Yippee—it is almost Sunday! We get to go back to church again! In order to help get us ready for Sabbath worship, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, entitled, "The Art of Divine Contentment":
"Contentment is a divine thing; it becomes ours, not by acquisition, but infu-sion. It is a slip [graft] taken off from the tree of life, and planted by the Spirit of God in the soul. It is a fruit that grows not in the garden of philosophy, but is of an heavenly birth. It is therefore very observable that contentment is joined with godliness, and goes in with it; 'Godliness with contentment is great gain,' (1 Tim. 6:6).
"Contentment being a consequent of godliness, or concomitant, or both, I call it divine, to contradistinguish it from that of a type of contentment, which a moral man may arrive at. Heathens have seemed to have this contentment, but it was only the shadow and picture of it. It was the beryl, not the true dia-mond. Theirs was but civil, this is sacred; theirs was only from principles of reason, this of true religion; theirs was only lighted at nature's torch, this at the lamp of scripture. . . . "
Friday, March 18, 2016
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Thurs., 3/17/16 Devotion (Gal. 3:24)
Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 3:24, where we read these words, written by Paul:
"Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justifi-ed by faith."
The law of God *does* have several roles in believers' lives. Its main purpose is to drive us to despair, with regard to finding or achieving any righteousness before a holy God on the basis of religious works or good behavior. The law condemns us, and shuts out any and every vestige of hoped-for self-right-eousness.
But, thankfully, once we sinners are brought to the utter "end" of ourselves—we are graciously directed to the One (Christ) who actually *can* save us. By faith we take hold of Jesus' righteousness, and we are then placed into His body (the church), and enjoy all the benefits that have accrued to Him.
[Puritan quote of the day: "He who has ever been acquainted with God and seen the light of His pleased face would rather die a thousand deaths than forfeit His favor or incur His displeasure.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way to True Happiness"]
"Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justifi-ed by faith."
The law of God *does* have several roles in believers' lives. Its main purpose is to drive us to despair, with regard to finding or achieving any righteousness before a holy God on the basis of religious works or good behavior. The law condemns us, and shuts out any and every vestige of hoped-for self-right-eousness.
But, thankfully, once we sinners are brought to the utter "end" of ourselves—we are graciously directed to the One (Christ) who actually *can* save us. By faith we take hold of Jesus' righteousness, and we are then placed into His body (the church), and enjoy all the benefits that have accrued to Him.
[Puritan quote of the day: "He who has ever been acquainted with God and seen the light of His pleased face would rather die a thousand deaths than forfeit His favor or incur His displeasure.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way to True Happiness"]
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Wed., 3/16/16 Devotion (Jn. 6:68)
Today's encouragement comes from John 6:68, where we read these words:
"But Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.' "
Whenever we are tempted to believe that there could be happiness, life, ful-fillment, or any other good thing to be somehow found *outside* of our Lord Jesus Christ—let us remember Peter's words (above). To whom other could we go? Who, or what else could or does possess the power to give us eternal life? And all this life is found in Jesus Himself. He never directs us elsewhere; but always to His own body and blood.
There is no one and no thing that can do for us what Christ can and does do for us. Let a lot other people abandon Christ and His church (as they did in Jn., ch. 6)—and so show their true colors. But for the faithful and sincere be-lievers—made that way by grace—may we stick with the only One who gives us life.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Sinner, the day you leave your sins and set upon a course of holiness, God will pardon all that is past. . . . The Lord never up-braids a penitent with former unkindnesses.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Mis-chief of Sin"]
"But Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.' "
Whenever we are tempted to believe that there could be happiness, life, ful-fillment, or any other good thing to be somehow found *outside* of our Lord Jesus Christ—let us remember Peter's words (above). To whom other could we go? Who, or what else could or does possess the power to give us eternal life? And all this life is found in Jesus Himself. He never directs us elsewhere; but always to His own body and blood.
There is no one and no thing that can do for us what Christ can and does do for us. Let a lot other people abandon Christ and His church (as they did in Jn., ch. 6)—and so show their true colors. But for the faithful and sincere be-lievers—made that way by grace—may we stick with the only One who gives us life.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Sinner, the day you leave your sins and set upon a course of holiness, God will pardon all that is past. . . . The Lord never up-braids a penitent with former unkindnesses.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Mis-chief of Sin"]
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Tues., 3/15/16 Devotion (Lk. 5:24)
Today's encouragement comes from John 5:24, where our Lord Jesus Christ said this:
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has pass-ed from death into life."
Is it not truly amazing that it is through hearing and believing the gospel that we *hear* Christ's ministers preach—and not through what we *do*—that se-cures the righteousness of Jesus to our souls? After all, we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8); and faith comes by hearing (Rom. 10:17)—and not by doing.
The simplicity of this good news is a continual stumbling block to many—es-pecially to religious people, who imagine themselves to put God into their debt, by their deeds. For the true saints, however, it is the sweetest truth in all the world.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Inasmuch as the righteousness of the second Adam [Christ] exceeds the first [Adam], so are you more happy, more holy in the second Adam than ever the first in himself was.” —Thomas Shepard, in, "The Sincere Convert"]
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has pass-ed from death into life."
Is it not truly amazing that it is through hearing and believing the gospel that we *hear* Christ's ministers preach—and not through what we *do*—that se-cures the righteousness of Jesus to our souls? After all, we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8); and faith comes by hearing (Rom. 10:17)—and not by doing.
The simplicity of this good news is a continual stumbling block to many—es-pecially to religious people, who imagine themselves to put God into their debt, by their deeds. For the true saints, however, it is the sweetest truth in all the world.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Inasmuch as the righteousness of the second Adam [Christ] exceeds the first [Adam], so are you more happy, more holy in the second Adam than ever the first in himself was.” —Thomas Shepard, in, "The Sincere Convert"]
Monday, March 14, 2016
Mon., 3/14/16 Devotion (2 Cor. 13:8)
Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 13:8, where we read these words:
"For we can do nothing against the truth, but [only] for the truth."
Those Christian churchmen who are faithful in their rightful callings: be they as apostles (as per Paul, [and we have them no more]); or as ministers; or as other church officers; or as believing parishioners—cannot do anything "against the truth," but only "for" it.
How is this possible? Does this not seem preposterous? It is possible, and true because of the superintending work of God Himself, which keeps His true children in the fold, and in the faith. If we live by faith in Jesus today, lov-ing Him—then we may essentially do whatever we will—since what we do will be in harmony with God’s perfect will in Christ. What we do will please our Father (because of Jesus' sacrifice); and it will forward the truth of the gospel.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Peter at one time believes and walks, at another time he doubts and sinks, (Matt. 14:30).” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]
"For we can do nothing against the truth, but [only] for the truth."
Those Christian churchmen who are faithful in their rightful callings: be they as apostles (as per Paul, [and we have them no more]); or as ministers; or as other church officers; or as believing parishioners—cannot do anything "against the truth," but only "for" it.
How is this possible? Does this not seem preposterous? It is possible, and true because of the superintending work of God Himself, which keeps His true children in the fold, and in the faith. If we live by faith in Jesus today, lov-ing Him—then we may essentially do whatever we will—since what we do will be in harmony with God’s perfect will in Christ. What we do will please our Father (because of Jesus' sacrifice); and it will forward the truth of the gospel.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Peter at one time believes and walks, at another time he doubts and sinks, (Matt. 14:30).” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]
Friday, March 11, 2016
Fri.-Sabbath, 3/11-13/16 Devotion
Wahoo—it is almost Sunday! Here is Thomas Watson, from his, "A Body of Divinity" book. . . .
"God's providence reaches to all places, persons, and occurrences. 1) To all places: 'Am I a God at hand, and not a God afar off?' (Jer 23:23). The area where Providence visits is very large; it reaches to heaven, earth, and sea. 'They that go down to the sea, see the wonders of God in the deep,' (Psa 107:23, 24). Now, that the sea, which [appears to be] higher than the earth, should not drown the earth, is a wonder of Providence. The prophet Jonah saw the wonders of God in the deep, when the very fish which devoured him and swallowed him brought him safe to shore.
"2) God's providence reaches to all persons, especially the persons of the godly, who in a special manner are taken notice of. God takes care of every saint in particular, as if He had none else to care for. 'He cares for you,' (1 Pet 5:7), i.e., the elect in a special manner. 'The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him; to preserve them from death, and to keep them alive in famine,' (Psa 33:18, 19). God by His providential care shields off dangers from His people, and sets a life-guard of angels about them, (Psa 34:7). God's provi-dence keeps the very bones of the saints, (Psa 34:20). It bottles their tears, (Psa 56:8). It strengthens the saints in their weakness, (Heb 11:34). It sup-plies all their wants out of its alms [charity] basket, (Psa 23:5). Thus Provi-dence wonderfully supplies the wants of the elect."
"God's providence reaches to all places, persons, and occurrences. 1) To all places: 'Am I a God at hand, and not a God afar off?' (Jer 23:23). The area where Providence visits is very large; it reaches to heaven, earth, and sea. 'They that go down to the sea, see the wonders of God in the deep,' (Psa 107:23, 24). Now, that the sea, which [appears to be] higher than the earth, should not drown the earth, is a wonder of Providence. The prophet Jonah saw the wonders of God in the deep, when the very fish which devoured him and swallowed him brought him safe to shore.
"2) God's providence reaches to all persons, especially the persons of the godly, who in a special manner are taken notice of. God takes care of every saint in particular, as if He had none else to care for. 'He cares for you,' (1 Pet 5:7), i.e., the elect in a special manner. 'The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him; to preserve them from death, and to keep them alive in famine,' (Psa 33:18, 19). God by His providential care shields off dangers from His people, and sets a life-guard of angels about them, (Psa 34:7). God's provi-dence keeps the very bones of the saints, (Psa 34:20). It bottles their tears, (Psa 56:8). It strengthens the saints in their weakness, (Heb 11:34). It sup-plies all their wants out of its alms [charity] basket, (Psa 23:5). Thus Provi-dence wonderfully supplies the wants of the elect."
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Thurs., 3/10/16 Devotion (Lk. 24:45)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 24:45, where we read these words:
"And [Jesus] opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures."
The Scriptures are important to Christ—and so is our comprehension (or un-derstanding) of them. It could be argued that to possess the Bible, but not to grasp what it means, is of little good, and could even be dangerous. The Holy Book can only benefit us when and if the Son of God, through the Holy Spirit's work, "opens our understanding."
When this happens, we discover that we are being led to Jesus Christ in every line (cf. vv. 25, 27, 44). We also comprehend that the Scriptures are covenantal documents, to be elucidated and applied in the context of the community of the visible church (cf. 2 Tim. 4:1-2). How about us, today? Has Christ opened our understandings, so that we might see Him in all the texts of the written Word of God?
[Puritan quote of the day: "Only Christ can satisfy the soul. All other ways and things will only end in disappointment.” —John Owen, in, "Communion with God"]
"And [Jesus] opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures."
The Scriptures are important to Christ—and so is our comprehension (or un-derstanding) of them. It could be argued that to possess the Bible, but not to grasp what it means, is of little good, and could even be dangerous. The Holy Book can only benefit us when and if the Son of God, through the Holy Spirit's work, "opens our understanding."
When this happens, we discover that we are being led to Jesus Christ in every line (cf. vv. 25, 27, 44). We also comprehend that the Scriptures are covenantal documents, to be elucidated and applied in the context of the community of the visible church (cf. 2 Tim. 4:1-2). How about us, today? Has Christ opened our understandings, so that we might see Him in all the texts of the written Word of God?
[Puritan quote of the day: "Only Christ can satisfy the soul. All other ways and things will only end in disappointment.” —John Owen, in, "Communion with God"]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
