Mon., 12/10/07 Devotion (Lk. 24:27)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 24:27, where we find these words:

"And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He [Christ] expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself."

Why did Jesus employ the Scriptures (only), when He was teaching His disciples all things concerning Himself? Why didn't He use tradition, councils, and the opinions of ancient church leaders? Because those sources were not inspired of God--they had no authority over His conscience.

Be sure to garner what you are going to know about God from the Word of God itself. This will require the ministry of the church, to be sure--but your ministers, if they are faithful, will be looking only to the Scripture for their final authority.

[Puritan quote of the day: "None can better discover Satan's sleights and policies, than those who have been long in the fencing-school of temptation." --Thomas Watson, in "All Things for Good"]

Sat./Sabbath, 12/8-9/07 Devotion

Hurray--it's almost Sunday! To get you ready for church, here's TW, from "The Happiness of Drawing Near to God":

"How we are capable of drawing near to God. By nature we stand in opposition to God, (Col. 1:21)--[as] alienated and enemies. How then can we approach near to God? Answer: It is through a Mediator. Jesus Christ is the screen between us and divine justice. Christ as our High Priest assumes our flesh. Christ's flesh is called a 'veil,' (Heb. 10:20). As Moses when his face shone so exceedingly bright put a veil upon it, and then Israel might approach near to him and look upon him--so Christ having veiled Himself with our human nature, we may now draw near to God and behold Him."

Fri., 12/7/07 Devotion (2 Jn. 10)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 John, v. 10, where we read these words:

"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him."

Wow, these are interesting words from the tender and sensitive "apostle of love," (John). Don't sweet people listen to anyone? Aren't they open to everyone's take on God? Actually, no. Real love says, "Hey, buddy, you're coming to my house with a false gospel of works. I serve the God of heaven, who gave His Son for my sins. I don't need, nor will l tolerate your blasphemy."

Does this mean we don't try to reach these people? No, it does not mean that. Here is the rule to go by: inform all works-righteousness people that *you*, not they, will do the talking. If they want to listen, fine; if not, "adieu."

[Puritan quote of the day: "A great part of the pleasure and delight of the Christian life is made out of the observations of Providence." --John Flavel, in "The Mystery of Providence"]

Thurs., 12/6/07 Devotion (2 Chron. 6:18a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 6:18a, where we read these words:

"But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? . . . "

Solomon asks a good question (above). God walked with Adam in the garden, before the fall. God abode in the tabernacle in the wilderness. God had the temple built and dedicated (as here in 2 Chron.). But God would only fully and finally "dwell with men" in the incarnation, birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension, and session (seating in heaven) of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Today, God still "dwells with men" in and through the Redeemer's ministry rendered through His church. Heaven and earth are joined in Jesus; and we have cause for comfort and rejoicing.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Discontent is an ungrateful sin, because we have more mercies than afflictions; and it is an irrational sin, because afflictions work for good." --Thomas Watson, in "All Things for Good"]

Wed., 12/5/07 Devotion (Lk. 19:5)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 19:5, where we read these words:

"And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him [Zacchaeus], and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.' "

This is the only place in the gospels where I can recall that the Son of God actually "looked up" at any man. Zacchaeus, the once-proud, swindling tax collector, is now humbled, and honored (by Christ's presence in his heart, and his house).

Zacchaeus' conversion was thorough. He was a new man. From now on, the former-cheater would now always "look up" at the blessed Savior, and give Him all the glory and honor. May we do the same.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Surely, did the devil know how much benefit accrues to the saints by temptation, he would forbear to tempt." --Thomas Watson, in "All Things for Good"]

Tues., 12/4/07 Devotion (2 Chron. 3:8a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 3:8a, where we read these words:

"And he [Solomon] made the Most Holy Place. . . . "

What a remarkable statement (above). A fallen man, a sinner, would make the most holy place--the very pattern of what exists in heaven?! God honors us, by giving us such amazing privileges. Think of it: Mary, a fallen soul, bears the sinless Christ child. We, depraved sinners (in ourselves), become the vessels of the blessed Holy Spirit, (see 2 Cor. 4:7).

The redeemed church--even now--is nestled in the very bosom of the Holy Trinity, in that God's children are *in* the Son of God, who is now both God and man. Do you need "self-esteem"? Here is where to find it.

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

Mon., 12/3/07 Devotion (1 Jn. 2:2a)

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

"And He [Christ] Himself is the propitiation for our sins . . . "

"Propitiation" means atonement, sacrifice, satisfaction. Jesus Christ Himself, plus nothing, is the "propitiation" for the sins of all God's elect, who will be saved in time and space. Our works are not our propitiation. Our efforts are not. Our "working together with God" is not.

Christ *alone*, Himself satisfies God's wrath against sin; and He (Jesus) bore the punishment for the redeemed. Therefore, let us destroy all false and God-dishonoring "gospels" of works, and let us rejoice in the fact that we have a real and blessed Savior.

[Puritan quote of the day: "[God] gave His only begotten Son to be a propitiation for our sin, and accepted His suffering instead of ours." --John Shower, in "God's Thoughts and Ways are Above ours"]