Thurs., 1018/18 Devotion (1 Ki. 21:3)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Kings 21:3, where we read these words:

"But Naboth said to Ahab, 'The LORD forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!' "

When true believers sin, we give some of the priceless treasure of the cove-nant of God's grace to the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh. Naboth refused even his earthly king what was rightfully his [Naboth's], by divine be-stowment. Naboth would not bow to pressure, or convention; but rather took his place with the true church of God.

How about us? Are we zealous to retain what God has given us in Jesus, so that we will be fruitful and productive in the world; or are we willing to sell what is precious to God's enemies?

[Puritan quote of the day: "[Improper religious] toleration is the grave of refor-mation. . . . By toleration we adopt other men's sins and make them our own.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "Christ's Loveliness"]