of error gives a stop to it, for none will willingly be deceived. 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 Pelagians in his time: 'The discovery of your opinions is the vanquishing of them, your blas-phemies appear at the first blush.' "

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Thurs., 5/14/26 Devotion (1 Pet. 1:25)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Peter 1:25, where we read these words:

“ ‘ . . . but the word of the Lord remains forever.’ And this word is the good news that was preached to you.“ (ESV)

This is an amazing verse. Peter declares that God’s scripture is eternal and inviolable. The apostle then asserts that the scripture’s core message is that of the gospel itself, (the “good news”). This “good news” gets “preached” by Christ’s ministers; and it reaches God’s elect people.

There is no good news where there is no divinely-given scripture; and there is no such thing as God’s scripture, being properly-understood and -applied, that does not bring us to Jesus, in the preaching of gospel grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Compare sin with hell, and you shall see that sin is worse.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

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Wed., 5/13/26 Devotion (Ps. 62:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 62:8, which says this:

“Trust in him [the Lord] at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” (ESV)

The exigencies and difficulties of life on a fallen planet compel the church’s saints—in a fresh way everyday—to have to “trust” in Him; and to “pour out” our hearts (and burdens) to Him, all in and through Christ.

In this psalm, David calls on “people,” virtually *all* people, to do this. For those who do this “trusting” and “pouring out," through sincere faith in Jesus, God is shown to be their strong and real “refuge."

[Puritan quote of the day: "If you would be rid of Satan from coming into your quarters, fall you upon his.” [In other words, attack him (the devil).] —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Tues., 5/12/26 Devotion (Jas. 4:6)

Today's encouragement comes from James 4:6, where we read these words:

“But he [God] gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ ” (ESV)

First of all, notice that it is God Himself who gives us grace. Without grace (Christ) we can do nothing. Then, observe that God is actively antagonistic toward the proud (especially the spiritually proud)—but that He “gives [even more] grace to the humble.”

Do we want to be safe and secure? Then, let us nestle our hearts and selves in the heart of God through Jesus Christ (by faith), humbly acknowledging our complete dependence on our Savior.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A heartless, drooping, and discouraging life and walk is very unbecoming the gospel of Christ.” —James Durham, in, "The Un-searchable Riches of Christ"]

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Mon., 5/11/26 Devotion (Num. 20:11a)

Today's encouragement comes from Numbers 20:11a, where we read these words:

"And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice . . . " (ESV)

This act of exasperation cost Moses entrance into the Promised Land; but—in a strange sense—it portended the atonement of God’s entire elect church. The Messiah (the Rock) had to be “smitten”; and, in reality, only those who re-ceive the benefits of Jesus’ redemption did this “smiting,” in the most pro-found sense.

. . . Ironically, God even uses our sins to accomplish His great (and some-times greatest) ends. If there was no murdered/sacrificed Christ, there would be no forgiveness of the sins for God’s elect church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If the church is beautiful beyond all other of the children of men, how beautiful is Jesus Christ, from Whom the church derives all its comeliness?” —Thomas Vincent, in, "The True Christian's Love To The Unseen Christ"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 5/8-10/26 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is almost here again! In order to help us get ready for church, check out these good words re. Jonathan Edwards’ views—as they are related in Robert D. Smart’s book, “Jonathan Edwards’s Apologetic For The Great Awakening.” . . .

“Pride and prejudice were, in Edwards’s mind, the first occasion ‘whence the errors’ [of some of the Awakening's promoters] arose. Spiritual pride was ‘the chief inlet of smoke,’ ‘the main handle,’ ‘the chief source,’ ‘the main support of all the rest,’ ‘the first sin,’ and ‘the last that is rooted out.’ Of all the kinds of pride, spiritual pride was ‘the most hidden and difficultly discovered.’ Humility, on the other hand, was the way of safety: ‘Nothing sets a person so much out of the Devil’s reach as humility.’ . . . [Edwards] contrasted the proud with the humble. Promoters [of the Awakening] needed even more watchfulness and prayerfulness against spiritual pride than before the Awakening, for although at a time of God-given revival, ‘there be much to restrain pride one way, there is much to tempt and provoke it another.’ God’s favor was no justification, he argued, for the appearance or reality of spiritual pride.” [emphases mine]

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