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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Thurs., 5/7/26 Devotion (Heb. 12:18a, 22a)

Today's encouragement comes from Hebrews 12:18a & 22a, where we read these amazing words:

“For you have not come to what may be touched . . . [to] a blazing fire . . . But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God . . . ” (ESV)

The redeemed New Covenant church does not come to one place; but she does come to another one. We do not come to Mt. Sinai and the law; but we do come to Mt. Zion where we find Christ and His gospel.

All people in the world come to one of these two mountains. All the unregenerate, still stuck in Adam’s sin, come to Mt. Sinai. All the regenerate, liberated in Jesus’ blood, come to Mt. Zion.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The heart is that which the devil strives hardest for. Never did he so strive for the body of Moses as he does for the heart of man. In religion the heart is all.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repent-ance"]

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Wed., 5/6/26 Devotion (Heb. 11:39-40)

Today's encouragement comes from Hebrews 11:39 & 40, where we read these amazing words:

“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” (ESV)

The great Old Covenant church saints were “desir[ing] a better country” (v. 16)—one that we now possess, in the fullness of Jesus Christ’s incarnation/ atonement/resurrection/ascension/session in heaven. Their “perfection” (v. 40) could only happen when and as they were united with the New Covenant church—as all together we enjoy the benefits of Christ’s redemption.

. . . Is there a “heavenly” city (v. 16) towards which we are still moving? Yes; but we have already entered its precincts through our faith in and union with our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The law is but a dead letter in comparison to the word of the gospel. If you come merely to the law to hear the law preached, and not in a [gospel] way, you may hear it a hundred times and it will never be written in your hearts.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Worship"]

Tues., 5/5/26 Devotion (Num. 13:30)

Today's encouragement comes from Numbers 13:30, where we read these words:

"Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, 'Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.’ "

We have to love Caleb’s faith and attitude (here). Sure, there were giants in Canaan; yes, their cities were fortified; granted, the Israelites were outnum-bered. But, who cares? The church of Christ has the Triune God on our side(!) What chance do the Lord’s enemies have, as they oppose us?

Even today: what do we need to fear? Enemies? Big numbers of antagon-ists? Insurmountable problems (from a human point of view)? None of these can overcome King Jesus and His redeemed church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "True saving peace loves to be examined, it is will-ing to be examined, it loves to be tried.” —William Bridge, in "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Mon., 5/4/26 Devotion (Num. 11:29b)

Today's encouragement comes from Numbers 11:29b, where these words are found:

“ . . . Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” (ESV)

Joshua, Moses’ aide, had been concerned, that some “ordinary” believers had begun “prophesying” in the camp. Moses’ response is, “Great! I wish there were a lot more!” Because he was secure in Christ Jesus (to come), Moses was not threatened by the proliferation of the Spirit’s giftedness amongst the Old Covenant church.

May all God’s truly born-again saints pray for/wish for/and encourage the full-ness and blessing of the Holy Spirit upon the elect church, as we minister in this world.

[Edwards quote of the day: "Hence we learn that a life of holiness is the pleasantest life in this world, because in such a life we have the imperfect be-ginnings of a blessed and endless sight of God.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Pure in Heart Blessed"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 5/1-3/26 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help us get ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, "The Ten Commandments.” . . .

"The grand reason for changing the Jewish Sabbath to the Lord's Day is that it puts us in mind of the 'Mystery of our redemption by Christ.' The reason why God instituted the old Sabbath was to be a memorial of the creation; but He has now brought the first day of the week in its room [place] in memory of a more glorious work than creation, which is redemption. Great was the work of creation, but greater was the work of redemption. As it was said, 'The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former,' (Hag. 2:9). So the glory of the redemption was greater than the glory of the creation.

"Great wisdom was seen in making us, but more miraculous wisdom in sav-ing us. Great power was seen in bringing us out of nothing, but greater power in helping us when we were worse than nothing. It cost more to redeem than to create us. In creation it was but speaking a word (Ps. 148:5); in redeeming there was shedding of blood (1 Pet. 1:19). Creation was the work of God's fingers, (Ps. 8:3), redemption was the work of His arm, (Lk. 1:51). In creation, God gave us ourselves; in the redemption, He gave us Himself. By creation, we have life in Adam; by redemption, we have life in Christ, (Col. 3:3). By creation, we had a right to an earthly paradise: by redemption, we have a title to a heavenly kingdom. Christ might well change the seventh day of the week into the first, as it puts us in mind of our redemption, which is a more glorious work than creation."

Wed., 4/8/26 Devotion (Ps. 16:3)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 16:3, where we read these words from David’s pen:

“As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” (ESV)

The older I got, the more I realized that the truly “beautiful” people, the genuinely “interesting” souls, and the sincerely “lovely" human beings all share one common trait: they all love God in Jesus Christ; and they all love the church and gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Everyone else is “average,” “ordinary,” “pedestrian.” But some of them are also elect unto glory in Jesus—and we are to bring the good news to all of them, in sincere love.

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

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Tues., 4/7/26 Devotion (1 Thess. 4:1, 10b)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Thessalonians 4:1 & 10b, where these words are found:

“Finally, then, brethren, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and please God, just as you are do-ing, that you do so more and more. . . . But we urge you, brothers, to do this [loving of the church] more and more . . . " (ESV/emphasis mine)

There is always more sin to be repented of/more humility and lowliness to de-scend to/more grace and glory to ascend to/and more love in Jesus to enjoy. We never get to a point—even in heaven as the church triumphant—that we plumb the depths of God’s love for us in Christ, (though there, we do not need to deal with sin).

. . . Those who imagine themselves to “arrive” in this life, have not even got-ten off the starting blocks. Jesus is the beginning, the middle, and the end.

[Puritan quote of the day: "For any to say that, though their mind be ignorant yet their heart is good, they may as well say that, though they are blind yet their eyes are good.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Beatitudes"]

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Mon., 4/6/26 Devotion (1 Thess. 3:6b, 10a, 11)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Thessalonians 3:6b, 10a, 11, where we collate parts of these three verses:

“ . . . [you] long to see us, as we long to see you/ . . . as we pray . . . that we may see you face to face/ . . . Now may our God . . . direct our way to

you . . . ” (ESV)

Observe how intensely the Thessalonian Christians wanted to see Paul; and (especially) how ardently Paul wanted to see the Thessalonians. The saints of Christ’s church love one another; and they want to be in each other’s pres-ence. And why? Largely, to mutually-encourage one another (see vv. 10b & 13).

This kind of affection is most lovely, tender, secure, holy, pure, and bold. This is heaven on earth; and it is experienced only by those who love Jesus and the people who make up His struggling yet beautiful church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "He who has God to be his God is so well content-ed with His condition that he does not much care whether he has anything else.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 4/3-5/26 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday—Easter Sunday, no less—is *just about* here! In order to get us ready for the church's Sabbath worship of God, here is the incom-parable Thomas Watson, from "A Divine Cordial," (or, "All Things For Good"):

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

Thurs., 4/2/26 Devotion (Col. 3:3)

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

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (ESV)

Where is Christ’s human body? In heaven. Where are the regenerate saints of the church? “Hidden with Christ in God.” Therefore, where are our hearts and minds, when we are functioning as our true selves? With Christ, in God, in heaven.

. . . This explains why Paul tells us to “seek” things that are “above,” (v. 1); and why we are to “set our minds” on things that are “above,” (v. 2). When we are “real,” we are living in Christ; when we are “false,” we are living in futility.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is better to go with difficulty to heaven than with ease to hell.” —Thomas Watson, in the preface to, "The Doctrine of Repent-ance"]

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Wed., 4/1/26 Devotion (Col. 2:16-17)

Today's encouragement comes from Colossians 2:16 & 17, which says this:

“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” (ESV)

In Himself, His cross, and His resurrection, our Lord Christ “canceled” the “debt” of the “legal demands” of the old ceremonial law, (v. 14). The “shadow” is now gone/the “substance” (Christ) is now here. Because of this, the Colos-sian church (and the true church today) is no longer bound to these ceremo-nies; and the Judaizing influencers are now put to open “shame,” (v. 15).

In Jesus, “the fullness of deity dwells bodily, and [His church has] been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority,” (vv. 9-10). Praise God!

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ's prayer takes away the sins of our prayers.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things For Good"]

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Tues., 3/31/26 Devotion (Col. 1:10a)

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

" . . . so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him . . . “ (ESV)

Is it not wonderful, to know that we saints of the church may be “fully pleas-ing” to the Lord? We are “fully pleasing” to God in Jesus (alone); and the evi-dence of our unqualified acceptance is our sincere, Holy Spirit-inspired desire to know and love the Triune God, (as is clear from the surrounding verses).

How could we be anything but “fully pleasing” to God the Father, when and as we love Him in and through His beloved and Only-Begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord?

[Puritan quote of the day: "God does not bring His people into troubles, and leave them there.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things For Good"]

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Mon., 3/30/26 Devotion (Php. 4:5b-6)

Today's encouragement comes from Philippians 4:5b & 6, where Paul wrote these words:

“ . . . The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (ESV)

I like the way the ESV configures these two verses. *Because* “The Lord is at hand,” we are able and invited (by God), to, “not be anxious about anything”; and to take everything to Him through “prayer,” etc.

If “The Lord” was *not* “at hand,” we could never do this. But our blessed Messiah, Jesus Christ, is our Immanuel, our “God *with* us.” Let all of us saints take full advantage of our heavenly inheritance in Jesus, and bring *everything* to our Triune God in prayer: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

[Puritan quote of the day: " . . . It is a matter of conscience to make our lives as comfortable as they may be.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict With Itself"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 3/27-29/26 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday. We *get* to go back to church! In order to help us get ready, here is Thomas Watson, from his "A Body of Divinity" book. TW is referring to Sanctification here. . . .

"Sanctification is a progressive thing. It is growing; it is compared to seed which grows: first the blade springs up, then the ear, then the ripe corn in the ear—such as are already sanctified may be more sanctified, (2 Cor 7:1). Jus-tification does not admit of degrees; a believer cannot be more elected or jus-tified than he is—but he may be more sanctified than he is. Sanctification is still increasing, like the morning sun, which grows brighter to the full meridian. Knowledge is said to increase, and faith to increase, (Col 1:10; 2 Cor 10:15). A Christian is continually adding a cubit to his spiritual stature. It is not with us as it was with Christ, who received the Spirit without measure; for Christ could not be more holy than He was. We have the Spirit only in measure, and may be still augmenting our grace . . . Sanctification is progressive; if it does not grow, it is because it does not live. Thus you see the nature of sanctification."

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Thurs., 3/26/26 Devotion (Eph. 6:24)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 6:24, where we read these lovely closing words of the Apostle Paul:

“Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” (ESV)

Love is everything in life, faith, and religion. If we do not love Jesus Christ, then we do not love anyone or anything aright; and our lives are little more than worthless and meaningless existences.

Those who love Jesus Christ do so by grace; and they are the happy recipi-ents of more and more divine and miraculous grace—since God bountifully crowns everyone who loves His Son “with love incorruptible."

[Puritan quote of the day: "Begin with simple things, for all truth begins with simple things. A man can never write good cursive till he has first learned his letters.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way To True Happiness"]

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Wed., 3/25/26 Devotion (Eph. 5:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 5:1, where we read these words of Paul:

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” (ESV)

I like the ESV’s use of the word “beloved” here. Beloved children of God hap-pily imitate their beloved Heavenly Father. Our Father forgives/we forgive; our Father is tenderhearted/we are tenderhearted; our Father is kind/we are kind. (All of this is as per the previous verse, Eph. 4:32.)

. . . And all of this is because of Jesus, our glorious and cherished Redeemer and elder brother. Our Father forgave us, His true church, because the blood of His beloved Son was shed for us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A sanctified mind will make every creature a ladder to heaven.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict With Itself"]

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Tues., 3/24/26 Devotion (Eph. 4:14)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 4:14, where we find these Holy Spirit-inspired words of the Apostle Paul:

“ . . . so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” (ESV)

Those who are not well-shepherded fall into all the calamity listed (above). Christ-called pastors set the “anchor” for the church’s saints. The parishioners are safe, as they hold to the Head (Jesus); they are “at sea” as they abandon their only hope.

Satan and the world are ruthless, (as this verse above describes them). Let us cling to Jesus, as His church, believing the promises of the gospel of grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The Holy Ghost is content to dwell in smoky, offen-sive souls.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

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Mon., 3/23/26 Devotion (Eph. 2:15)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 2:15, where we read these amazing words:

“ . . . by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he [Christ] might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so mak-ing peace . . . ” (ESV)

Our Lord Jesus Christ “bulldozed” away the now no longer pertinent or neces-sary ceremonial law, so as to make a fresh New Covenant “temple,” made up of both Jews and Gentiles. As long as the ceremonies remained, there would be division, and peace would be impossible.

. . . But in Himself—in His life, death, and resurrection—our Lord Jesus fulfill-ed all the ceremonies. Now, because of this, there is no separation in the church between Jews and Gentiles. God be praised!

[Puritan quote of the day: "The church, in all the works of mercy, owns the hand of God.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 3/20-22/26 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to go back to church again. In or-der to get us ready, here is Thomas Watson, teaching on God's Providence, from his book, "A Body of Divinity." . . .

"Divine providence is irresistible. There is no standing in the way of God's providence to hinder it. When God's time had come for Joseph's release, the prison could hold him no longer. 'The king sent and loosed him,' (Ps. 105:20). When God would indulge the Jews with liberty in their religion, Cyrus, by a providence, puts forth a proclamation to encourage the Jews to go and build their temple at Jerusalem, and worship God, (Ezra 1:2-3). If God will shield and protect Jeremiah's person in captivity, the very king of Babylon shall take care of the prophet, and give charge concerning him that he wants for no-thing, (Jer. 39:12).

"God is to be trusted when His providences seem to run contrary to His prom-ises. God promised to give David the crown, to make him king; but provi-dence ran contrary to His promise. David was pursued by Saul, and was in danger of his life, but all this while it was David's duty to trust God. Please ob-serve, that the Lord by difficult providences often brings to pass His promise. God promised Paul the lives of all that were with him in the ship; but the providence of God seemed to run quite contrary to His promise—for the winds blew, the ship split and broke in pieces. Thus God fulfilled His promise; upon the broken pieces of the ship they all came safe to shore. Trust God when providences seem to run quite contrary to promises."

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Thurs., 3/19/26 Devotion (Gal. 5:1)

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

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (ESV)

The glorious liberty that the true children of God enjoy in Christ is a priceless treasure. This is why the world, the flesh, and the devil are always seeking to steal it away from us who are faithful in Jesus and His church. Gospel liberty must be zealously guarded, maintained, and emboldened—otherwise, the "gospels" of works, self, and law will infiltrate the soul, and destroy all our joy. Holy Spirit-less religion is our freedom’s worst enemy.

The Galatians had heard the gospel of grace from Paul. They initially embrac-ed it. Later, they heard a gospel of law, and they began to flirt with it. Paul's words throughout the epistle were designed to bring them back to Jesus. May we find our souls resting in Christ's' righteousness alone, today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Full assurance is 'optimum maximum,' the best and greatest mercy; and therefore God will only give it to His best and dear-est friends.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven On Earth"]

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Wed., 3/18/26 Devotion (Gal. 4:25-26)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 4:25-26, where we read these words of the Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit:

“Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jeru-salem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.” (ESV)

There are two “Jerusalems”: the old, and the new. The “old” Jerusalem is in the Middle East today. It is enslaved in the bondage of the law. The “new” Jerusalem is headquartered in heaven. This City is “free,” having been re-deemed by the blood of the Son of God (see vv. 4-7).

Everybody on Earth is a citizen of one of these two “Jerusalems.” Those who work for their salvation are slave children of Hagar. Those who believe the gospel in Jesus are the free children of God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "He that is most tender of God's honor, shall find by experience that God is most mindful of his comfort.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven On Earth"]

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Tues., 3/17/26 Devotion (Gal. 3:29)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 3:29, where we read these words, written by Paul:

“And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (ESV)

To be “Abraham’s offspring” is a wonderful blessing. This is to be the recipient of *everything* God promised Abraham, foremost of which is union with Jesus Christ. Abraham’s offspring are given Canaan below (the earth), and Canaan above (the blessings of heaven).

All those who are “baptized into Christ,” (v. 27), are “of” the “faith” of Abra-ham, (vv. 7-9); and are the sons and daughters of God, the children of grace, the true Israel of the glorious Trinity. 

[Puritan quote of the day: "He who has ever been acquainted with God and seen the light of His pleased face would rather die a thousand deaths than forfeit God's favor or incur His displeasure.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way To True Happiness"]

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Mon., 3/16/26 Devotion (Gal. 2:5)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 2:5, where we find these re-markable words of Paul:

“ . . . to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.” (ESV)

Had Paul given in to the Judaizers in Galatians, ch. 2, we would have no gos-pel of grace today. The law would be wrongly-foisted on us as a means of justification; and the grace of Christ would have never reached us.

. . . Satan and sinners are intent on “enslaving” us (v. 4); and they envy our “freedom” and forgiveness in the blood righteousness of the Son of God. May we always zealously guard this glorious gospel; and “not yield [to God’s foes] even for a moment."

[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"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 3/13-15/26 Devotion

Yes! It is almost Sunday again! We get to go back to church! In order to help us get ready, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "The Art of Divine Content-ment" book. . . .

"Divine contentment shows how a Christian may come to lead a comfortable life, even a heaven upon earth—be the times what they will: by Christian con-tentment. The comfort of life does not rest in having much; it is Christ's max-im, 'Man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possess-es,' (Lk. 12:15)—but it is in being contented. . . . Contentment lies within a man, in the heart; and the way to be comfortable, is not by having our barns filled, but our minds quiet. 'The contented man,' says Seneca, 'is the happy man.’ . . .

"Would we have comfort in our lives? We may have it if we will: a Christian may carve out what condition he will to himself. Why do you complain of your troubles? It is not trouble that troubles, but discontent. It is not the water out-side the ship, but the water that gets inside, which drowns it. It is not outward affliction that can make the life of a Christian sad; a contented mind would sail above these waters—but when there is a leak of discontent open, and trouble gets into the heart, then it is disquieted and sinks. Do therefore as the marin-ers, pump the water out, and stop the spiritual leak in the soul, and no trouble can hurt you."

Thurs., 3/12/26 Devotion (Jn. 2:24-25)

Today's encouragement comes from John 2:24 & 25, where we read these words:

"But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.”

Though our Lord Jesus Christ was completely sinless, He knew what it meant to be a human being, because He was one. The human will, being created from nothing, was capable of mutation—from goodness to evil; and our Lord knew this.

. . . Because of this, (and other reasons), Jesus did not fully “commit” Himself to the whims of fallen sinners. Still, in the most profound sense, He fully committed Himself to the salvation of God’s elect fallen sinner/saints who make up His church.

 
[Augustine quote of the day: “For what is that which we call evil but the ab-sence of good?” —from, “The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love”]

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Wed., 3/11/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 10:3)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 10:3, where we read these words:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.” (ESV)

God’s truly-called church ministers are warriors—we “wage war.” We “wage war” initially in the faithful church, (see vv. 5-6); and then, after a just peace is established there (by grace), we take down all of Christ’s enemies in the world.

There are no more dangerous people on earth, than the true church’s Christ-called clergy. But, if you love Jesus (even as you know yourself to be a sin-ner), do not worry, we are exceedingly gentle and tender toward you.

[Augustine quote of the day: “And in the universe, even that which is called evil, when it is regulated and put in its own place, only enhances our admira-tion for the good.” —from, “The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love”]

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Tues., 3/10/26 Devotion (Lk. 24:45)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 24:45, where we read these amaz-ing words:

"And [Jesus] opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”

We fallen sinners in Adam are so completely destitute of our spiritual senses, that we are incapable of (even) comprehending the Holy Scriptures until Jesus Christ “opens our understanding.” This is for our good. If we “under-stood” them before this time, we would be so petrified of God, that we would never want to hear/read them again.

The now-ascended Christ, with His Father, sends the Holy Spirit to “open” our "understanding.” When this happens, we behold Jesus in every word; and we read the Bible aright, for the first time.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Only Christ can satisfy the soul. All other ways and things will only end in disappointment.” —John Owen, in, "Communion With God"]

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Mon., 3/9/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 8:23b)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 8:23b, where we read these words:

“ . . . And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.” (ESV)

The body of Christ, the people of Christ, are, in a very important sense, “the glory of Christ.” This intriguing phrase reflects Isa. 46:13c: “ . . . Israel my glory.”

The true church is the new liberated “Jerusalem” above, filled with children of the free woman (Sarah); whereas the “Jerusalem” below is in bondage, filled with the children of the slave woman (Hagar)—cf. Gal. 4:21-28. Let us as God’s beloved and forgiven people shine, as “the glory of Christ."

[Puritan quote of the day: "Are your sins high as heaven? The mercies of God are above the heavens.” —Isaac Ambrose, in, "The Christian Warrior"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 3/6-8/26 Devotion

Bless God, the Sabbath Day (Sunday) is almost here! We get to go back to church. In order to help us get ready for worship, here are great words from Augustine’s “City of God” book. (This comes from Book 17, Chapter 11). . . .

“The psalm continues, ‘For you have not created all the sons of men for no-thing.’ The truth is that all the sons of men would have been created for no-thing, had there not been one Son of Man who was the ’substance’ of Israel, a Son of Man through whom many sons of men would be set free. For at this time all mankind had fallen from the truth into futility through the sin of the first man; that is why another psalm says, ‘Man has become like a thing of futility; his life passes away like a shadow.’ Yet God did not create all the sons of men for nothing, seeing that He sets many free from this futility through Jesus the Mediator; while as for those who, in His foreknowledge, were not to be set free, He created them for the advantage of those who were to be liberated, and to mark the contrast between the two mutually opposed cities. Thus we may be sure that their creation was not in vain; it was included in a design of supreme beauty and justice, a design for the whole rational creation."

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Thurs., 3/5/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 4:4)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 4:4, where we read these words:

“In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (ESV)

Those who do not believe in Jesus have become slaves of Satan. He “blinds” their “eyes,” so that they are robbed of all the best glory of earth and heaven—Who is Jesus Christ, the very image of God.

Let us pray for dear souls who have been taken captive by the devil to do his will, (2 Tim. 2:26); and gently seek to bring them to the loving Savior, (2 Tim. 2:25).

[Edwards quote of the day: "Every man is as his God is. If you would know whether a man is a godly man or not, you must inquire what his god is like.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "A Truly Godly Man Prefers God Before All Others"]

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Wed., 3/4/26 Devotion (Lk. 18:9)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 18:9, which says this:

“He [Jesus] told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: . . . ” (ESV)

The Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee is the one that most infuriates unregenerate self-righteous people. The tax collector goes home “justified”; and the devoutly-religious guy goes home condemned.

. . . The spiritual chasm between these two human beings is not what they do, but what they say. The pharisee says, “I am better than the publican.” The tax collector says, “I am nothing but a vile sinner.” The sinner is justified unto glory; the religious hypocrite is condemned unto perdition.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We need to understand that when we come to hear the Word, we come to hear that which has so much life in it that every sermon we hear we must expect to be nearer heaven or nearer hell.” —Jere-miah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Fear"]

Tues., 3/3/26 Devotion (Lk. 17:21b)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 17:21b, where we read these words of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ:

“ ‘ . . . for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.’ ” (ESV)

I rather like the ESV’s translation (here/above). When asked, “When the king-dom . . . would come?”—our Savior said (in so many words), “It is already here. It is here in ME Myself. I am the very ‘essence’ of the king-dom of God.”

Many contemporary alleged “kingdom-seekers” are idolaters. There is no “kingdom of God” where Jesus is not. This kingdom is everywhere Jesus is, (and this includes His faithful church on earth).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ's church is the house which He has built on a perfect number of pillars so that it might be stable, resting on a good foun-dation.” —John Owen, in, "Communion With God"]

Mon., 3/2/26 Devotion (Lk. 16:16)

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

“The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.” (ESV)

Sometimes we regenerated Christian churchmen forget that everyone wants and seeks after what *we* already possess in Jesus Christ. The only thing that matters in the world is Jesus, His gospel, and His church. Everyone knows this in his or her heart—and they are all “pressing in” to get a piece of the action.

But only those who submit in faith to the King (Jesus) receive His blessings. Let us preach the good news; and know and believe that God will draw His elect unto Himself, and place them in Christ’s body, His church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If we once get the victory over ourselves, all other things are conquered with ease.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict With Itself"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 2/27-3/1/26 Devotion

Praise God, the Sabbath Day (Sunday) is almost here! We get to go back to church. In order to help us get ready for worship, here are great words from Augustine’s “City of God” book. (This comes from Book 14, Chapter 13). . . .

“Yet man did not fall away to the extent of losing all being; but when he had turned towards himself his being was less real than when he adhered to Him who exists in a supreme degree. And so, to abandon God and to exist in one-self, that is to please oneself, is not immediately to lose all being; but it is to come nearer to nothingness. That is why the proud are given another name in holy Scripture; they are called, ’self-pleasers.’ . . .

“Thus, in a surprising way, there is something in humility to exalt the mind, and something in exaltation to abase it. It certainly appears somewhat para-doxical that exaltation abases and humility exalts. But devout humility makes the mind subject to what is superior. Nothing is superior to God; and that is why humility exalts the mind by making it subject to God. . . . "

Thurs., 2/26/26 Devotion (Lk. 12:22a)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 12:22a, where we read this:

“And [Jesus] said to his disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life . . . ’ " (ESV)

In this context, the reason (the “therefore”), we are not to be “anxious” about our “life,” is the fact that our “treasure” and “riches” are in God, through Christ (see v. 21). Those whose hope is in anything (or anyone) other than Jesus, are inevitably enslaved to a life of anxiety.

Anxiety is inherent in all things not connected to Christ; peace is tied to every-thing that is united to Him. Do we wish to be free of anxiety? Then, let us cling to and sincerely love Jesus our Messiah.

[Augustine quote of the day: “Some of our fellow Christians are astonished to learn that Plato had such ideas about God and to realize how close they are to the truths of our faith.” —from, “City of God,” Bk. 8.]

Wed., 2/25/26 Devotion (Job 25:4)

Today's encouragement comes from Job 25:4, where we read these words:

"How then can man be righteous before God? Or how can he be pure who is born of a woman?"

Bildad the Shuhite asked these questions (above). They are actually very im-portant queries. The answer to the first one, is, "No one can be righteous be-fore God on one's own. What is necessary is an 'alien' righteousness." This "alien" righteousness is that of Jesus Christ Himself, as His perfect atone-ment and righteousness is imputed to sinful souls by the Holy Spirit, and by the sheer grace of God.

Faith follows regeneration. Regeneration is God's sovereign act of bringing to life a dead and rebellious soul. Faith is part of the gift package of regenera-tion. By faith, we fetch to our hearts the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our only righteousness. Therefore the answer to the question, "Can a [per-son] be righteous before God?,” is “Yes, absolutely!”—but only as he or she is clothed in Christ's righteousness (alone).

[Puritan quote of the day: "A godly man loves God and therefore delights to be in His presence. He loves God and therefore takes comfort in nothing with-out Him.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Godly Man's Picture"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 2/6-8/26 Devotion

Thank God, the Sabbath Day (Sunday) is almost here! We get to go back to church. In order to help us get ready for worship, here are great words from Augustine’s “City of God” book. (This comes from Book 14, Chapter 4). . . .

“So when man lives by the standard of truth he lives not by his own standard, but by God’s. For it is God who has said, ‘I am the Truth.’ By contrast, when he lives by his own standard, that is by man’s and not by God’s standard, then inevitably he lives by the standard of falsehood. Not that man himself is falsehood, since his author and creator is God, who is certainly not the author and creator of falsehood. The fact is that man was created right, on condition that he should live by the standard of his creator, not by his own, carrying out not his own will but his creator’s. Falsehood consists in not living in the way for which he was created.

“Man has undoubtedly the will to be happy, even when he pursues happiness by living in a way which makes it impossible of attainment. What could be more of a falsehood than a will like that? Hence we can say with meaning that every sin is a falsehood. . . . What is the reason for this, except that well-be-ing can only come to man from God, not from himself? . . . "

Thurs., 2/5/26 Devotion (Rom. 8:16)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 8:16, which says this:

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of

God . . . ” (ESV)

If today you know in your heart of hearts that you are an elect/forgiven/justif-ied/sanctified/glorified/beloved sinner-saint Christian churchman, then this precious realization is solely the result of the Holy Spirit having confirmed this reality and truth with and in your own spirit.

No one else in the whole world “knows” beyond any shadow of a doubt, that he or she is actually perfectly “right” with the Holy God, except those who are truly born again to a living hope in Jesus Christ, (cf. 1 Pet. 1:3).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Saul's sparing Agag lost him the kingdom, and your sparing sin will lose you the kingdom of heaven.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Mischief of Sin"]

Wed., 2/4/26 Devotion (Gen. 37:31)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 37:31, where we read these words:

"So they [Joseph's brothers] took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood."

Joseph's "coat of many colors" was impressive in itself; but once it had been "defiled" by blood, it became an emblem of something much greater: the atonement of sinners, wrought by the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. Like Joseph's brothers, in our fallen states, we hate the One (Christ) who is uniquely endowed with God's favor; and we willingly put Him (Jesus) on the cross.

But the very blood we shed there became for us, the church, the only means of our justification, or right standing with God. Now, the "Lamb of God,” Jesus Christ our Lord, is our highest love, and the Object of our worship and praise. Only Almighty God could effect such a remarkable transformation!

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a sin to dwell on sin and turmoil our thoughts about it, when we are called to thankfulness.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict With Itself"]

Tues., 2/3/26 Devotion (Job 2:3a)

Today's encouragement comes from Job 2:3a, where we read these words:

“And the LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job . . .’ ” (ESV)

This is the second time God had asked the old snake this same question (see 1:8). The Lord is “baiting” Lucifer to trouble Job, so that He (God) will prove His servant, and show him (Job) to be made of very good spiritual “stuff.”

When troubles come our way, we will not like them; but, if they come as tests of our faith in and love for God in and through Jesus, then passing them (the tests) is to our very great benefit.

[Edwards quote of the day: "Inquire then how it is with you, whether you pre-fer God before all other things.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "A Truly Godly Man Prefers God Before All Others"]

Mon., 2/2/26 Devotion (Rom. 5:1)

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

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ . . . "

The glorious past tenses found in Rom. 5:1-11, are enough to live on in this world. These include justification and peace (v. 1); access by faith into grace, standing, and rejoicing (v. 2); the love of God having been poured into our hearts (v. 5); salvation from God’s wrath (v. 9); and reconciliation with God (vv. 10-11).

True Christian churchmen who love God through the Spirit’s regeneration of our hearts have everything we really need, in order to glorify our Father and enjoy our forgiven and eternal life in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "What is the glory of the times we live in, but God's face revealed in Christ?” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/30-2/1/26 Devotion

Praise God, the Sabbath Day (Sunday) is almost here! We get to go back to church. In order to help us get ready for worship, here are great words from Augustine’s “City of God” book. (This comes from Book 11, Chapter 2). . . .

“ . . . And so the  mind had to be trained and purified by faith; and in order to give man’s mind greater confidence in its journey towards the truth along the way of faith, God the Son of God, who is Himself the Truth, took manhood without abandoning His godhead, and thus established and founded this faith, so that man might have a path to man’s God through the Man who was God. For this is ‘the mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.’ As man He is our mediator; as man He is our way. For there is hope to attain a journey’s end when there is a path which stretches between the traveler and his goal. But if there is no path, or if a man does not know which way to go, there is little use in knowing the destination. As it is, there is one road, and one only, well secured against all possibility of going astray; and this road is provided by One who is Himself both God and man. As God, He is the goal; as man, He is the way."