Tues., 9/29/26 Devotion (Gal. 5:1)

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

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."

Every day when we wake up we are faced with an array of forces that are dead-set on robbing us of our joy and freedom in Christ. First among them is our own flesh, which continues to desire to have a right standing with God in-dependently of Jesus' blood atonement. In league with this, is the world of works-religion, which preaches law to us, and insists that we be enslaved by rules (just like they are).

It takes courage, determination, and intentionality *not* to be swept away with the rest of the world, which is in bondage to its own "righteousness." Let all faith-redeemed regenerate churchmen trust, not in themselves, but in Jesus only. Let us reaffirm our liberty in Christ today, by faith.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The devil is the most sullen spirit there is, and yet the most proud.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

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Mon., 9/28/26 Devotion (Gal. 4:6-7)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 4:6 & 7, where we read these words:

“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (NKJV)

[Of course, “sons,” includes “daughters.”] Because the Holy Spirit dwells in true Christians, we are able, at all times, to earnestly call out to our Heavenly Father. In our most grievous moments, and most tense times, He is there, to hear our passionate petitions.

. . . Not only this, we are now the heirs of all the glory that is in Christ Jesus. Because we are children of God, we are the recipients of all our Father’s kindnesses to us; we relish His love, and trust Him for all His grace. Regener-ate Christians, by far and away, are the most blessed people to be found on earth.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Keep your ear open to God and shut out sin; deaf-en your ears to the lies of the slanderer and the heretic. Do not let him have your ear who comes to rob you of your heart.” —Thomas Watson, in his ser-mon, "The Spiritual Watch"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 9/25-27/26 Devotion

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

"True faith is grounded upon knowledge. Knowledge carries the torch before faith. There is a knowledge of Christ's glorious excellencies, (Php. 3:8). He is made up of all love and beauty. True faith is a judicious intelligent grace, it knows Whom it believes, and why it believes. Faith is seated as well in the understanding as in the will. It has an eye to see Christ, as well as a wing to fly to Him. Such therefore as are veiled in ignorance, or have only an implicit faith to believe as the church believes, have no true and genuine faith.

"Faith lives in a broken heart. 'The father cried out with tears, "Lord, I be-lieve," ' (Mk. 9:24). True faith is always in a heart bruised for sin. They, there-fore, whose hearts were never touched for sin, have no faith. If a physician should tell us there was an herb that would help us against all infections, but it always grows in a watery place; if we should see a herb like it in color, leaf, smell, blossom, but growing upon a rock, we should conclude that it was the wrong herb. So saving faith always grows in a heart humbled for sin, in a weeping eye and a tearful conscience. If, therefore, there be a show of faith, but it grows upon the rock of a hard impenitent heart, it is not the true faith."

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Thurs., 9/24/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 13:11c)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 13:11c, where we read these words:

" . . . And the God of love and peace will be with you."

Even the world relishes the idea of a God of "love and peace.” But their "love and peace” god is not the Lord of heaven and earth—the One who saves sin-ners, and makes them His beloved churched children. God’s presence is especially felt by us as we are meek and humble in Jesus.

. . . The Living God of "love and peace" *is* with us; and we particularly *ex-perience* these blessed attributes of His (love and peace), as we are matur-ing, united, and secure (as the Body of Christ), [see the earlier parts of v. 13].

[Puritan quote of the day: "If temptations arise from natural causes, then na-tural means, as medicines, are to be used and applied, and people would do well to be persuaded thereunto.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Wed., 9/23/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 12:8-9a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 12:8 & 9a, where Paul wrote these words:

"Concerning this [thorn in the flesh] I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' "

The very thing we typically believe hinders our service and love for God—is often the very thing that most powerfully forwards it. Paul passionately loath-ed his thorn in his flesh, whatever it was—and yet it had the effect of "deflat-ing" him, so that he thought little of himself, and much of Christ.

It is a very difficult thing to do, but we also may think in this counter-cultural and counter-intuitive way, as we actually thank God for the hardest trials we face. Even if they *never* go away in this life, they can have the savory influ-ence of causing us to love Jesus even more.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ does not bid us (says Augustine) learn of Him to work miracles, to open the eyes of the blind, to raise the dead, but He would have us learn of Him to be meek.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Beati-tudes"]

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Tues., 9/22/26 Devotion (2 Sam. 18:9b)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Samuel 18:9b, where we read these words:

" . . . so he [Absalom] was left hanging between heaven and earth."

When our Lord Jesus Christ was on the cross, bearing the sins of all the elect church from all time, He hung, as it were, "between heaven and earth." He bridged the infinite gap between a holy God and sinful men. The regenerate churchman, who struggles through the process of sanctification, also, in a sense, is suspended "between heaven and earth.” Our old flesh nature (earth/old self), is at war with our new nature (heaven/Christ).

Where are the eyes of our hearts focused, today? If they are on earth (i.e. not on Christ), we will naturally gravitate downward. If they are in heaven (i.e. on Christ), we will, by grace, soar upwards (in our souls).

[Edwards quote of the day: "In His last sufferings, Christ sapped the very foundations of Satan's kingdom. He conquered His enemies in their own ter-ritories, and beat them with their own weapons, as David cut off Goliath's head with his own sword.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Excel-lency of Christ"]

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Mon., 9/21/26 Devotion (Ps. 72:17)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 72:17, where we read these words:

"His [Christ's] name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; all nations shall call Him blessed.” (NKJV)

Sometimes, when we see pictures of international terrorists, we might notice in the background maps of the world. This should remind us that the devil hopes to take over the entire globe, employing these, his minions. But this will never happen. Verses such as Ps. 72:17 (above) assure us that Jesus Christ and His church—and no one or nothing else—will indeed prevail.

Let us bless God for this precious truth; and then let us live by even more hearty faith (than before). This faith will manifest itself in the church's worship, love, service, and evangelism.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The church of Christ, notwithstanding her imper-fections, is in a safer state than Adam was in innocence.” —Nathaniel Vin-cent, in, "A Discourse Concerning Love"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 9/18-20/26 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday. In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his elucidation of the second petition ("Thy Kingdom Come") of The Lord's Prayer, (which is also the title of his book). . . .

"Here is comfort to those who are the subjects of the King of heaven. God will put forth all the royal power for their help and comfort. 1) The King of heaven will plead their cause. 'I will plead your cause, and take vengeance for you,' (Jer. 51:36). 2) He will protect his people. He sets an invisible guard about them. 'I will be unto her a wall of fire round about,' (Zech. 2:5). A wall, that is defensive; a wall of fire, that is offensive. 3) When it may be for the good of His people, He will raise up deliverance to them. 'The Lord saved them by a great deliverance,' (1 Chron. 11:14).

"God reigning as a King, can save in any way—even by contemptible means, as the blowing of the trumpets, and blazing of the lamps, (Judges 7:20). By contrary means; as when He made the sea a wall to Israel, and the waters were a means to keep them from drowning. The fish's belly was a ship in which Jonah sailed safely to shore. God will never be short on ways of saving His people; rather than fail, their very enemies shall do His work, (2 Chron. 20:23). He sets Ammon and Mount Seir against one another. As God will de-liver His people from temporal danger, so from spiritual danger, as from sin, and from hell. 'Jesus which delivered us from the wrath to come,' (1 Thess. 1:10)."

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Thurs., 9/17/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 6:10)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 6:10, where we read these words:

“ . . . as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.” (ESV)

Paul is rehearsing his ministry life; and he concludes that every perception about him and his gospel comrades is false; and that every miraculous fact about them is true. Do you love Jesus as a member of His church? Then you will be thought a fool by the world; though, in fact, you are among the wisest people on earth.

. . . Nothing *is* as it appears. Truth is real; error is an illusion. Grace is au-thentic; works-righteousness is a fraud. Christ is supreme; everyone and everything else is subordinate. The redeemed in Jesus inherit the earth; the haters of the Messiah are the ultimate losers.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If the thing we desire is good for us, we shall have it. If it is not good, then not having it is good for us. Resting satisfied with this promise gives contentment. —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Con-tentment"]

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Wed., 9/16/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 5:6a, 7, 8a)

Today's encouragement comes from the familiar and lovely words of 2 Corin-thians 5:6a, 7, & 8a, which say this:

“So we are always of good courage. . . . for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage . . . ” (ESV)

Is this not an amazing thing, that Christ-loving regenerated churchmen are “of good courage,” no matter what happens to us in this world? Why are the true saints “of good courage”? Because it does not matter whether we are in this body while on this fallen earth, or in this body while we are in our glorified state in heaven. Here, we “walk by faith."

. . . And how is this faith manifested? In "our aim to please [the Lord],” (v. 9b). And, as this is our sincere Spirit-wrought desire, we are emboldened with a courageous fortitude in Jesus and His gospel that cannot be overthrown by anything in all of creation.

[Edwards quote of the day: "Happiness and rest are what all men pursue. But the things of the world, wherein most men seek it, can never grant it. They are laboring and spending themselves in vain.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, entitled, "The Peace which Christ Gives . . . "]

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Tues., 9/15/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 4:2a, c)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 4:2a & c, where Paul wrote these words:

“But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. . . . but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s consci-ence in the sight of God.” (ESV)

The faithful church’s truly-called regenerate gospel ministers absolutely loathe religious dishonesty, charlantry, and deceit. Our abhorrence of this wickedness is only the result of God’s grace in us. Gospel ministers, called by Jesus Himself, are, by grace alone, miraculously honest and open and un-ashamed in their gospel ministrations.

. . . None of this is because there is anything good in us—because, apart from Jesus Christ there is nothing good in us. It is rather a result of miracu-lous grace, whereby the Holy Spirit Himself overrules and governs our hearts—so that we can bring the unadulterated gospel to God's chosen church.

[Puritan quote of the day: “God's ways are secret, but always just. God is most in His way when we think He is out of His way.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Great Gain of Godliness"]

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Mon., 9/14/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 3:18a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 3:18a, where Paul wrote these words:

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. . . . "

This is one of the most encouraging texts in all of Holy Scripture. The church’s saints experience sufferings, deaths, and crosses—but all of these yield (through faith in Jesus) grace, life, and more Christlikeness. Are you suf-fering today? Are you dying to sin today? Are you faithfully bearing your cross as a churched disciple of Jesus today?

. . . If so, then rejoice: you are going to experience, even in this life, deliver-ance, resurrection, and godly character. Do not lose heart, dear Christians, everything that happens to you (in Jesus) is for your good.

[Edwards quote of the day: "The Son is the fullness of God, and the church is the fullness of the Son of God.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Glory of God"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 9/11-13/26 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here! As we prepare to worship God in church on His day, here are good words from Thomas Watson's, "All Things for Good” book. . . .

"Christ is in heaven . . . and He prays for all believers as He did for the apo-stles. ‘I do not pray for these alone but for all of them that shall believe in Me,' (Jn. 17:20). When a Christian is weak, and can hardly pray for himself, Jesus Christ is praying for him; and He prays for three things. First, that the saints may be kept from sin (Jn. 17:15): 'I pray that You would keep them from the evil [one].' We live in the world as in a pest house; Christ prays that His saints may not be infected with the contagious evil of the times. Second, for His people’s progress in holiness. 'Sanctify them,’ (Jn. 17:17). Let them have constant supplies of the Spirit, and be anointed with fresh oil. Third, for their glorification: 'Father, I desire that those whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am,’ (Jn. 17:24). Christ is not content till the saints are in His arms. This prayer, which He made on earth, is the copy and pattern of His prayer in heaven. What a comfort is this; when Satan is tempting, Christ is praying! This works for [our] good."

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Thurs., 9/10/26 Devotion (Ps. 53:5a)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 53:5a, where we read these words:

"There they are in great fear where no fear was . . . "

David is (here above) musing on the ways of wicked men; but I wonder if this principle of misdirected fear does not often apply even to the true saints? Why should sincere believing Christian churchmen fear for the state of their souls (or of anything else), if they truly and really trust in Jesus alone for their salvation and the forgiveness of their sins?

We should fear God at all times; but in Christ this only leads to our loving Him all the more. This is possible if one condition is met, (and it is impossible if this condition is not met). And that condition is a good doctrinal and theologic-al understanding of the gospel, and of how justification is realized. When peo-ple mix works with their faith, it is no wonder they are in "great fear." They ought to be.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Even if sin did not bear such bitter fruit, if death did not grow on this tree, a gracious soul would forsake it out of love to God.”

—Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

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Wed., 9/9/26 Devotion (1 Cor. 14:40)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 14:40, where we read these words:

"Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Paul ends the 14th chapter of 1 Corinthians with these words (above). Earlier, he had given specific instructions about Sunday church worship in the con-gregation (in Corinth). Though the tongues/prophecy detail is now abrogated, in that God's full written revelation is now completed—everything was to be done, "decently and in order.”

The Lord is in no way a "kill-joy"; and His insistence on dignity and decorum in His worship is not designed to dishearten us. Instead, the exact opposite is true. God provides structure and order, so that in the church—particularly in Sunday worship—we have a practical "anchor," since we have to deal with a disordered and confused world (the rest of the week).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Flesh and blood may have its fears and disquiets, but grace checks them.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Content-ment"]

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Tues., 9/8/26 Devotion (1 Cor. 13:13)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 13:13, which says this:

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Love is greater than faith and hope, because love, like Christ, salvation, and the church lasts forever. As great as faith is—and it is *very* great because it is the grace by which we apprehend Christ and His righteousness—nonethe-less, in glory (heaven) it will not be necessary. The same can be said about hope, (which is also a marvelous mercy of God to us).

But love is special, because it will be perfected (and continued forever) in heaven; and it is to be our creed here on earth. True faith and true hope al-ways lead to inevitable (and invincible) love. Let us live in Christ's love today, and in so doing, bring Him a lot of glory.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a sinful modesty in Christians that they are not more free with their ministers and other spiritual friends in unburdening them-selves and opening the sores and troubles of their souls to them.” —Thomas Watson, in "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

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Mon., 9/7/26 Devotion (1 Cor. 12:31)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 12:31, where we read these words:

"But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”

After the Apostle Paul spent most of a chapter describing various spiritual gifts given to the church—some of which are still in use today; and others of which are not—he enjoins us to go after the "best” ones; but then tells us of "a more excellent way." This superlative path, of course, is that of love, eluci-dated so famously in the next chapter (1 Cor. 13).

Gifts and love are not at odds; but love is greater in every way. Gifts are of no account without love. The devil has excellent gifts (from God), but he has no proper love (for God). Let us employ our various God-given abilities fully and well—but let us always do it out of love for Christ, His gospel, and His church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If temptations arise from natural causes, then natural means, as medicines, are to be used and applied, and people would do well to be persuaded thereunto.” —William Bridge, in "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Wed., 9/2/26 Devotion (Ps. 42:1-2)

Today's encouragement comes from David's words, as they are found in Psalm 42:1 & 2:

"As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”

For some reason, David had been separated from Jerusalem and the tabernacle there. He could hardly wait to get back into the corporate worship of the God he loved so much. Though he could pray to his Lord, "from the heights of Hermon," (v. 6)—it was not the same to him, as when he joyfully went up to the "house of God," (v. 4).

Do we take delight in worshipping the True God in Jesus Christ, as His church? You can always tell a true saint: he or she longs to be God’s sweet presence, in the church worship service and in the prayer closet.

[Edwards quote of the day: "Defilers and profaners of ordinances, by known and allowed wickedness, provoke God more than the heathen who have no ordinances.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "A Warning To Professors of Religion"]

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Tues., 9/1/26 Devotion (Ps. 40:17a)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 40, v. 17a, which says this:

"But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me. . . . “

King David wrote these words (above). He was "poor and needy" in that he knew he was bankrupt before God—possessing no inherent righteousness of his own. All of David's favor with God came through his union (by faith) with Christ. But what is very intriguing in this verse is the expression, "The LORD thinks upon me."

Can we picture the God who created the entire universe "thinking” “upon" us, His church? He does. We may not think of ourselves as particularly interest-ing—but the body of Christ, and the individual members of the church are of infinite interest to God. He "thinks" on us; and all His thoughts are for our good, our welfare, our betterment, and our prosperity in Christ. Let *us* think on Jesus today; and thank God for His goodness.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Do not say thus, 'I shall never be helped; I am in a sad condition and shall never be better.' . . . This you cannot say, for who knows what God will do?” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Down-cast"]

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Mon., 8/31/26 Devotion (Ps. 39:7)

Today's encouragement comes from the words of Psalm 39:7, which say this:

"And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You."

In vv. 4-6, David had surveyed his life, and determined that there was not really much to it, with respect to its timeframe on earth. Now, it is as if he says to God, "In light of the brevity of my existence here in this world, what does it all amount to? What am I here for? What am I to do?" And the answer, by grace, is, "I am here for You, Lord. You are the only One I hope in."

What do we "wait for"? If it is for anything less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself we are wasting our lives, and our days. Let us put *all* our hope in Jesus. Let us patiently and faithfully "wait" for Him—joyfully doing God’s will as we anticipate His deliverances of us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "True [gospel] mourning begins in the love of God, and ends in the hatred of sin.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Beatitudes"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 8/21-23/26 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! We get to go back to church again. In order to help us get ready for the Lord's Day, here is Martin Luther, from his preface to his "Galatians" commentary. . . .

"Just as the earth does not generate rain and cannot of itself work to produce it, but receives it by the mere gift of God from above, so this heavenly right-eousness is given us by God without our working for or deserving it. See, then, how much the earth is able by itself to do in getting showers of rain to make it fruitful; that much, and no more, are we able to do by our own strength and works in winning this heavenly and eternal righteousness. We shall never be able to attain it unless God Himself bestows it on us, imputing it to us by His gift beyond words. The greatest wisdom of Christians, then, is to have nothing to do with the law and works and the whole of active right-eousness, especially when the conscience wrestles with God's judgment. On the other hand, the quintessence of wisdom among those who are not among God's people is to know and earnestly follow the law and active righteous-ness."

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Fri.-Sabbath, 8/14-16/26 Devotion

So as to help prepare us for the Lord's Day's church worship services, here are some good words from the great Jonathan Edwards, as they are taken from his sermon entitled, "God Glorified in Man's Dependence." . . .

"The grace of God in bestowing this gift [of grace] is most free. God was un-der no obligation to bestow it. He might have rejected fallen man as He did the fallen angels. We never did anything to merit it; it was given while we were yet enemies, and before we had so much as repented. It was from the love of God, who saw no excellency in us to attract it; and it was without ex-pectation of ever being requited [paid back] for it. And it is from mere grace that the benefits of Christ are applied to such and such particular persons. Those who are called and sanctified are to attribute it to the good pleasure of God's goodness alone, by which they are distinguished. God is sovereign, and has mercy on who He will have mercy."

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Thurs., 8/13/26 Devotion (Rom. 3:20a)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 3:20a, which says this:

"Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His [God's]

sight . . . "

This (above) is a great, and comforting text. If we were to be saved by works, or the deeds of the law, then we could not and would not be saved at all. Where would the "end line" be, where we could know we had finally done enough "good" and meritorious actions, so as to wrench from God His favor, and salvation?

Works-religion is the domain of the devil, and of all the false religions of the world. Only "faith-religion" pleases God—since it embraces Jesus *alone* as the sole satisfaction before a Holy Judge for sin, and sinners. Those who trust in their works are proud and vile in the eyes of God. The Lord looks with more mercy on atheists, than He does on self-righteous professedly-religious peo-ple, who think they can rely on their works.

[Puritan quote of the day: "I would rather believe poor doubting Thomas than confident Peter . . . " —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

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Wed., 8/12/26 Devotion (Ps. 16:3)

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

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

“The saints in the land,” or, in today’s New Covenant-era parlance, “The Christ-loving regenerate saints of the Christian church,” are, by far and away, not only the “excellent” ones, they are also the supernaturally and heavenly blessed ones, who are, among all the peoples of the earth, truly and remarkably unique.

King David loved those who loved the Christ (to come, in his day). Those were the people that were dearest to him (David)—because those were the souls who were nearest to the heart of the Triune God. Their sins are all forgiven in Jesus’ blood; and they are precious to God, saints, and elect angels.

 
[Puritan quote of the day: "Morality shoots short of heaven. It is only nature refined. A moral man is but old Adam dressed in fine clothes.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

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Tues., 8/11/26 Devotion (Rom. 1:17a, 18a)

Today's encouragement comes from Paul's words, as they are found in Ro-mans 1:17a & 18a:

"For in it [the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith

. . . For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men . . . "

Notice that God makes two "revelations" here, both within the space of only two verses. The first is His "righteousness"; and the second is His "wrath." The righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel (and its elect recipients); and it is received and lived-in by faith. The wrath of God is revealed to the en-tire world; and is manifest in the consciences of all human beings.

The only difference between those who receive the righteousness of God and the wrath of God is faith in Jesus. "The just live by faith," (Rom. 1:17b); whereas the wicked are "given up to uncleanness," (Rom. 1:24a). What is be-ing revealed to our hearts today: God's righteousness or His wrath?

[Puritan quote of the day: "A good life adorns religion [i.e. gospel Christianity], a good tongue propagates it.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Great Gain of God-liness"]

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Wed., 8/5/26 Devotion (Acts 23:1)

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

"Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, 'Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.' "

This is a rather remarkable statement uttered by Paul (above)—but he meant it. The old Saul of Tarsus "lived in all good conscience," even when he was persecuting Christ's church. The new Apostle Paul "lived in all good consci-ence," as he was now preaching Christ in His gospel, and planting churches throughout the Roman Empire.

A "good conscience" is good, but it is not good enough. It needs to be led by the truth of the gospel, which comes to souls as a sovereign act of God's grace. *Regenerated* "good consciences" are especially good, because they have the Light (Jesus) guiding them. May our consciences be thoroughly con-trolled by Christ today, as we live by faith in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ's blood only can merit pardon. We please God by repentance but we do not satisfy Him by it.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

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Tues., 8/4/26 Devotion (Jer. 32:26-27)

Today's encouragement comes from Jeremiah 32:26 & 27, which says this:

"Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, 'Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?' "

Nothing is too hard for God, because no circumstance or situation is outside of His complete ability to rectify. When even the prophet Jeremiah considered God's promise, that the people would return to the land, it seemed utterly pre-posterous (to Jeremiah) that it could actually come to pass.

Perhaps we are facing something today that truly is humanly-impossible. But, what is not possible for man is possible for God. Why should we not lay our situation out before Him, and ask Him to do some great miracle? If the Lord chooses to do so, great; if not, we know that He knows what is best for us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Keep the soul open to entertain the Holy Ghost, for He will bring in continually fresh forces to subdue corruption, and this most of all on the Lord's Day." --Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

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Mon., 8/3/26 Devotion (Jer. 31:3)

Today's encouragement comes from Jeremiah 31:3, where these uplifting words are found:

"The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: 'Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.' "

Without this promise there would never be any hope for any of God's people. God's love for His church is not conjured-up in space and time; it is not a result of anything "good" in us, that draws His attention to us. Instead, God's affection for His church is bound up in Christ; and it was firmly established before The Holy Trinity ever created anything. And based on this sovereign and gracious decree, God "draws" His children, irresistibly, to Himself, in Jesus, according to His perfect time and plan.

Let us be thankful that ours is a God of love. Without this love—all personified in Jesus Christ—there would be nothing to live for.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The Lord never upbraids a penitent with former unkindnesses.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Mischief of Sin"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 7/31-8/2/26 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.) . . .

“Let me tell you, that when your souls are first turned to God, and when you believe, though perhaps you know neither the time nor the thing I now speak of, yet notwithstanding, even at that time, God the Father rises up in heaven (as I may so express it), and as Jesus Christ said to His mother when He hung upon the cross, ‘Woman, behold your son,’ so says God the Father, ‘Son, over there is a soul which I gave You from everlasting, for which You died upon the cross, and now is the fullness of the time for You to have mercy upon that soul. Go take him and own him for Yourself, and actually now pos-sess him.’ This you have here in Jn. 6:37: ‘All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me.’ Here is, you see, a giving before our coming, and it is a giving at the present time, to distinguish it from that [giving] from everlasting; a deed of gift is made, and that by the Father; an actual delivery [is made], whereby the soul is put into the hands of Jesus Christ."

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Thurs., 7/30/26 Devotion (Acts 17:16)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 17:16, where we read these words:

“Now while Paul was waiting for [Silas & Timothy] at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.” (ESV)

The proper impetus for our spirits being “provoked” because of rampant idol-atry is the glory of God, the fact that sinners do not know the gospel, and the resulting misery that comes to creatures made in the image of God.

Idolatry does not hurt God; but it does hurt us. Paul did not content himself with being “provoked”; instead, he went about engaging the people of Athens, relating to them, quoting their poets, and (most-importantly) preaching the gospel of Jesus and His grace and love to them. Let all the church’s saints do the same.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Who ever stayed and waited long upon God, but he had [i.e. received] more than he prayed for?” —William Bridge, in, "A Lift-ing Up For the Downcast"]

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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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