Fri.-Sabbath, 4/26-28/24 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 great Jonathan Edwards, as they are taken from his sermon entitled, "God Glorified in Man's Dependence.” . . .

"The grace of God in bestowing this gift of grace is most free. God was under no obligation to bestow it. He might have rejected fallen man as He did the fallen angels. We never did anything to merit it; it was given while we were yet enemies, and before we had so much as repented. It was from the love of God, who saw no excellency in us to attract it; and it was without expectation of ever being requited [paid back] for 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., 4/25/24 Devotion (Ps. 36:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 36:8, where these great words are found:

"They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures."

God is absolutely committed to all our Christ-honoring pleasures, (which are the only real and true ones that exist). All of our Father’s delights emanate from His “house,” (His church). As Spirit-filled, forgiven, and totally-liberated Christians, we have all the reason in the world to be the happiest people on earth.

When we fully avail ourselves of Jesus, and of all His provisions which He metes-out in and through His gospel and His “house"—we know everything of which David speaks (above).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Get contentment into the sling of your heart, and with this sacred stone you may both defy the world and conquer it.” —Thom-as Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Wed., 4/24/24 Devotion (Num. 1:1a)

Today's encouragement comes from Numbers 1:1a, which says this:

"Now the LORD spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of meeting, on the first day of the second month . . . “

Maybe we feel like we are in the "Wilderness of Sinai”—wandering around for years, with no apparent direction. If so, and assuming that we are faithful Christian churchmen who love Christ, let us not despair. Like Moses, we also have among us the "tabernacle of meeting." We are privileged to bring our sacrifices of praise to the Triune God every Lord's Day, the first day of the week.

Jesus, the anchor of our souls, will keep us tethered to Himself, no matter how difficult things may get here. God still speaks to His children today. Let us be sure to hear His voice.

[Puritan quote of the day: "But plain dealers will always be approved in the end; and the time is at hand when you will confess that they were your best friends.” —Richard Baxter, in the dedication of "The Reformed Pastor"]

Tues., 4/23/24 Devotion (Ps. 34:18)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 34:18, where we read these words:

"The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."

There is a time and place for everything; and it is always suitable to have a humbled soul. Even in the greatest joys and loftiest experiences of God's grace in the Lord Jesus Christ—it is lovely when the children of God have a real sense of grief (over sin). This is what our Savior meant when He said "blessed are those who mourn," (in Matt. 5:4a).

Why is it blessed to mourn? Because divine comfort follows it, (Matt. 5:4b). There is no sweeter feeling, than that based on the knowledge that one's sins are forgiven (in the blood atonement of Christ). The true church gets to enjoy this blessing everyday.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Even in the worst time the prophets mingled sweet comfort for the hidden remnant of faithful people.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 4/19-21/24 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday. In order to help us prepare for the church’s Worship Services, here is the fine (18th-19th century) Scots pastor John Col-quhoun, from his, “The Law and The Gospel” book. . . .

“The gospel then, is glad tidings of good things. No tidings were ever as joyful as those that are announced in the gospel, and no benefits were ever as good as those that are exhibited in it. At the same time, no man will ever love or so much as understand rightly a single doctrine of the gospel unless he sees and feels that as a sinner he is utterly undone. It is to men as sinners that the word of this salvation is sent. No doctrine deserves to be called ‘gos-pel' but that which makes the adorable Redeemer ‘all in all,’ (Eph. 1:23), the ‘Alpha and Omega,’ (Rev. 22:13), in the redemption of a sinner. . . . "

Thurs., 4/18/24 Devotion (2 Tim. 2:8)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy 2:8, where we read these words:

"Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel."

Why would Paul have to remind Timothy that Jesus was raised from the dead? Because, every time he (or we) fall into fear and/or unbelief—we have, essentially, forgotten this most-important historical truth. And note that Christ is "of the seed of David." In other words, He is one of us. He understands our weaknesses; and He has gone ahead of us, in His death and resurrection.

May we, today, not forget that our Savior—unlike all the false "gods" of all the world's works-religions—*is* alive, even right now. Therefore, let us appeal to Him for help, in prayer.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Morality shoots short of heaven. It is only nature refined. A moral man is but old Adam dressed in fine clothes.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Wed., 4/17/24 Devotion (Ps. 27:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 27:1, where David wrote these great words:

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

Life in a fallen world contains many fearful moments, events, and even peo-ple. But the believing churchman need not be overly-concerned about any of these. And the way we overcome the fear of man, is through our greater fear of God. It was only because the Lord *was* David's "light and salvation," and "the strength of [his] life”—that he was able to conquer subordinate "fears."

Are we feeling unsettled today? Let us recognize that Christ is our love, and our fear. With this perspective, we cannot be intimidated.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When the times are troublesome, a good consci-ence makes it calm. If the conscience is clear, so what if the days are cloudy?” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Tues., 4/16/24 Devotion (Ps. 25:10)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 25:10, where we read these words:

"All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies."

Are we faithful by grace alone to our Savior; and do we demonstrate this through church covenant (baptismal) steadfastness? If so, then God is also faithful to us—and He will lead us in paths of "mercy and truth." Our faithful-ness is not a result of our own goodness (especially since we have none); in-stead, it is the fruit of God's gift to us of regeneration and faith in the Redeem-er.

If we are in Christ (and therefore in covenant with God) let us take comfort from the fact that our Father will only direct us into what is ultimately good and best for us. Let us persevere to the end. We will not regret doing so.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The best men are severe to themselves, but ten-der to others.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 4/15/24 Devotion (1 Tim. 4:4-5)

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

"For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is re-ceived with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and pray-er."

For those faithful Christians in the church, nothing God created can be (in itself) evil. For those outside of Christ, the gospel, and the church, every-thing God created gets twisted to be made sinful. Our Father would have us, His children, enjoy *everything* He has crafted, so long as we do not make idols of His good things.

Hyper-religion, and human works-religion seek to "out-God" God, by de-manding things of people that the Lord Himself does not require. Let us be committed to living in gospel grace; and, in love, gladly obey God's real commandments—without being disturbed by the hypocrisy of false religion.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Love knows that the least evils are contrary to the greatest good.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven On Earth"]

Tues., 4/9/24 Devotion (2 Thess. 2:16-17)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 2:16 & 17, where we read these words:

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, com-fort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work."

In order for any of us to be effective Christians, we need to have a base of comfort (or security). Without this, we will never endeavor to act on our faith (through God-honoring deeds and words). This is why the Apostle Paul en-courages the church members to know that they are loved by God; and that they have received hope and grace in Christ.

If we are in Christ today, we are in a most blessed position—whether we feel like we are, or not. May the Sovereign Lord make His face shine on us today—all in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A holy despair in ourselves is the ground of true hope.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 4/8/24 Devotion (Ps. 13:1a, 6)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 13:1a & 6, where we read these words:

"How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? . . . I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me."

How could David's perspective change so dramatically, in the span of only five verses? Because, in v. 5, he re-confirms himself in his faith in God. This act of faith dispelled his "sorrow," and his melancholy musings of heart.

Even churchmen who truly love God in Jesus Christ are prone to the sagging, drooping gravity of sadness and heaviness of soul. The answer to this syn-drome is always faith. Trusting in Jesus raises us up, even against the wind and force of opposition, into the heavenlies. Let us not give into despair to-day. Instead, let us refresh our faith in Christ, in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Despair is often the ground of hope.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict With Itself"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 4/5-7/24 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here. In order to help get us ready for the church’s Sabbath Worship of The Triune God, here are some really great words from the eminent Jonathan Edwards, found in his, “Standing In Grace” book. . . .

“That principle which is in the soul of the saints, which is the grand Christian virtue, and which is the soul and essence and summary comprehension of all grace, is a principle of divine love. This is evident because we are abundantly taught in the Scripture that divine love is the sum of all duty; and that all that God requires of us is fulfilled in it. Love is the sum of all the duty of the heart, and its exercises and fruits the sum of all the duty of life. But if the duty of the heart, or all due dispositions of hearts, are all summed up in love, then un-doubtedly all grace may be summed up in love."

Thurs., 4/4/24 Devotion (1 Thess. 2:2b)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Thessalonians 2:2b, where we read these words:

" . . . we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much con-flict.”

Sometimes we are able to do the greatest things, when we are under the most intense pressure. Here, Paul had been under enormous stress, but he was still able to preach the gospel to the Thessalonians—and to do it "boldly" "in [his] God." If we think we have to wait for everything in our lives to "calm down" before we think we can do anything of value for the ministry of the church—then we will never act at all.

Indeed, conflict or hardship (pressure) either totally stymies our effectiveness, or it motivates us on in more fruitfulness. Let all the faithful church today re-cognize that life in the fallen world is fraught with all kinds of difficulties—but let us not use this as an excuse to deprive our Savior, ourselves, our church, and our world of the Spirit-wrought blessings God will effect through us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God cannot be pacified by any other means than by the infinite price of the death and blood of His own Son—one drop of which is more precious than all the creatures of heaven and earth.” —Jere-miah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Wed., 4/3/24 Devotion (Col. 4:2)

Today's encouragement comes from Colossians 4:2, where we read these words:

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving . . . "

Prayer is the practical, daily life of faith. Every regenerate soul prays. Prayer keeps us *consciously* "connected" to the Lord. Without it, we would grow complacent, self-sufficient, and dull. With it, we stay in vital relationship with our God—through our living union with our Lord Jesus Christ.

These things we know about prayer: it is always to be made to God only, through the Name and sacrifice of Christ, in the fullness of the Holy Spirit; it is to be an honest expression of our hearts; and it is to be a means of demon-strating gratitude to the Lord for all He has done for us. Let us not ever give up praying. To do so is to prove that we are lost in sin.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The heroic deeds of those great Biblical worthies do not comfort us so much as their falls and bruises do.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 4/2/24 Devotion (Ps. 3:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 3:6, where we read these words:

"I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around."

David wrote these words as he was fleeing from Absalom. A believer with this much confidence surely trusts in the Lord. There is no way anyone could ade-quately protect him- or herself from "ten thousands of people." Only God can set that kind of shield around the heart and soul of His beloved churchman.

. . . But the amazing truth is, that, for real (regenerated) Christians, we need fear *no* forces arrayed against us. Let hypocrites, Satan, criminals, vile cre-atures do their utmost to defeat us. In Jesus, we, His church, will “roll them up,” and overwhelm them. Still, let us do this in humility—always seeking the salvation of God’s elect (2 Tim. 2:10).

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is better to go with difficulty to heaven than with ease to hell.” —Thomas Watson, in the preface to, "The Doctrine of Repent-ance"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 3/29-31/24 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday—Easter Sunday, no less—is *just about* here! In order to help get us ready for the church's Sabbath worship of God, here is Thomas Watson—from his, "A Divine Cordial," (or, "All things for Good”) book. (I have made a few slight clarifying emendations.) . . .

"We love a saint, though he has many personal failings. There is no per-fection here in this fallen world. In some believers, rash anger still pre-vails; in some Christians, inconstancy [instability]; in some of God’s peo-ple, too much love of the world.

"A saint in this life is like gold in the ore: much dross of infirmity still cleaves to him. Still, we love him for the grace that is in him. A saint is like a beautiful face with a scar: we love the beautiful face of holiness, though there be a scar in it. The best emerald has its blemishes; the brightest stars have their twinklings; and the best of the saints have their failings.

"You that cannot love another because of his infirmities, how would you have God love you?"

Thurs., 3/28/24 Devotion (Prov. 15:3)

Today's encouragement comes from Proverbs 15:3, where we read these words:

"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

The doctrine of the Lord's omnipresence (God-is-in-every-place) is really a blessing for us. When we know we are in our Father's gaze, we are especially desirous of acting becomingly before Him. When we (unwisely) imagine that the Lord does not observe us, we are inclined to loosen up on our behavior.

It is a form of atheism, to act contrary to the omnipresence of God. True Christians may live in the knowledge that nothing—not even our deepest and innermost thoughts—escape The Lord's perfect view. With this in mind, are we not glad that we are saved by faith in Christ, and not by our own allegedly "sufficient" deeds?

[Puritan quote of the day: "Those who preach Christ most and themselves least are likeliest to enlarge the church of God.” —Nathaniel Vincent, in, "A Discourse Concerning Love"]

Wed., 3/27/24 Devotion (Php. 1:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Philippians 1:6, where Paul wrote these words:

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

We may not think that we are making much progress in our holy Christian faith. In fact, even covenantally-faithful churchmen may sometimes feel like they are actually moving backwards, and not forward at all. But, in reality, all those of us who are in Christ always advance ahead with Him (as His church). It is good for us to have no confidence at all in our flesh. Sometimes "failure" is the best way to learn this lesson.

But this is no reason not to have unbridled confidence in Christ. He is the only One who can propel us to a certain, and glorious end. What God has started in us, His church, He will certainly finish.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We must fight on our knees by prayer. Prayer whips the devil. The arrow of prayer, put into the bow of the promise and shot with the hand of faith, pierces the old serpent.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Fight of Faith Crowned"]

Tues., 3/26/24 Devotion (Jn. 16:33)

Today's encouragement comes from John 16:33, where our Lord Jesus said this:

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Notice that the Christian churchman's peace is entirely experienced in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. No true peace is ever found in the "world," or in anything other than Christ. Our union with Jesus causes us to be able to be genuinely cheerful—even as we are going through very difficult hardships.

All of this is because our Savior has "overcome the world”—particularly in His resurrection from the dead. The world no longer has any controlling power over us (who are in Christ). In Jesus all true believers have also “overcome" the world.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Begin with simple things, for all truth begins with simple things. A man can never write good cursive till he has first learned his letters.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way to True Happiness"]

Mon., 3/25/24 Devotion (Eph. 5:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 5:6, where the Apostle Paul wrote these words:

"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience." (ESV)

The "these things" the Apostle is referring to are Satan's twin towers of de-ceit: immorality and idolatry—just mentioned in the previous verses. Paul's world, like ours, believed that God "overlooked" these things; and that a per-son could be perfectly "religious," and still carry on with immorality and idol-atry (which are always linked, in the Bible).

. . . Instead, God's "wrath" falls on those who persist in these sins. This pun-ishment is a reference to personal wrath in *this* life; and eternal fire in the world to come. The great gospel remedy for this horrible situation is regener-ative faith in Jesus Christ, which leads to true repentance. Faith in Christ's blood and righteousness (and nothing else) results in glorious Holy Spirit-fill-ed liberty and joy.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The same Hebrew word for sin signifies rebellion. Now, can the Lord endure to be thus saucily confronted by proud dust?”

—Thomas Watson, in, "The Mischief of Sin"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 3/22-24/24 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is just a few days away! In order to get ready for church, here are some great words from Jonathan Edwards, found in his, “Standing In Grace” book. . . .

“The very quintessence of all religion, the very thing wherein lies summarily the sincerity, spirituality, and divinity of religion, and that the apostle [Paul] teaches us, is love.

“ . . . The fear of God without love is nothing other than the fear of devils; and all that outward respect and obedience, all that resignation, that repentance and sorrow for sin, that form in religion, that outward devotion that is perform-ed merely from such a fear without love, is all of it a practical lie.

“ . . . He who has once been brought to see, or rather to taste, the superlative loveliness of the Divine Being, will need no more to make him long after the enjoyment of God, to make him rejoice in the happiness of God, and to desire that this supremely excellent Being may be pleased and glorified."

Thurs., 3/21/24 Devotion (Ex. 33:4a)

Today's encouragement comes from Exodus 33:4a, where we read these words:

"And when the people heard this bad news, they mourned . . . “

Bad news tends to make people sad, especially when it has to do with suf-fering some of the natural consequences of sin. But wherever there is bad news, there is also good news. In fact, the gospel of grace would not be news at all—let alone good news—if there was not sin and its resultant sadness in the world.

What makes the good news of Christ's atonement operative for us sinners, who would otherwise be swamped with nothing but horrible tidings of doom and damnation? God-given, Spirit-wrought faith in Jesus. And what does faith render? Love for God in and through Christ. And what does love result in? A happy Spirit-filled walk with God, characterized by a hopeful present and fu-ture. This is the inheritance of the faithful and faith-filled Christian church members.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It would not be worthwhile to live in a world devoid of God and Providence.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]

Wed., 3/20/24 Devotion (Jn. 10:4)

Today’s encouragement comes from John 10:4, where we hear these words of Christ, The Good Shepherd. . . .

“When he [the good shepherd] has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” (ESV)

One of the sweet comforts that the truly-called pastors of the faithful church have, is this: that as they preach Christ's pure gospel of grace in the power and fullness of the Holy Spirit—all the regenerate members of the parish will follow them, (as surely as they will follow the ultimate Good Shepherd [Jesus]).

. . . Hirelings, wolves, thieves, rebels, back-biters, church-splitters: none of these have any power over the elect and redeemed Christians of the true church. Therefore, let us all take consolation in the Person and Voice of The Great Shepherd, The One who laid down His precious life for us.

[Edwards quote of the day: "The church is a distinct race that originally came from God. Other men are of the earth—they are of earthly derivation, the pos-terity of men—but the church is the posterity of God.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "Christians a Chosen Generation"]

Tues., 3/19/24 Devotion (Gal. 5:1)

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

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (ESV)

The glorious liberty that the true children of God enjoy is a priceless treasure. This is why the world, the flesh, and the devil are always seeking to steal it away from us who are faithful in Christ and His church. Gospel liberty must be zealously guarded, maintained, and emboldened—otherwise, the "gospels" of works, self, and law will infiltrate the soul, and destroy all our joy.

The Galatians had heard the gospel of grace from Paul. They initially embrac-ed it. Later, they heard a gospel of law, and they began to believe it. Paul's words throughout the epistle were designed to bring them back to Christ. May we find our souls resting in Jesus' righteousness alone, today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Full assurance is 'optimum maximum,' the best and greatest mercy; and therefore God will only give it to His best and dear-est friends.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven On Earth"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 3/15-17/24 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday! Here is Thomas Watson, from his book, en-titled, "The Lord's Prayer.” . . .

"Here is comfort to those who are the subjects of the King of heaven. God will put forth all His royal power for their help and comfort. (1) The King of heaven will plead their cause: 'I will plead your cause, and take vengeance for you,' (Jer. 51:36). (2) He will protect His people. He sets an invisible guard about them: 'I will be to her a wall of fire round about,' (Zech. 2:5). A wall, that is de-fensive; a wall of fire, that is offensive. (3) When it may be for the good of His people, He will raise up deliverance to them. 'The Lord saved them by a great deliverance,' (1 Chron. 11:14).

"God reigning as a King, can save any way; even by contemptible means, as the blowing of the trumpets, and blazing of lamps, (Judges 7:20). By contrary means; as when He made the sea a wall to Israel, and the waters were a means to keep them from drowning. The fish's belly was a ship in which Jo-nah sailed safe to shore. God will never be short of ways of saving His peo-ple. . . . As God will deliver His people from temporal danger, so from spiritual danger, as from sin, and from hell. 'Jesus delivered us from the wrath to come,' (1 Thess. 1:10)."

Thurs., 3/14/24 Devotion (2 Cor. 3:6a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 3:6a, where we read these words:

" . . . [God] also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant . . . “

It is intriguing, that the New Covenant church ministers look a lot different from the Old Covenant church ministers. In the old order, only Hebrews could attend at the altar, and these were from one tribe (Levi). In the new order, God calls His ministers from all kinds of people groups, ethnicities, and races.

How can we ordinary people be made "sufficient as ministers of the new cov-enant"? Only through the perfected and more abundant grace of God in the New Covenant age, whereby God pours-out His Spirit without measure through our Risen and Ascended God/Man Lord Jesus Christ. May all the re-deemed church—clergy and laity—be filled with the joy of ministering gospel life in our Messiah today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "As God has two places He dwells in, heaven and a humble heart; so the devil has two places he dwells in, hell and a hard heart.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Wed., 3/13/24 Devotion (Job 42:1-3)

Today's encouragement comes from Job 42:1-3, where we read these words:

"Then Job answered the LORD and said: 'I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, "Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?" Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.' "

There are things about ourselves that we (ourselves) do not understand, which have a powerful impact on us. There are many things about God, and His providences towards us that we simply cannot grasp. But the key is to truly and sincerely believe in the One who *does* fully comprehend all of these things: our Triune God.

When we are able to do this (through our faith in Christ), then we may live comfortably in Him; and we may accept, without a need to untangle it, what God has meted out to us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Because faith looks at Christ in every duty, it touches the hem of His garment; and through Christ, both the person and the offering are accepted, (Eph. 1:6).” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Lord's Prayer"]

Tues., 3/12/24 Devotion (Jn. 2:24-25)

Today's encouragement comes from John 2:24 & 25, where we read these words:

"But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man."

The Lord Jesus Christ was quite careful regarding those with whom He would totally commit Himself; and those with whom He would not. Though the Mes-siah was not burdened with the curse of original sin (or any sin, for that mat-ter)—He still completely understood what it (sin) was, and what it did to man-kind.

The people in Jn., ch. 2, were "believing" in Jesus; but they were *not* *real-ly* believing in Him. They were impressed by Christ's miracles; but they were not moved to love Him on the grounds and basis of who He was (as the Son of God). May all of us who say we are God's true children prove, by grace, to be sincere in our loving faith in Jesus.

[Augustine quote of the day: “For what is that which we call evil but the ab-sence of good?” —from, “The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love”]

Mon., 3/11/24 Devotion (Job 40:8b)

Today's encouragement comes from Job 40:8b, where we read these words:

" . . . Would you [Job] condemn Me [God] that you may be justified?”

As fallen sinners, outside of Christ, we always do exactly what we read of here (above). We "condemn" God in all kinds of ways, in order to seek to "jus-tify” ourselves—pretending that we are better than the Lord. Of course, God understood Job's heart; and the Lord knew, in reality, that Job really *did* find his justification in Christ, and not in himself. (See Job 19:25-27 as proof of this.) . . .

Even as regenerate Christian churchmen we need to be aware of the fact that whenever we are uncomfortable or inconvenienced—our temptation—just as it was with Job, is also to "condemn" God, and "justify" ourselves. Let us rather see things as they *really* are, in Christ; and recognize that the Lord is *always* right; and that we are always dependent upon His grace.

[Augustine quote of the day: “And in the universe, even that which is called evil, when it is regulated and put in its own place, only enhances our admira-tion for the good.” —from, “The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love”]

Fri.-Sabbath, 3/8-10/24 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday!! Here is Thomas Watson, from his, "A Plea For The Godly" book. . . .

"A righteous man has more excellent freedom [than an unbeliever]. 'And I will walk at liberty,' (Ps. 119:45). Another is capable of civil freedom; he may be a Roman citizen, but he is still enslaved to his lusts. But a righteous person is God's freeman, (1 Cor. 7:22). His neck is out of the devil's yoke. He is 'free from the law of sin,' (Rom. 8:2). He has God's free Spirit, (Ps. 51:12), which makes him free and cheerful in his obedience. The will is not compelled but changed. A regenerate person is drawn indeed by the Spirit, but sweetly, as one is drawn into a garden of spices by the fragrance of their smell. He is drawn to Christ as one is drawn with another's beauty. He is free; a righteous soul chooses the ways of God, (Ps. 119:30); and what greater act of freedom is there than an act of choice? And a saint cannot have his spiritual freedom taken from him. While be suffers in prison, his conscience is most free. In short, he is made free to enjoy 'the innumerable company of angels,' (Heb. 12:22).

"A righteous man has more excellent food [than an unbeliever]. Carnal men feed only on earthly provision; the righteous feeds on heavenly food. He tastes how sweet the Lord is, (Ps. 34:8). He feeds on God's love; this is the hidden manna. He eats Christ's flesh, which not only begets life, (Jn. 6:33), but prevents death. 'This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die,' (Jn. 6:50)—that is, not die the second death. Other bread may nauseate or cause bloating, but there is no excess here. We cannot eat too much of the Bread of Life. We cannot have too much of Christ, as one cannot have too much of health. Oh, what excellent food is this! God Himself is in this cheer!"

Thurs., 3/7/24 Devotion (2 Cor. 6:1)

Today's encouragement comes from the words of Paul, as they are found in 2 Corinthians 6:1:

"We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain."

How is the grace of God received "in vain”—even potentially by us, regener-ated Christians? It is "received in vain" when we forget that our justification before God is all wrapped up in Jesus. The previous verse, (2 Cor. 5:21), had taught us imputed righteousness and substitutionary atonement. But our flesh continually recoils at such marvels, and seeks to regain its perverse "credibil-ity" (even with God)—usually through the old dead covenant of works.

So, when we cease to look to Jesus alone for our redemption, (and we gaze upon ourselves or something else), we receive the grace of God "in vain." Is Christ our righteousness? Then let us look no further.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ is never really absent from such as love Him, but He may seem to be so sometimes.” —Thomas Vincent, in, "The True Christian's Love To The Unseen Christ"]

Wed., 3/6/24 Devotion (Lk. 20:38a)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 20:38a, where we read these words, uttered by Christ:

"For He [God] is not the God of the dead but of the living . . . "

Most people we will meet, work with, or speak to today are walking dead souls. They have no life, because they do not possess the Author of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ. These people exist, they can breathe air—but they are not alive in the most real and profound sense. The Lord is not their God, because they are dead. The true God is *only* the God of the living.

If we are alive in Christ today as His church, then these three principal truths will guide us, (and they will be no burden to us): 1) we will continue to believe in Jesus; 2) we will love Him; and 3) we will witness (spread) His life every-where we can.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Oh, how empty and insignificant are all other things without God!” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "Drawing Near To God"]

Tues., 3/5/24 Devotion (2 Cor. 4:1)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 4:1, where we read these words:

"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart."

It is easy to "lose heart" in this fallen world. The better or more noble the cause, the greater the opposition and discouragement of it. Paul knew two things (from the text above): one, that he had been *called* to his apostleship (by God); and two, that he had received *mercy* (from God).

These two truths alone were sufficient to prevent the Apostle from "losing heart." If we are faithful, covenant-keeping, and believing Christian church-men today, then we also have ministries, and we have received mercy. In light of this wonderful truth, let us serve Christ with humility and boldness to-day.

[Edwards quote of the day: "Every man is as his God is. If you would know whether a man is a godly man or not, you must inquire what his god is like.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "A Truly Godly Man Prefers God Before All Others"]

Mon., 3/4/24 Devotion (Ex. 15:3, 13a)

Today's encouragement comes from Exodus 15:3 & 13a, which says this:

"The LORD is a Man of war; the LORD is His name. . . . You have led in Your steadfast love the people whom You have redeemed." (ESV)

Note how God's warrior nature, and His love nature are not at all at odds with one another—and the same should be true of us who follow Jesus. If God was *not* a "Man of war," He could not be the God of love. The Lord goes to war with our sins and His church's enemies; and, in so doing, He expresses His deep affection for the elect sinners who receive Christ's redemption.

Let us cast off all sophomoric notions about God, that would make Him a weak figure in heaven, hoping we would do something right, for once. In-stead, let us view our Triune Sovereign in His true colors, even as the written word of God reveals Him: as a God who punishes all sin; and yet cherishes many sinners.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We need to understand that when we come to hear the Word, we come to hear that which has so much life in it that every sermon we hear we must expect to be nearer heaven or nearer hell.” —Jere-miah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Fear"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 3/1-3/24 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is a snippet from Martin Luther's "Declaration," found at the beginning of his Galatians commentary. (This is an amazing book.) . . .

"First of all, we speak of the argument of this epistle: in it Paul is seeking to establish the doctrine of faith, grace, forgiveness of sins, or Christian righte-ousness in order that we may know the difference between Christian righte-ousness and all other kinds of righteousness. There are many sorts of righ-teousness. There is a civil or political righteousness, which kings, princes of the world, magistrates and lawyers deal with. There is also a ceremonial righteousness, which the traditions of men teach. Besides these, there is an-other righteousness, called the righteousness of the law, or the Ten Com-mandments.

"Above all these, there is yet another righteousness: the righteousness of faith or Christian righteousness, which we must diligently discern from the others. The others are quite contrary to this righteousness, both because they flow out of the laws of kings and rulers, religious traditions, and the com-mandments of God; and because they consist in our works, and may be wrought by us either by our natural strength, or else by the gift of God. These kinds of righteousness are also the gift of God, like all other good things which we enjoy.

"But the most excellent righteousness of faith, which God through Christ, without any works, imputes to us, is neither political, nor ceremonial, nor the righteousness of God's law, nor consists of works, but is contrary to these; that is to say, it is a mere passive righteousness, as the others are active. For in the righteousness of faith, we work nothing, we render nothing unto God, but we only receive, and allow another to work in us, that is to say, God. This is a righteousness hidden in a mystery, which the world does not know. In-deed, Christians themselves do not thoroughly understand it, and can hardly take hold of it in their temptations. Therefore it must be diligently taught, and continually practiced."

Thurs., 2/29/24 Devotion (Lk. 15:32)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 15:32, where we read these words:

"It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found."

There are some very appropriate times to rejoice, and celebrate. At the top of this list is the salvation of a soul. The older brother (in this "Prodigal Son" nar-rative) refused to party with his father, because he (the older son) could not accept the concept of grace and forgiveness. At heart, he was all about works, and self-righteousness.

May we be very glad when the Lord calls sinners to Himself and puts them into His church, through the grace-filled gospel of Christ; and may we renew our own love for and amazement at the God who does such wonderful things.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Love to Jesus Christ and believing in Jesus Christ fills the souls with joy and glory in this life.” —Christopher Love, in his sermon on Gal. 5:17]

Wed., 2/28/24 Devotion (Ex. 12:13b)

Today's encouragement comes from Exodus 12:13b, where we read these words:

" . . . And when I see the blood, I will pass over you . . . "

The angel of death still stalks all those who are out of covenant with Christ, His Gospel, and His church. But those redeemed souls whose hearts are sprinkled by the blood of Jesus are safe: God passes over them; while His wrath righteously hangs over all who reject His gracious good news (Jn. 3:36b).

It is not *our* "righteousness," *our* religiosity, *our* civility, nor *our* morality that causes God to pass over us, and spare us from judgment, hell, and dam-nation. Instead, it is only the blood righteousness of Jesus, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world," (Jn. 1:29b). This righteousness of Christ is legally imputed to the hearts of sinners, by grace through faith in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Make it your main business, your chief study, your greatest care, to 'make your calling and election sure,' says the apostle.”
—Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]

Tues., 2/27/24 Devotion (1 Cor. 14:33)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 14:33, where we read these words:

"For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

Sadly, there is a lot of confusion in a lot of Christian congregations today, (as there always has been, to one extent or another). But none of this befuddle-ment is ever from God. The Lord has laid-out enough content doctrine, theo-logy, knowledge, and understanding in the canonical Scriptures for faithful pastors and elders to quite sufficiently lead the flocks of God into fields of life, clarity, plenty, and peace—by always focusing on our Lord Jesus Christ.

The problem is not and never is with God—it is always with us sinful humans who craft our own false deities and gospels, and who spurn the one and only true God. Let us, by sovereign grace, sincerely cling to Jesus, and enjoy by faith the benefits of life and order in the covenant of His elect and redeemed church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "To have grace, and to be sure that we have grace, is glory upon the throne, it is heaven on this side of heaven.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 2/9-11/24 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here are words from Thomas Watson's, "The Lord's Prayer” book. . . .

"True faith is wrought by the ministry of the word. 'Faith comes by hearing,' (Rom. 10:17). Peter let down the net of his ministry, and at one draught caught three thousand souls. Let us examine how our faith was wrought. Did God in the ministry of the word humble us? Did He break up the fallow ground of our heart, and then cast in the seed of faith? A good sign; but, if you know not how you came by your faith, suspect yourselves; as we suspect men to have stolen goods, when they know not how they came by them.

"True faith is at first small, like a grain of mustard seed; it is full of doubts and fears; it is smoking flax: it smokes with desire, but does not flame with com-fort. It is so small that a Christian can hardly discern whether he has faith or not.

"True faith is joined with sanctity. . . . Though faith does but touch Christ, it fetches a healing virtue from Him. Justifying faith does in a spiritual sense that which miraculous faith does: it removes the mountains of sin, and casts them into the sea of Christ's blood."

Thurs., 2/8/24 Devotion (Gen. 41:42)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 41:42, where we read these words:

"Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck."

Jacob, Joseph's father, had put a beautiful robe on his favored son (Joseph). Potiphar's wife, seeking to frame Joseph, had kept his garment as alleged evidence of wrongdoing. In prison, Joseph wore clothing unworthy of the pharaoh's audience. But now, the king of Egypt puts royal attire on Joseph.

So it is for all of us who are God's churched children. Our Father's intention is to present us before the whole creation, garbed in Christ and His perfect righteousness. But, before this demonstration, we have to learn the hard les-sons of sin, repentance, and perseverance. Like Joseph, our cross precedes our resurrections in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Men void of grace are dead; they have breath, yet lack life. They are walking ghosts, (Eph. 2:1).” —Thomas Watson, in his ser-mon, "The Beauty of Grace"]

Wed., 2/7/24 Devotion (Mk. 10:35)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 10:35, where we read these words:

"Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to [Jesus], saying, 'Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.’ “

Is there anything wrong with asking God to, “do for us whatever we ask”? Act-ually, no. Our Lord Jesus never rebuked James and John for their boldness and audacity. Our Redeemer later explained carefully to them what would be involved should their request be granted.

Our Heavenly Father wants us to be totally honest and passionate in our pe-titions to Him. Even if our desires are a bit misguided, this is no reason for us to be half-hearted in prayer. Let us come to our Triune God with our souls full of zeal for good things, and leave the results with Him—all in and through Jesus, our Mediator, alone.

[Puritan quote of the day: "There is nothing in the world more uneasy than the heart of a wicked man made to listen to spiritual instruction . . . “ —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 2/6/24 Devotion (Gen. 39:2, 23)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 39:2 & 23, which say this:

"The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. . . . The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph's authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.”

God is "with" His children, and blesses us, no matter where we are. Joseph was a slave to Potiphar, which was not the most enviable position in the world, and yet God was there with him, strengthening him. Joseph was a prisoner in a dungeon, having done nothing wrong, which is again not a good situation in which to find oneself, but God was standing by him, anointing everything he did.

. . . So, let us not so much look at our circumstances, as to The One who put us there. Circumstances are always first in line, to seek to govern our feel-ings; but faith looks beyond them to the God who is with us in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

[Edwards quote of the day: "The true God perfectly knows the circumstances of everyone who prays to Him throughout the world.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Most High a Prayer-Hearing God"]

Mon., 2/5/24 Devotion (Job 4:17)

Today's encouragement comes from Job 4:17, where we read these words from the lips of Eliphaz, one of Job's "comforters":

"Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker?"

Eliphaz, whose diagnosis of the reasons for Job's sufferings was misguided and wrong, nevertheless asks a good two-pronged question here. It is a pe-culiar perversion of the Fall, that we sinners think—as I like to say it—that we can "Out-God" God. In other words, if the Lord says to do “A"; we, in our self-righteousness say, "Let's do A, and require B, C, & D, etc., too.”

No mortal can be more righteous than God; neither can anyone be more pure than his Maker. In Christ, however, the regenerated Christian churchman is made perfectly acceptable to The Holy God; and is welcomed into His em-braces.

[Augustine quote of the day: “God is more ancient than all things because He is before them all; and newer than all things because He is also after them all.” —from, “The Literal Meaning of Genesis,” Bk. 8.]

Fri.-Sabbath, 2/2-4/24 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is *almost* here! We GET to go to church! Here is an amazing (slightly edited) quote from Martin Luther, in his remarkable book, entitled, "Commentary on Galatians," (an all-time favorite tome of mine). . . .

"To be brief, all the enemies which before tormented and oppressed me, Christ Jesus has brought to nothing: He has ruined them, and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by His cross (Col. 2:15), in such a way that they can now no longer ever rule and reign over me; but are now con-strained to obey me.

"By this we may plainly see that there is nothing here for us to do. The only thing for us to do is to hear that these things have been wrought and done in this way; and by faith to apprehend the same. Now when I have thus appre-hended Christ by faith, and through Him am dead to the law, then I do good works: I love God, I give thanks to Him, I exercise charity towards my neigh-bors. But this charity or works follows my faith; it does not form or adorn my faith, but my faith forms and adorns charity.

"This is our doctrine, which seems strange and marvelous, or rather, foolish to carnal reason: namely, that I am not only blind and deaf to the law; yes, de-livered and freed from the law, but also wholly dead unto the same."

Thurs., 2/1/24 Devotion (Mk. 4:40-41a)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 4:40 & 41a, where we read these words:

"But [Jesus] said to them [the disciples], 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?' And they feared exceedingly . . . "

Here we see two types of fear: one bad (an atheistic fear of nature); and one good (a fear of God, based on what He can do). Fear of man (or danger, etc.) is always accompanied with a lack of sincere and real faith in Christ. Fear of God is a result of real faith in Christ.

This is not to suggest that genuine churched believers might not be "fearful," or "alarmed," from time-to-time. But once we see Who is in the "boat" with us, our hearts are to be stilled and comforted again.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ did not need subjects, He has legions of angels ministering to Him; but in His love He has honored you to make you His subjects.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Wed., 1/31/24 Devotion (Gen. 32:1-2a)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 32:1 & 2a, where we read these words:

"So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, 'This is God’s camp.' . . . "

Jacob felt alone and vulnerable. Soon, he would be meeting-up with his (pre-viously very angry) brother Esau. But God's angels "met" him. Jacob en-countered these angels while he was simply walking with the Lord. When Jacob saw the angels, he deduced that this must be a special place—so he called it "God's camp."

As we Christian churchmen walk with Christ today—even perhaps while we may be feeling a bit “isolated”—let us remember that there are more with us than against us, (cf. 2 Ki. 6:16). When God opens our eyes to this fact, we en-joy ourselves in Jesus, as we "set up camp” in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Is it not comfortable being in heaven? He that en-joys much of God in this life carries heaven about him.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Tues., 1/30/24 Devotion (Esth. 7:10)

Today's encouragement comes from Esther 7:10, where we read these words:

"So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided."

Our Lord Jesus was hung on a cross, paying for the sins of all God's elect church. The cross (death and hell) was what *we* deserved for our sins. The perfect and pristine Son of God took our place on the cross (even as Haman died where he had designed the gallows for Mordecai). Through the Messi-ah's death, "The King's [God's] wrath subsided” totally against us, the regen-erate church.

The redemptive benefits of Jesus' sacrifice of His life on the cross only affect those who are atoned for by Him. In this sense, it is believers *especially* who put Jesus on the cross--because He died for *our* sins (and not for the reprobate). Let us marvel at God's grace and love to us, in Christ!

[Puritan quote of the day: "What is it to enjoy good health, a fine estate, and not to enjoy God?” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Mon., 1/29/24 Devotion (Gen. 30:2b)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 30:2b, which says this:

" . . . And [Jacob] said, 'Am I in the place of God . . . ?' "

Whenever anyone fails to look to the Lord Jesus Christ for the fullest level of life and satisfaction, the inevitable consequence is the "deification of man." This is a very common form of idolatry. The simple fact, however, is that no human being (who is not divine) can fully satisfy us. This would be true, even if this (non-divine) person was without sin.

Jacob could not give Rachel what she wanted (in the Genesis context above). Only God could do that. Let us be careful not to ascribe to anybody what only belongs to Christ alone—namely, the ability to make us supremely happy, content, full, and free. All of this is the result of Jesus' blood atonement that washes away our sins.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Let us labor to cherish union and hate division.”

—Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]