Thurs., 4/17/08 Devotion (Ps. 27:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 27:1, where we read these words:

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

This is a logical deduction of every faithful churchman. If Christ is our light and salvation--how can anything hurt us? Therefore, why should it be feared? If the Lord is our life's strength, then what enemy can possibly stand up to Him? Therefore, why should the foe be feared?

Believers are the only ones with enough sense to know that there are dangers in the world. But ironically, they are also the only ones who have no cause to fear them. Let us trust God for all things; and worry about nothing.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The wounds of secure sinners will not be healed with sweet words." --Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]

Wed., 4/16/08 Devotion (Ps. 25:10)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 25:10, where we read these words:

"All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies."

Are you faithful to your church covenant (baptismal) vows? If so, then God is also faithful to you--and will lead you in paths of "mercy and truth." Your faithfulness is not a result of your own goodness; instead, it is the fruit of the gift of genuine and real faith in Christ.

If you are in Christ (and therefore in covenant with God) take comfort from the fact that your Father will only direct you into what is ultimately good for you, and also what is truly best for you. Persevere to the end--you will not regret doing so.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The best men are severe to themselves, [but] tender over others." --Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 4/15/08 Devotion (1 Tim. 4:4-5)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Timothy 4:4 & 5, where we read these words:

"For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."

For those in the church, nothing God made can be bad. For those outside the church, everything God made might be construed to be bad. God would have His children enjoy everything He has created, so long as we do not make idols of them.

Hyper-religion, and human religion seek to "out-God" God, by commanding things of people that the Lord Himself does not prohibit. Let us be concerned to live in grace, and to obey God's real commandments; without being disturbed by the hypocrisy of false religion.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Love knows that the least evils are contrary to the greatest good." --Thomas Brooks, in "Heaven on Earth"]

Mon., 4/14/08 Devotion (1 Tim. 3:15)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Timothy 3:15, where we read these words:

"But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."

By knowing how to live in "the house of God," we then know how to live everywhere else: in our own houses, in culture, etc. But how will we know how to live in the church, without the word of God itself, which instructs us to do so?

The church, as "the pillar and ground of the truth," holds out the word to us, so that we may hear it (and read it). It is only in the context of the family of God, that we may know how to live as the children of grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "You cannot know the love of Christ, before you know the badness of your nature." --John Bunyan, in "All Loves Excelling"]

Sat./Sabbath, 4/12-13/08 Devotion

Yippee! Sunday is *almost* here! In order to help you get ready for church, here is TW, from his, "Picture of a Godly Man" book:

"The church of God is exposed in this life to many injuries, but she has a Husband in heaven who is mindful of her and will 'turn water into wine' for her. Now it is a time of mourning with the spouse because the Bridegroom is absent (Matt. 9:15). But shortly she shall put off her mourning. Christ will wipe the tears of blood off the cheeks of His spouse: 'He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,' (Isa. 25:8). Christ will comfort His spouse for as much time as she has been afflicted. He will solace her with His love; He will take away the cup of trembling and give her the cup of consolation. And now she shall forget all her sorrows, being called into the banqueting house of heaven and having the banner of Christ's love displayed over her."

Fri., 4/11/08 Devotion (Ps. 18:1-2)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 18:1 & 2, where we read these words:

"I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

When God does something overtly good for us--then, all of a sudden we are awakened from our spiritual slumber, and we give Him heartfelt praise and thanks. We then feel a bit ashamed, that we failed to praise God in the same way when the "sun wasn't shining," so to speak.

But such is life. We are so overrun by our feelings and emotions, that it is hard for us to be rational in our faith walk. As we grow in grace, let us always thank God for all things--because, in Jesus, the church is *always* supremely blessed.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Are your greatest sufferings comparable to the least spark of grace or beam of glory revealed in you or to you?"
--Thomas Brooks, in "Heaven on Earth"]

Thurs., 4/10/08 Devotion (2 Thess. 2:16-17)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 2:16 & 17, where we read these words:

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work."

In order for any of us to be effective churchmen, we need to have a base of comfort (or security). Without this, we will never endeavor to act on our faith (through God-honoring actions and words). This is why the Apostle Paul encourages the believers to know that they are loved by Him; and that they have received hope and grace in Christ.

If you are in Christ today, you are in a blessed position--whether you feel like you are, or not. May God make His face shine on you today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A holy despair in ourselves is the ground of true hope." --Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]