Tues., 12/18/07 Devotion (Jn. 8:42a)

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

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

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

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

[Puritan quote of the day: "Where Christ is, all happiness must follow." --Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 12/17/07 Devotion (Jn. 7:37)

Today's encouragement comes from John 7:37, where we read these words:

"On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.' "

Our problem is not that there are not abundant resources of happiness, joy, pleasure, fulfillment, purpose, meaning, and contentment. Our big problem is simply that we do not *want* them badly enough. It is a great blessing to hunger and thirst for Christ (and the righteousness and life that He alone can provide).

If you are not feeling the hunger "pangs" in your soul--ask God to give
them to you. It is better to thirst for Jesus, than to be filled with the chaff of the world.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Whatever may be wished for in an all-sufficient Comforter is all to be found in Christ." --Richard
Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]

Sat./Sabbath, 12/15-16/07 Devotion

Ya-hoo--Sunday is almost here! We get to worship God, corporately! In order to help get you ready for church, here is the incomparable Thomas Watson, from his work entitled, "The Happiness of Drawing Near to God":

"And as Christ makes way for us into the Holy of Holies by His incarnation: so by His crucifixion, He died to make God and us friends. The divine law being infringed, God's justice was provoked, and satisfaction [was] demanded, before we could approach to God in an amicable way. Now here Christ as our Priest shed His blood for our sins, and so made the atonement, (Col. 1:20): 'Having made peace through the blood of His cross.'  As Joseph being so great at court, made way for all his brethren to draw near into the king's presence, (Gen. 47:2)--so Jesus Christ is our Joseph, who makes the way for us by His blood, that we may now come near into God's presence. Through Christ, God is pleased with us; He holds forth the golden scepter, that we may draw near, and touch the top of the scepter."

Fri., 12/14/07 Devotion (Jn. 4:39)

Today's encouragement comes from John 4:39, where we read these words:

"And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him [Christ] because of the word of the woman who testified, 'He told me all that I ever did.' "

The testimony of believers--even brand new believers--(as above), is often profoundly used by the Holy Spirit in the conversion of other souls. This woman, whose reputation in town had been notoriously bad, now becomes the principal spokesman for the Messiah--and her neighbors believe along with her.

Never say to yourself, "I can't be effective for Christ--after all, my life has been a mess." Everyone's life is a mess. The key is not in our failed past, but in our perfect Savior. Don't hesitate to speak of Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Since Christ is thus comfortably set out to us, let us not believe Satan's representations of Him." --Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]

Thurs., 12/13/07 Devotion (2 Chron. 15:7)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 15:7, where we read these words:

"But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"

Judah's prophet Oded spoke these words (above) to the faithful, reforming King Asa. Sometimes, we need to be encouraged to be strong--especially when we are engaged in difficult, unpopular, and counter-cultural labors. Asa would soon be dismantling more idolatry in Judah, and he needed God's (and His prophet's) helpful words.

What are you doing for Christ? Does it rile people up? Does this mean you should stop? No. Do your ministry faithfully, do it with as little offense as possible, but do it with a firm and unswerving commitment to your Redeemer.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Job the sufferer was more renowned than Alexander the conqueror." --Thomas Watson, in "All Things for Good"]

Wed., 12/12/07 Devotion (2 Chron. 13:8a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 13:8a, where we read these words:

"And now you think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hand of the sons of David . . . "

Judah's king Abijah is here warning Israel's idolatrous king Jeroboam, that it is futile to fight against the Lord and His church. Jeroboam (the bad guy) had twice the number of soldiers as Abijah (the good guy) had; and yet God gave Abijah a great and resounding victory, (see v. 15 ff.).

The church may be way outnumbered by the world (no doubt)--but the church has Jesus, the Great "Son of David" on her side. Therefore, we should take encouragement, and fight the battles of our Lord--knowing that He is our victorious Captain.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer [that] fetched the angel." --Thomas Watson, in "All Things for Good"]

Tues., 12/11/07 Devotion (2 Chron. 12:8)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 12:8, where we read these words:

"Nevertheless they [the people of Judah] will be his [Shishak's] servants, that they may distinguish My service from the service of the kingdoms of the nations."

Sometimes God, in His mercy, allows His people to feel the sting of sin, by allowing them to "serve" it--and hence taste the bitterness of it. Serving Christ is much better than serving anything or anyone else. Since we have no choice, but to serve someone--let us be wise, and heartily offer our entire beings to the Redeemer.

There is honor in service--so long as we have the right Master. The devil has his servants; let *us* give our God His full due.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God makes the saints' maladies their medicines." --Thomas Watson, in "All Things for Good"]