Today's encouragement comes from Mark 10:35, where we read these words:
"Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to [Jesus], saying, 'Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.' "
I like the audacity (here, above) of James and John. More importantly, I think God Himself likes it. How honoring is it of Christ, for us to come to Him with big, bold, and almost-outrageous requests? God may well not do whatever we ask in prayer--because He loves us too much to give us what is bad for us; but the spirit of childlike asking is to His glory.
So, what is it we want God to do for us? Why should we not ask Him for it? If it is not for our betterment, the Lord will protect us from ourselves.
[Puritan quote of the day: "What need do we have to knock at any other door? Can any be more tender over us than Christ?" --Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
Monday, July 28, 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
Fri.-Sabbath, 7/25-27/14 Devotion
Yippee--Sunday is almost here! Here is the amazing Thomas Watson, from "A Divine Cordial.” May these words help get us ready for Sunday’s church wor-ship:
"There is nothing in God to deaden our affections or quench our love; no in-firmity, no deformity, such as usually weaken and cool love. There is that ex-cellence in God, which may not only invite, but command our love. If there were more angels in heaven than there are, and all those glorious seraphim had an immense flame of love burning in their breasts to eternity, yet could they not love God equivalently to that infinite perfection and transcendence of goodness which is in Him. Surely then here is enough to induce us to love God--we cannot spend our love upon a better object.
"Love facilitates religion. It oils the wheels of the affections, and makes them more lively and cheerful in God's service. Love takes off the tediousness of duty. Jacob thought seven years but little, for the love he bore to Rachel. Love makes duty a pleasure. Why are the angels so swift and winged in God's service? It is because they love Him. Love is never weary. He that loves God, is never weary of telling it. He that loves God, is never weary of serving Him."
"There is nothing in God to deaden our affections or quench our love; no in-firmity, no deformity, such as usually weaken and cool love. There is that ex-cellence in God, which may not only invite, but command our love. If there were more angels in heaven than there are, and all those glorious seraphim had an immense flame of love burning in their breasts to eternity, yet could they not love God equivalently to that infinite perfection and transcendence of goodness which is in Him. Surely then here is enough to induce us to love God--we cannot spend our love upon a better object.
"Love facilitates religion. It oils the wheels of the affections, and makes them more lively and cheerful in God's service. Love takes off the tediousness of duty. Jacob thought seven years but little, for the love he bore to Rachel. Love makes duty a pleasure. Why are the angels so swift and winged in God's service? It is because they love Him. Love is never weary. He that loves God, is never weary of telling it. He that loves God, is never weary of serving Him."
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Thurs., 7/24/14 Devotion (Mk. 6:56c)
Today's encouragement comes from Mark 6:56c, where we read these words:
" . . . And as many as touched Him [Jesus] were made well."
Every time a human being touches Jesus Christ in faith, there is healing. The entire key to the every human being's life is to come into contact with Jesus the Savior. This is done by faith; and it is applied (practically) in prayer. True "wellness" requires "rubbing shoulders" with God—and this can only be done through contact with Christ the God-Man.
Therefore, let us boldly come to Christ, in faith-filled prayer. He is always ready to heal and forgive. Jesus is the giver of life. May our hearts yearn to be with (and near) Him.
[Puritan quote of the day: "We would never go to God unless God came to us, such is the stoutness of our hearts." --Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Re-conciliation"]
" . . . And as many as touched Him [Jesus] were made well."
Every time a human being touches Jesus Christ in faith, there is healing. The entire key to the every human being's life is to come into contact with Jesus the Savior. This is done by faith; and it is applied (practically) in prayer. True "wellness" requires "rubbing shoulders" with God—and this can only be done through contact with Christ the God-Man.
Therefore, let us boldly come to Christ, in faith-filled prayer. He is always ready to heal and forgive. Jesus is the giver of life. May our hearts yearn to be with (and near) Him.
[Puritan quote of the day: "We would never go to God unless God came to us, such is the stoutness of our hearts." --Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Re-conciliation"]
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Wed., 7/23/14 Devotion (Mk. 5:36c)
Today's encouragement comes from Mark 5:36c, where we read these words:
" . . . 'Do not be afraid; only believe.' "
This is sweet counsel of our Lord Jesus Christ, to all of us, His churchmen. There are plenty of times that we are tempted to fear--but the antidote is al-ways faith. It is intriguing that the Savior does not say, "Do not be afraid, only be strong"; or, He does not say, "Do not be afraid; only try harder"; or, He does not say, "Do not be afraid; only get more religious."
The man in Mark 5 had plenty of "reason" for fear: his little daughter had just died. But even in those dire straits, the answer is faith. Let us believe the Lord--albeit weakly, if necessary--recognizing that it is faith (in any sincere measure) that pleases God (cf. Heb. 11:6).
[Puritan quote of the day: " . . . Man's unrighteousness must usher in Christ's righteousness." --William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
" . . . 'Do not be afraid; only believe.' "
This is sweet counsel of our Lord Jesus Christ, to all of us, His churchmen. There are plenty of times that we are tempted to fear--but the antidote is al-ways faith. It is intriguing that the Savior does not say, "Do not be afraid, only be strong"; or, He does not say, "Do not be afraid; only try harder"; or, He does not say, "Do not be afraid; only get more religious."
The man in Mark 5 had plenty of "reason" for fear: his little daughter had just died. But even in those dire straits, the answer is faith. Let us believe the Lord--albeit weakly, if necessary--recognizing that it is faith (in any sincere measure) that pleases God (cf. Heb. 11:6).
[Puritan quote of the day: " . . . Man's unrighteousness must usher in Christ's righteousness." --William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Tues., 7/22/14 Devotion (Acts 9:31)
Today's encouragement comes from Acts 9:31, where we read these words:
"Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."
Sometimes we hear well-meaning believers say things like this: "What the church needs right now is some persecution." At times, people are even so misguided, as to actually "pray" to God for trial and difficulty. But that is not the Lord's way. He causes His church to prosper in all kinds of spiritual "soil"; but He is most pleased when the gospel "settles" cultures, and gives the church favor in the sight of all.
Therefore, let us do as we are commanded (by the Lord) in 1 Tim. 2:1-4, and ask God to move and guide (even civil) leaders who will make decisions that benefit the body of Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "True grace is much engaged in the work of humili-ation . . . " --William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
"Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."
Sometimes we hear well-meaning believers say things like this: "What the church needs right now is some persecution." At times, people are even so misguided, as to actually "pray" to God for trial and difficulty. But that is not the Lord's way. He causes His church to prosper in all kinds of spiritual "soil"; but He is most pleased when the gospel "settles" cultures, and gives the church favor in the sight of all.
Therefore, let us do as we are commanded (by the Lord) in 1 Tim. 2:1-4, and ask God to move and guide (even civil) leaders who will make decisions that benefit the body of Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "True grace is much engaged in the work of humili-ation . . . " --William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
Monday, July 21, 2014
Mon., 7/21/14 Devotion (Acts 8:8)
Today's encouragement comes from Acts 8:8, where we read these words:
" . . . And there was great joy in that city."
Sometimes believers forget that the gospel brings great joy to entire cities, as numerous people receive salvation and the forgiveness of their sins, and they are brought into the church. This theme is prominent in the Book of Acts, and the principle runs throughout the entire Bible. (Remember how Nineveh was spared, at the preaching of Jonah?)
Therefore, as we conceive of the church's mission in the world, let us keep "front and center" the redemption of our particular communities. As sinners are showered with the blessings of heaven, they will experience joys the likes of which they never did (nor could) experience in the world.
[Puritan quote of the day: "God gives by denying sometimes . . . " --William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
" . . . And there was great joy in that city."
Sometimes believers forget that the gospel brings great joy to entire cities, as numerous people receive salvation and the forgiveness of their sins, and they are brought into the church. This theme is prominent in the Book of Acts, and the principle runs throughout the entire Bible. (Remember how Nineveh was spared, at the preaching of Jonah?)
Therefore, as we conceive of the church's mission in the world, let us keep "front and center" the redemption of our particular communities. As sinners are showered with the blessings of heaven, they will experience joys the likes of which they never did (nor could) experience in the world.
[Puritan quote of the day: "God gives by denying sometimes . . . " --William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
Friday, July 18, 2014
Fri.-Sabbath, 7/18-20/14 Devotion
Yippee--it's almost Sunday! Here is Thomas Watson, from, "A Body of Divin-ity":
"Go to Christ's blood for peace. Some go to fetch their peace from their own righteousness, not Christ's: they go for peace to their holy life, not Christ's death. If conscience be troubled, they strive to quiet it with their duties. This is not the right way to peace. Duties must not be neglected, nor yet idolized. Look to the blood of sprinkling, (Heb. 12:24). That blood of Christ which paci-fied God, must pacify conscience. Christ's blood being sucked in by faith, gives peace. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God,' (Rom 5:1). No balm to cure a wounded conscience, but the blood of Christ."
"Go to Christ's blood for peace. Some go to fetch their peace from their own righteousness, not Christ's: they go for peace to their holy life, not Christ's death. If conscience be troubled, they strive to quiet it with their duties. This is not the right way to peace. Duties must not be neglected, nor yet idolized. Look to the blood of sprinkling, (Heb. 12:24). That blood of Christ which paci-fied God, must pacify conscience. Christ's blood being sucked in by faith, gives peace. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God,' (Rom 5:1). No balm to cure a wounded conscience, but the blood of Christ."
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