Fri.-Sabbath, 5/27-29/22 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! So as to help prepare us for the Lord's Day's church worship, here are some good words from the Jonathan Ed-wards, as they are taken from his sermon entitled, "God Glorified in Man's Dependence”:

"The grace of God in bestowing this gift of salvation is completely free. God was under no obligation to bestow this grace. He might well have rejected fal-len man as He did the fallen angels. We never did anything to merit God’s grace; it was given to us while we were yet God’s enemies, and before we had so much as even repented. It was from the love of God, who saw no ex-cellency in us to attract it. . . .

"And it is from mere grace that the benefits of Christ are applied to such and such particular persons. Those who are called and sanctified are to attribute it to the good pleasure of God's goodness alone, by which they are distinguish-ed. God is sovereign, and has mercy on who He will have mercy."

Thurs., 5/26/22 Devotion (1 Jn. 5:4)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 John 5:4, where we read these words:

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

This is a favorite verse of mine—partly because it confirms so much hope for life in this world. Do we realize that regenerate churchmen who walk with Jesus are lords over the devil, his horde, and all persons who hope in inferior religions? This does not mean that we are sinless (because we are not); and it does not make us tyrants (because that is not how Jesus rules).

. . . But our faith in Christ provides us a perfect victory over all the fallen world; and we need not fear it, submit to its ways, nor be in any way manipu-lated by it. Let all God's children rejoice in their Redeemer; and let us always recognize the absolute primacy of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is not so much the sins we have committed that so provoke and grieve Christ as that we refuse the [medicine] of repentance which He prescribes.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Wed., 5/25/22 Devotion (1 Jn. 4:16a)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 John 4:16a, where we read these few words:

"And we have known and believed the love that God has for us . . . "

It is a huge blessing for Christians in the true church to know and believe that God loves us. This is especially true, since in our natural state of sin we hated God. But now, as we are in Jesus, we are loved by Him; and we love Him (cf. v. 10a). Now, because we recognize that we are loved by God, and we actu-ally believe the incredible fact of this truth—we cannot do enough for Christ. God's love now "compels" us, (2 Cor. 5:14), to a lively obedience.

If we do not know and believe that God loves us, then we will inevitably show ourselves to be spiritually unfaithful—since we will seek our affection from idols. This is why it is imperative that Christians get a solid interest in Jesus’ gospel—so that we are the genuine objects of His love.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Such as think totally to ruin the church, must do it in a time when it is neither day nor night, for the Lord keeps [the church] by His providence night and day.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Tues., 5/24/22 Devotion (1 Jn. 3:8b)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 John 3:8b, where the apostle wrote these words:

"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil."

I really like this half-verse a lot. I am glad that Jesus came to earth to “destroy the works of the devil.” I am happy that the true church’s gentle and tender Chief Shepherd takes up arms against His (and our) foes—and utterly obliter-ates them.

Christ did not come here to pander to the works of the devil, to put up with the works of the devil, to promote the lies of the works of the devil, and/or to countenance the works of the devil. Instead, our beautiful and strong Re-deemer came here to “destroy the works of the devil.” May all the church’s real saints exclaim, “Amen!"

[Puritan quote of the day: "If we love God, our hearts ache for the dishonor done to God by wicked men.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Mon., 5/23/22 Devotion (Ps. 77:13)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 77:13, where Asaph wrote these words:

"Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; who is so great a God as our God?"

God always operates from His sanctuary. The Old Covenant sanctuary was a type of heaven, (cf. Heb. 8:4-5). In the heavenly sanctuary today, the Son of God intercedes for His saints by virtue of His atoning death, (cf. Heb. 7:25). The gathered church in Sunday worship constitutes the place of God's sanc-tuary, (cf. 1 Pet. 2:4-5). And finally, the individual hearts of the regenerate churchmen are also the place of His sanctuary, (cf. 1 Cor. 3:16).

*From* God's sanctuary goes forth praise of Christ, and the evangelism of the world. Let us be thankful that the true God is the God of the sanctuary: the place of worship and rest.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Here is a pillar of support to every soul who has broken off sin and espoused holiness. This is an undoubted evidence that you are a true child of God.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Mischief of Sin"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 5/20-22/22 Devotion

In order to help God's people prepare for their highest and holiest privilege in this world: that being the Lord's Day observance of worship and rest, let us consider these excellent words of the great Puritan pastor Jeremiah Bur-roughs, from his outstanding book, entitled, "Gospel Remission.” . . .

"Though we ministers of Christ preach against the vanities and deceptions of this world, this is neither the main thing we do, nor is it the right method of preaching—as we minister to the hearts of people—nor is this the great end of Christ's ascension. Jesus did not give gifts principally for these things, but rather to reveal the great doctrine of the pardon of sin.

"Ministers need not flit about, in order to get esteem and love, and to make themselves honorable among the people. If they would simply apply them-selves to preaching the great doctrine God has assigned to them—that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their sin—they cannot help but gain respect in the hearts of those to whom God has appoint-ed this mercy."

Thurs., 5/19/22 Devotion (Isa. 19:24-25)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 19:24 & 25, which finds the pro-phet writing these remarkable words:

"In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, 'Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inherit-ance.' "

We should be so encouraged by the New Covenant's promises of the gos-pel’s and the church's universality, and realized victory. For Isaiah to pro-phesy these words must have seemed extremely preposterous and impos-sible to his contemporaries. But, because of the coming of the "Rod from the stem of Jesse [Christ]," (Isa. 11:1 ff.)—the fulfillment of this prophecy was not only possible, but inevitable. (For a good NT explanation of the folding togeth-er of all the nations into the church, see Eph. 2, esp. at vv. 11-13.)

Let us revel in the wonderful strength of our Savior Jesus Christ; and thank God for His comprehensive rule of the entire world.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Which of these two is more fit to take place, God's justice or man's reason? . . . The plumb line of our reason is too short to fa-thom the depth of God's justice.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Wed., 5/18/22 Devotion (Ps. 71:16b)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 71:16b, where we read these words (of David):

" . . . I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only."

This little phrase (above) is a good reminder that the *only* Human Being who has any *inherent* righteousness is Jesus Christ alone. All of *our* righ-teousness is derived from Christ, via imputation. (We have no righteousness of our own—ever since Adam's fall.) When it comes to the greatest form of righteousness (i.e. justification before God), this is Christ’s righteousness giv-en over to our account. When it comes to any form of "civil" righteousness (which cannot and does not save), any person may possess it, but it is given as a token of God's "common" grace.

Let us who have received the gift of regeneration in Christ bless God that we possess *His* (Jesus') Own righteousness. This is the great advantage of the true church; and it is cause for extreme rejoicing.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The truth is, we should listen as much to the voice of God in the ministry of His Word as if the Lord should speak out of the clouds to us.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Worship"]

Tues., 5/17/22 Devotion (1 Pet. 4:19)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Peter 4:19, where we read these words:

"Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator."

Suffering is never fun; but it can forward the genuine progress of the saints of God’s true church. Suffering has a cleansing effect on our souls; and it draws us back to Christ. If we are going to have to suffer anyway, let us do so for doing good, or for insisting on God's ways. "Commit[ting [our] souls" to God means that we do what is right, and leave the consequences with our Heav-enly Father.

It is interesting that Peter refers to the Lord as a faithful "Creator," at the end of this verse—rather than a Redeemer. God's creation covers everything in the universe: those things that positively affect our obedience, and those things that "negatively" affect it.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Satan tempts us to sin under a pretense of relig-ion. He is most to be feared when he transforms himself into an angel of light.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Mon., 5/16/22 Devotion (Ps. 56:3-4)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 56:3 & 4, where David wrote these words:

"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?"

God's children are, from time-to-time, afraid. David had his problems; and un-doubtedly we have ours, too. It is precisely at the exact moment of fear, how-ever, that we are most able to strengthen ourselves in God's grace, and trust Him. This trust, then, has the effect of turning fear away from us. After that, a renewed sense of confidence in Jesus arises in our hearts, which allows us to say, "What can flesh do to me?"

Let us not be undone by fear. Instead, let us turn it on its head; and use it for our own advantage. Let us see it as a fresh opportunity to trust God in and through our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Purity of heart is the jewel which is hung only upon the elect. As chastity distinguishes a virtuous woman from a harlot, so the true saint is distinguished from the hypocrite by his heart-purity.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Beatitudes"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 5/13-15/22 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here! We get to go back to church again!! In order to help us get ready for Worship, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "The Spiritual Watch" treatise. . . .

"Keep your heart as you would keep a temple. The temple was a hallowed place, set apart for God's worship. Just so, the heart is the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16). This heart-temple must be kept pure and holy—no filth may lie here. Sweep the dust out of the temple. The vessels of the temple were cleansed (2 Chron. 29:15). Thus the memory, affections, and conscience, these temple vessels, must be cleansed (2 Cor. 7:1). Christ whipped the buy-ers and sellers out of the temple in John 2. The cares of the world will be crowding into the heart. Now you must get a whip made of the threatenings of the Law, and drive these money-changers out of the temple of your heart. Do not let God's temple be turned into a worldly market.

"The temple had a fire burning on the altar; take heed of strange fire. But keep the fire of zeal and devotion flaming upon the altar of your heart. Do temple work and offer up the sacrifice of a broken heart. When the heart is a consecrated place, a holy of holies, then God will walk there. . . . David's heart was a dedicated temple (Ps. 119:38)."

Thurs., 5/12/22 Devotion (Jas. 4:6)

Today's encouragement comes from James 4:6, where we read these words:

"But [God] gives more grace. Therefore He says: 'God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.' "

Are we not glad that God "gives more grace"? This is sanctifying grace, that both causes us to humble ourselves (before the Lord), and increases our hu-mility (before Him). No one in their right mind would really want to be "resist-ed" by God. Who could withstand the Almighty?

Let us humble ourselves today, under the Lord's powerful hand, and in that position enjoy the sweet peace and freedom that only come to the contrite of heart. In Christ, God does not, and cannot "resist" the truly humble soul. To them, He "gives more grace."

[Puritan quote of the day: "When you go to mourn for sin, begin aloft with Christ: and do not always think to begin below with sin, and so to come up to Christ; but begin aloft with Christ, and so by your humiliation, fall down upon sin.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Wed., 5/11/22 Devotion (Jas. 3:17)

Today's encouragement comes from James 3:17, which says this:

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, wil-ling to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypo-crisy."

The world's "wisdom" is full of frenetic activity—designed to fill up space, and to distract one's mind from the important things of life. We see a lot of this in religious expressions, especially in many inferior forms of Christianity. But God's wisdom is different. It starts in the heart, and gets established there, as the foundation of everything that will be expressed by that life: in word, or in action.

. . . We can tell, whether we are operating on God's wisdom, or that of the world's. If it is of God, it will be very tranquil, and serene; and yet very strong and pure. If it is the world's, it will simply wear us out, as we expend energy for no other purpose, but to seek to assuage our guilt.

[Puritan quote of the day: "I cannot but think that to make large confessions of sin, and yet with a senseless dead heart, is a high degree of taking the name of God in vain.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Mon., 5/9/22 Devotion (Ps. 55:16)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 55:16, where we read these words:

"As for me, I will call upon God, and the LORD shall save me."

King David makes a personal assertion here. No matter what other people choose to do with their troubles and problems—he, at least, will bring his to the Lord. David believed that simply "calling upon God" would be enough to secure His [God's] help. This is why he wrote, "The Lord shall save me."

May all God's chosen and elect, redeemed and sanctified Christian church-men call upon Him, in trouble or in pleasure. Let us recognize that the Lord is good; and that He alone is able to meet all of our needs in Christ—be those needs profound or mundane.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Those who would annihilate the church ministry try to pull the stars out of Christ's hand.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "God's Anatomy upon Man's Heart"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 5/6-8/22 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, "A Body of Divinity.” . . .

"If you would have peace, then make war with sin. Sin is the Achan that troubles us, the Trojan horse. . . . If you would have peace with God, then break your league with sin. Go to battle with sin, for it is a most just war. God has proclaimed it [the “just war”]; in fact, He has promised us victory. 'Sin shall not have dominion over you,' (Rom. 6:14). There is no path to peace, except by maintaining a war with sin. . . .

"Go to Christ's blood for peace. Some seek to get their peace from their own righteousness, not Christ's. They look for peace in their [allegedly] holy life, not in Christ's death. If conscience is troubled, they strive to quiet it with their duties. This is not the right way to get peace. Duties must not be neglected, nor are they to be idolized. Look to the blood of sprinkling, (Heb. 12:24). That blood of Christ which pacified God, must pacify our consciences. Christ's blood being taken in by faith, gives peace. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God,' (Rom. 5:1). There is no medicine to cure a wounded con-science, but the blood of Christ."

Thurs., 5/5/22 Devotion (Num. 12:1a, 2a)

Today's encouragement comes from Numbers 12:1a & 2a, where we read these words:

"Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian wo-man whom he had married . . . So they said, 'Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? . . . ' "

As we look at these two phrases above, we learn something important. Aaron's and Miriam's problem with their brother (Moses) was that he had gone off and married an Ethiopian woman. They did not like this for some reason. Maybe they were prejudiced against Ethiopians (or Cushites). But let us note *what* Aaron and Miriam *do*: they make their statement about those through whom God speaks a *pretense* (with regard to what it was that *real-ly* bothered them).

This is a very common practice among sinners of all sorts—even religious ones. What they *say* is often not really the issue. Let us keep this principle in mind as we deal with people, especially if we are in any kind of leadership positions. Let us try to understand what the real "rub" is, and not be duped by falsehood.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Bend the greatest strength of your heart in fervent prayer to God against the corruption that troubles you the most.” —Christo-pher Love, in, "The Mortified Christian"]

Wed., 5/4/22 Devotion (Num. 11:1a)

Today's encouragement comes from Numbers 11:1a, where these sobering words are found:

"Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused. . . . "

There is an acceptable (even proper) way to "complain" to God (cf. Ps. 142:2); and then there is this unacceptable and improper way to do it, (as seen throughout much of Num., ch. 11). The people "craved"; they wanted their way; they "wept all over" Moses; they insisted that they be granted their desires. God's answer was to give them exactly what they wanted, and then to kill off many of them, (see vv. 33-34).

Let us be careful about what we earnestly long for; and of what we "demand" of God. In fact, it may not be good for us. The faithful church’s "status quo," (viz. continuing to eat God's provision of His manna, [Jesus Christ the Bread of Life]), is a whole lot better than an early grave.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Hence we learn that a life of holiness is the pleas-antest life in this world, because in such a life we have the imperfect begin-nings of a blessed and endless sight of God.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Pure in Heart Blessed"]

Tues., 5/3/22 Devotion (Ps. 46:1-2)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 46, vv. 1 & 2, where we read these words:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea . . . "

Nations come and go; but Christ and His church kingdom remain forever. In times of international and/or national distress and apostasy, it is easy to get nervous and unsettled. The words of this Psalm (above) are comforting to the true saints of the church. What we know and are familiar with *may* indeed "be removed," and "the mountains [may] be carried into the midst of the seas”—but still our God remains with us, through it all.

. . . In these days of real and palpable "trouble," and great upheaval, let us find our strength in The One who is our "very present help." He will sustain us, His church, no matter whatever else befalls us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Whether we have comfort or not, both are for our good.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Mon., 5/2/22 Devotion (Heb. 7:16)

Today's encouragement comes from Hebrews 7:16, where we read these words:

"[Christ] has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life."

Because Jesus Christ always lives, His church may rest secure in His (Christ's) eternal priesthood. Under the Old Covenant, the priests came and went—as they, like everyone else, died. But now that Jesus has been incar-nated, crucified, and risen from the dead—He is at the right hand of the Fath-er, always making intercession for His church, through His blood atonement for us.

Whereas *all* non-Christian religions and life-philosophies have no choice but to depend on dead people, who cannot help them at all—the Christian believ-er depends on One who can never die. Let us approach our Messiah with confidence—knowing that He has provided everything for us, and that He has "the power of an endless life."

[Puritan quote of the day: "God is a tender Father, and He would have all the love of His children.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]