Today's encouragement comes from Luke 23:12, where we read these words:
"That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previous-ly they had been at enmity with each other."
Have we ever considered that the devil does quite well at holding his forces together? God's people could learn a lesson from this fact. We ought to be in-finitely *more* united around Jesus, and His church's gospel doctrine, than Satan and his followers are, around their hatred for Christ and His people.
What made Herod and Pilate like each other? Not their affinity for Jeru-salem's restaurants. Instead, they stood arm-in-arm in opposition to the stat-ed Kingship of Jesus. This is why even today we find Christian hypocrites "in bed" with Muslims, atheists, and all other unbelievers. They are all united to-gether in their resistance to our unconquerable Sovereign, Christ the Lord.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The work and business of ministers of the gospel is, as it were, that of servants: to wash and cleanse the souls of men; for this is done by the preaching of the Word, which is their main business.” —Jona-than Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "Christ the Example of Ministers"]
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Tues., 12/8/15 Devotion (Lk. 22:43)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 22:43, where we read these words:
"Then an angel appeared to Him [Jesus] from heaven, strengthening Him."
All God's churchmen need strength. Even the very Captain of our souls, the Head of the church Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ, did. A lot of times we chil-dren of God find ourselves in trouble, or need. Naturally, we call out to God for deliverance and freedom (from what afflicts us). But what oftentimes the Lord chooses to do, is *not* to immediately extricate us from our problem—but to use it as a great opportunity to make us stronger.
After all: this happened with our Savior Himself. He is in the Garden of Geth-semane, He is in agony and anguish; and His Father chooses to give Him strength to endure the looming cross, (rather than a way around it). This is certainly something for us to think about today. . . .
[Puritan quote of the day: "The nature of God is lovely in Christ, and our na-ture in Christ is lovely to Him.” —Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]
"Then an angel appeared to Him [Jesus] from heaven, strengthening Him."
All God's churchmen need strength. Even the very Captain of our souls, the Head of the church Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ, did. A lot of times we chil-dren of God find ourselves in trouble, or need. Naturally, we call out to God for deliverance and freedom (from what afflicts us). But what oftentimes the Lord chooses to do, is *not* to immediately extricate us from our problem—but to use it as a great opportunity to make us stronger.
After all: this happened with our Savior Himself. He is in the Garden of Geth-semane, He is in agony and anguish; and His Father chooses to give Him strength to endure the looming cross, (rather than a way around it). This is certainly something for us to think about today. . . .
[Puritan quote of the day: "The nature of God is lovely in Christ, and our na-ture in Christ is lovely to Him.” —Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]
Monday, December 7, 2015
Mon., 12/7/15 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."
These are interesting words from the tender and sensitive "apostle of love," (John). Is it not the case that sweet-natured people are to listen to just about anyone? Are we not to be open to everyone's take on God? Actually, no. The best love says, “You are coming to my house with a false gospel of works. I serve the God of heaven, who gave His Son for my sins. I do not need, nor will l tolerate your doctrines of demons."
Does this mean we do not try to reach these people? No, it does not mean that. Here is the rule to go by: inform all heretical 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"]
"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him."
These are interesting words from the tender and sensitive "apostle of love," (John). Is it not the case that sweet-natured people are to listen to just about anyone? Are we not to be open to everyone's take on God? Actually, no. The best love says, “You are coming to my house with a false gospel of works. I serve the God of heaven, who gave His Son for my sins. I do not need, nor will l tolerate your doctrines of demons."
Does this mean we do not try to reach these people? No, it does not mean that. Here is the rule to go by: inform all heretical 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"]
Friday, December 4, 2015
Fri.-Sabbath, 12/4-6/15 Devotion
Hurray—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his work entitled, "The Lord's Prayer." (He is dealing with the second petition, "Thy Kingdom Come," here.) . . .
"God is a glorious King. 'Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory,' (Psa. 24:10). He has internal glory: 'The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty,' (Psa. 93:1). Other kings have royal and sumptuous ap-parel to make them appear glorious to beholders, but all their magnificence is borrowed. God is clothed with His own majesty; His own glorious essence is instead of royal robes, and 'He has girded Himself with strength.' Kings have their guard about them to defend their person, because they are not able to defend themselves; but God needs no guard or assistance from others. 'He has girded Himself with strength.' His own power is His lifeguard. 'Who in the heaven can be compared to the Lord?'
"Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord?,' (Psa. 89:6). He has a pre-eminence above all other kings for majesty. 'He has on His vesture a name written, Rex Regum, KING OF KINGS,' (Rev. 19:16). He has the highest throne, the richest crown, the largest dominions, and the longest possession. 'The Lord sits as King forever,' (Psa. 29:10). Though He has many heirs, yet no successors. He sets up His throne where no other king does; He rules the will and affections; His power binds the conscience. Angels serve Him; all the kings of the earth hold their crowns and diadems by immediate tenure from this great King. 'By Me kings reign,' (Prov. 8:15). To this Lord Jehovah all kings must give account, and from His tribunal there is no appeal."
"God is a glorious King. 'Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory,' (Psa. 24:10). He has internal glory: 'The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty,' (Psa. 93:1). Other kings have royal and sumptuous ap-parel to make them appear glorious to beholders, but all their magnificence is borrowed. God is clothed with His own majesty; His own glorious essence is instead of royal robes, and 'He has girded Himself with strength.' Kings have their guard about them to defend their person, because they are not able to defend themselves; but God needs no guard or assistance from others. 'He has girded Himself with strength.' His own power is His lifeguard. 'Who in the heaven can be compared to the Lord?'
"Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord?,' (Psa. 89:6). He has a pre-eminence above all other kings for majesty. 'He has on His vesture a name written, Rex Regum, KING OF KINGS,' (Rev. 19:16). He has the highest throne, the richest crown, the largest dominions, and the longest possession. 'The Lord sits as King forever,' (Psa. 29:10). Though He has many heirs, yet no successors. He sets up His throne where no other king does; He rules the will and affections; His power binds the conscience. Angels serve Him; all the kings of the earth hold their crowns and diadems by immediate tenure from this great King. 'By Me kings reign,' (Prov. 8:15). To this Lord Jehovah all kings must give account, and from His tribunal there is no appeal."
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Thurs., 12/3/15 Devotion (Nah. 1:7)
Today's encouragement comes from Nahum 1:7, which says this:
"The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him."
Because God is inherently benevolent (good), He is able to help His believing children whenever they are in distress. But the phrase that most comforts me is that, [quote], "He knows those who trust in Him." This knowledge is not only informational, viz., "Joe trusts Me, Fred does not”—but it is *personal*, viz., "I KNOW Joe, hehe iss one of My redeemed churchmen. I also love Joe."
Our trust in God is not perfect in this life. Therefore, let us not be tricked by the devil into thinking that we have *no* faith in Christ, when in fact we *do*—even though it is not to the degree that we desire.
[Puritan quote of the day: "You come to prayer and cannot tell what to
say. . . . Can you breathe? God's ear lies open to the breathings of a soul He has received to mercy.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]
"The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him."
Because God is inherently benevolent (good), He is able to help His believing children whenever they are in distress. But the phrase that most comforts me is that, [quote], "He knows those who trust in Him." This knowledge is not only informational, viz., "Joe trusts Me, Fred does not”—but it is *personal*, viz., "I KNOW Joe, hehe iss one of My redeemed churchmen. I also love Joe."
Our trust in God is not perfect in this life. Therefore, let us not be tricked by the devil into thinking that we have *no* faith in Christ, when in fact we *do*—even though it is not to the degree that we desire.
[Puritan quote of the day: "You come to prayer and cannot tell what to
say. . . . Can you breathe? God's ear lies open to the breathings of a soul He has received to mercy.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Wed., 12/2/15 Devotion (Lk. 16:31)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 16:31, where we read these amaz-ing words:
"But [Jesus] said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.' "
No one was ever converted to Christ on the basis of beholding miracles—even the great one of Jesus' bodily resurrection. Instead, all those who truly belong to God are in this blessed state because of the great miracle of re-generation (or the new birth). No one believes the Bible, either, until or unless the Holy Spirit gives him or her Christ's righteousness (and the subsequent new nature in Him).
Therefore, let us not be surprised at the recalcitrant blindness and rebellion of sinners, who simply *will* not believe. The truth is they *cannot* believe, until God sovereignly calls them. Let us ask the Lord to do this for all our lost friends.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Now Christ and the church are all one. They make but one mystical body. The church is the queen, and Christ is the King.”
—Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]
"But [Jesus] said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.' "
No one was ever converted to Christ on the basis of beholding miracles—even the great one of Jesus' bodily resurrection. Instead, all those who truly belong to God are in this blessed state because of the great miracle of re-generation (or the new birth). No one believes the Bible, either, until or unless the Holy Spirit gives him or her Christ's righteousness (and the subsequent new nature in Him).
Therefore, let us not be surprised at the recalcitrant blindness and rebellion of sinners, who simply *will* not believe. The truth is they *cannot* believe, until God sovereignly calls them. Let us ask the Lord to do this for all our lost friends.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Now Christ and the church are all one. They make but one mystical body. The church is the queen, and Christ is the King.”
—Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Tues., 12/1/15 Devotion (Lk. 15:1)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 15:1, where we read these words:
"Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him [Jesus] to hear Him."
Are not verses like this one (above) astounding? Let us ask ourselves: "Why did the notorious 'sinners' find Christ so compelling, so attractive, so alluring, that they would gather around Him, and hang on every word that fell from His blessed mouth?" I believe it is because they knew that He was real. They knew that He was not a religious freak, or a hypocrite, or a puffed-up doctrin-aire. They also knew that Jesus genuinely cared for them.
Let all of us who are sincere Christian churchmen recognize that if unbeliev-ers do not find us magnetic—something is wrong with us, not them. Jesus set the standard; let us follow in His blessed steps. Let pharisees despise us; but may ordinary sinners love us, and seek us out.
[Puritan quote of the day: "If you grieve [God's] Spirit in heaven, He will sad-den your spirit on earth.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]
"Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him [Jesus] to hear Him."
Are not verses like this one (above) astounding? Let us ask ourselves: "Why did the notorious 'sinners' find Christ so compelling, so attractive, so alluring, that they would gather around Him, and hang on every word that fell from His blessed mouth?" I believe it is because they knew that He was real. They knew that He was not a religious freak, or a hypocrite, or a puffed-up doctrin-aire. They also knew that Jesus genuinely cared for them.
Let all of us who are sincere Christian churchmen recognize that if unbeliev-ers do not find us magnetic—something is wrong with us, not them. Jesus set the standard; let us follow in His blessed steps. Let pharisees despise us; but may ordinary sinners love us, and seek us out.
[Puritan quote of the day: "If you grieve [God's] Spirit in heaven, He will sad-den your spirit on earth.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]
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