Thurs., 10/9/25 Devotion (Php. 3:17)

Today's encouragement comes from Philippians 3:17, where we read these words:

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk ac-cording to the example you have in us.” (ESV)

Imitation is an important part of Christian living. A true disciple can do nothing—especially of a religious nature—that cannot be imitated by every other be-liever. Paul imitated Jesus; and he (Paul) commanded the church to imitate him. True ministers of the church imitate Paul; and the parishioners imitate (the minister).

Poor examples abound in religion, (see vv. 18-19); but good examples, though comparatively rare, lead to the glorious life in the gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ, (see vv. 20-21).

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a vain thing to think that true religion can be maintained, and have the liberty of it, without some difference of opinion among us.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Hope"]

Wed., 10/8/25 Devotion (Ps. 92:13-14)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 92:13 & 14, where we read these great words:

"Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flour-ishing . . . "

It is nice, to know that there is no age discrimination in the kingdom (church) of God. But, it is more important to know that anyone—young or old—who is rooted in Jesus and therefore inhabits God’s “house,” “flourish.” Those who do not love Jesus are spiritually dead; those that by grace love Him are vi-brantly alive.

Let the saints know who and what they are: they are the living members of Christ’s body; and they are the objects of all of God’s vivifying love.

[Puritan quote of the day: "No matter what storms I meet with, I know where to put in for harbor. He who has God to be his God is so well contented with his condition that he does not much care whether he has anything else.”

—Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Tues., 10/7/25 Devotion (Ps. 91:9-10)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 91:9 & 10, where we read these words:

"Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling . . . “

How is it possible, that these two verses (above) can be true, given the fact that sincere lovers of God in Christ are always in the cross-hairs of Satan and evil human beings? Answer: both are true. We *are* in danger every moment; *and*, we are protected by our all-powerful God.

Since this is so, how do we explain the evils that sometimes do befall God’s true children? The secret and sovereign love of God is the explanation. Both security and tribulation are designed to conform the regenerate church into the image of Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "All the wicked, still, are under the covenant of works . . . “ —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Mon., 10/6/25 Devotion (Ps. 90:17)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 90:17, where Moses wrote these words:

"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.”

As the “beauty” of the Lord is “upon” us, God *will* “establish the work of our hands,” i.e. bless all His ministry done in us for the glory of Jesus Christ and the gospel of free grace. God only blesses what is beautiful/nothing else. All true beauty is from God; and all of it is centered on and in Christ.

No true saint wants to waste his or her life. This is why we join Moses, in im-ploring our Heavenly Father to, “establish the work of our hands.” This “work” is the result of the work of Jesus, who imputes His perfect life and His atoning death to our hearts and their accounts.

[Edwards quote of the day: "God has a greater delight in the sincere worship and love of one poor, obscure Christian than in all that is done throughout the globe by irreligious kings and princes.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "Christians a Chosen Generation"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/3-5/25 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is almost here again! In order to help us get ready for church, here are some good words from John Owen’s sermon, entitled, “The Beauty and Strength of Zion.” . . .

“In that the enemies of Christ’s church are certainly mistaken presently in their attacks on the church, because, as they imagine, it has no defenses (though they will find out at last that there is a defense, which they had not seen or known of), why should we be afraid? There is nothing more encour-aging than when one knows that one’s enemies are mistaken about one’s situation. This is enough to make the greatest coward in the world courag-eous. Let us be sure to be found within this defended garrison, and sure that we are involved in Zion’s concerns; then we shall see all the mountains round about us full of chariots and horses of fire. We shall see Christ reigning, the promise of Christ engaged, and the watchful eye of God upon the church continually. Our fears come from failing to consider these things at all times, and forming carnal views on the basis of things that are seen."

Thurs., 10/2/25 Devotion (Eph. 2:8-9)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 2:8 & 9, where we find these remarkable words:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of your-selves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Faith in Jesus Christ is God’s gift to us. We receive this gift in our regenera-tions—when we are born again to our living hope. Justification has nothing to do with works. “Justification-works” are an abomination to God. They are the devil’s works (and religion).

We are saved through the sheer grace of God. We cannot “boast” before God for anything—since we had nothing at all to do with our righteous standing before God. Jesus did it all; He gets all the glory; we get none of it.

[Puritan quote of the day: "To be rich in goods and rich in goodness is a hap-py condition." —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Wed., 10/1/25 Devotion (Ezek. 34:23)

Today's encouragement comes from Ezekiel 34:23, where we read these words:

“And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd.” (ESV)

This remarkable Messianic prophecy was perfectly fulfilled by Jesus, the church’s ultimate David. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd both feeds His flock; and He protects and defends His own.

Christ “feeds” us His own self: His body and His blood; and He defeats all our enemies, be they sin, Satan, the flesh, the world, hell, condemnation, and every other foe. Our Great Shepherd laid down His precious life for us. There is nothing He will not do for His redeemed church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a Christian's duty to triumph, not only over the world, but over Satan . . . “ —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]