Mon., 1/8/18 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."

The only time any city, state, or nation ever possesses real and solid joy, is when the church brings the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to it; and the Holy Spirit uses that preaching, as He regenerates and calls sinners unto the Triune God. Here, Philip had conveyed the good news to Samaria, a largely-despised place; and it [Samaria] got transformed, and very happy.

The genuineness of revival will always be manifested in the culture. It starts in the church, but it is not possible for it to be contained there. Let us pray for the Lord to raise up His officers and parishioners in His churches, who will proclaim the life of Jesus to every part of this fallen planet.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Wherever there is truth there will be victory.”
—Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]