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"]

Tues., 9/30/25 Devotion (Gal. 6:16)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 6:16, where Paul wrote these words:

“And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and up-on [or, ‘even upon’] the Israel of God.” [ESV]

The “rule” Paul is referring to, is the “new creation” of v. 15. “Peace” and “mercy” come to all who are united to Jesus in His crucifixion (v. 14). And “the Israel of God” are the regenerated members of the New Covenant church, made up of Jews and Gentiles.

. . . For everyone else, who trust in the law and their own righteousness, they also get at least two things: freedom from persecution (v. 12a); and failure to perfectly keep the law of God (v. 13a). This failure leads to hell; but Christ’s keeping it for His elect church leads us to glory.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If you love anything, love something better than yourself; and that only is Christ, who is altogether lovely.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon entitled, "Christ's Loveliness"]

Mon., 9/29/25 Devotion (Gal. 5:1)

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

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

Being and remaining “free” is an extremely hard thing to do. In our perverse fallenness, we prefer slavery—especially to religious taskmasters. The true Christian is to enjoy a liberty in Jesus that is so spectacular, that only a fool would ever seek to be “free” of it.

. . . But, alas, we are so stupid in our flesh, that we, just like the Galatians, are sometimes given to putting chains back on our wrists and ankles. For you blessed ones who know Christ’s freedom, cherish it with all your hearts.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The devil is the most sullen spirit there is, and yet the most proud.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/26-28/25 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is almost here again. In order to help us get ready for Sabbath worship, here are some good words from John Owen. This comes from his, “Ministerial Gifts: The Work of The Spirit” sermon. . . .

“Let us consider the reason why the Spirit was promised in this way to the church. God has promised to Jesus Christ that He will have a kingdom and a church in this world while the sun and the moon endure. ‘May His name en-dure forever, His fame continue as long as the sun!’ (Ps. 72:17), that is, to the end of the world. It is said, ‘Of the increase of His government,’ that is, the church, ‘there will be no end’ (Isa. 9:7); He will order it forever. . . . Christ re-quires that we should exercise faith in this promise, which we cannot do un-less there is some basis for its infallible fulfillment. . . . The fulfillment of this promise . . . must depend on the work of God. If you ask, ‘What is the work of God upon which the certainty of this promise depends?’ I answer, It is, alone, the work of sending the Holy Spirit.” [italics Owen’s]

Thurs., 9/25/25 Devotion (Gal. 1:10b)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 1:10b, where we read these words:

“ . . . If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (ESV)

When Paul was an unbelieving pharisee, he was a man-pleaser—because all religious zeal devoid of Christ is designed to satisfy man’s sinful craving for universal self-righteousness (apart from a Redeemer). Now that Paul was a regenerated Christian, he had no capacity for “pleasing man.” No one can serve Jesus and satisfy the desires of sinful man at the same time.

The same is true for all of us who are in Christ Jesus. We have no intention of unduly offending sinners—but *all* of their demands on us are crucified in our union with our living Savior.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Do you fear the Lord? He will open His secret to you, even that which He has hidden and kept secret from all the world, name-ly the secret of His covenant and your concern therein.” —John Bunyan, in, "The Fear of God"]

Wed., 9/24/25 Devotion (2 Cor. 13:8)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 13:8, where we read these words:

“For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.” (ESV)

Truly-called apostles and church ministers of the gospel literally “cannot” do anything “against” the truth, because we would rather die than betray our Lord and King. We can only do what is “for” the truth—because we are effectually “cemented" to the One who *is* Truth, Jesus Christ our Re-deemer.

. . . Some might think Paul’s words arrogant or presumptuous—but, in fact, they are simply truthful. All Spirit-filled Christians get to share in their mini-sters’ privilege of *only* standing for the Truth, Jesus Christ, the only-be-gotten Son of God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If temptations arise from natural causes, then natural means, as medicines, are to be used and applied, and people would do well to be persuaded thereunto.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Tues., 9/23/25 Devotion (Ps. 74:12)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 74:12, where we read these words:

"For God is my King from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth."

This verse is sweet for several reasons. First, there is a personal dimension to it: the Lord is the Christian's own "King.” And, there is a cosmic aspect: God is "working salvation in the midst of the earth." The same Sovereign who has applied eternal life in Jesus to those already in His justifying care is also at work to bring others to Himself.

Let us never despair of how "bad" things are, or seem to be on the earth. The flesh, the devil, and the world system all conspire against the Lord and His Christ—but they have all *already* been defeated in our Redeemer's resur-rection. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, (Heb. 12:2a).

[Puritan quote of the day: "For you who do love Christ, and have the mani-festations of His love to your souls. . . . of all persons in the world, you have most reason to rejoice. You are the happiest men and women alive. —Thom-as Vincent, in, "The True Christian's Love To The Unseen Christ"]

Mon., 9/22/25 Devotion (2 Sam. 18:9b)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Samuel 18:9b, where we read these words:

" . . . so he [Absalom] was left hanging between heaven and earth."

Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He was on the cross, bearing the sins of all the elect church from all time, hung, as it were, "between heaven and earth." He bridged the infinite gap between a holy God and sinful men. The regenerate Christian, who struggles through the process of sanctification, also, in a sense, is suspended "between heaven and earth." Our old flesh nature (earth), is at war with our new nature in Jesus (heaven).

Unregenerate sinners also are suspended between “heaven” and “earth,” as well. As they hear the gospel, they are beckoned above; as they listen to their own hearts, they devolve below. May all of us reside with Jesus in glory to-day, via supernatural faith in Him.

[Edwards quote of the day: "In His last sufferings, Christ sapped the very foundations of Satan's kingdom. He conquered His enemies in their own ter-ritories, and beat them with their own weapons, as David cut off Goliath's head with his own sword.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Excel-lency of Christ"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/19-21/25 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is almost here again! We get to go back to church. In order to help us prepare for Sabbath worship, here are some good words from John Owen’s sermon, entitled, “The Duty of a Pastor.” . . .

“Men who are pastors and teachers of churches are obliged to preserve the truth and doctrine of the gospel that is committed to the church: to maintain it in its entirety and defend it against all opposition. . . . ‘It is the glorious gospel of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted,’ says the apostle (1 Tim. 1:11). And it is committed to all our trust, and we are to keep it against all opposition. The church is the pillar and buttress of the truth, to hold it up and declare it, in and by its ministers. . . . Ministers of the gospel are shields and bucklers to defend the truth against all adversaries and opposition. The church has had thousands of bucklers and shields of mighty men, otherwise the truth would have been lost. They are not only to declare it in the preach-ing of the gospel, but to defend and preserve it against all who attack it: to hold up the shield of faith against all who assault it.” [italics Owen’s]

Thurs., 9/18/25 Devotion (2 Cor. 7:4c, 5c)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 7:4c & 5c, where we read these words:

" . . . I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. . . . Outside were conflicts, inside were fears."

It is always helpful for us to read of the Apostle Paul's experiences. We can see (above) that even he, the stalwart of faith and strength, was "fearful" at times. But even more than this, he could find a way (in Christ) to be "joyful" in "tribulation.”

All of us who love Jesus are capable of enduring a whole lot more trouble than we could ever imagine that we could. There is valor within us that will never come to the fore unless it is first put through the fire (of afflictions). Still, none of us look forward to these conflicts. The only thing we like is the Christ-like character that develops in us (which brings us much peace, stability, and happiness).

[Puritan quote of the day: "People become distracted from coming to God by their own self-imposed spiritual disciplines.” —John Owen, in, "Sin and Temp-tation"]

Wed., 9/17/25 Devotion (Ps. 66:12b, c)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 66:12b & c, where we read these words:

" . . . We went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment."

As we are sincere believing Christians, saved by grace through faith in Christ (alone), then this much is certain: we *will* go through some very difficult times in this life. But this much is *also* a sure thing: we will be brought through them, to even higher levels of faith, Christlikeness, joy, and fulfillment.

. . . But no one gets the "good stuff" without first traversing some pretty dark valleys. Therefore, let us learn now, in advance, that God is good; and that Jesus is worth possessing no matter what. Then, staring down hard circum-stances will not be so foreboding, since we *know* we will benefit in our Mes-siah on the other end.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If the thing we desire is good for us, we shall have it. If it is not good, then not having it is good for us. Resting satisfied with this promise gives contentment. —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Con-tentment"]

Tues., 9/16/25 Devotion (2 Cor. 5:17)

Today's encouragement comes from the familiar and lovely words of 2 Corin-thians 5:17, which say this:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have pass-ed away; behold, all things have become new."

Newness is a good thing. For the believing and regenerated Christian church-man, all past sins are forgiven—covered by the blood of Jesus; and the pres-ent and the future are brighter (than the past). People outside of Jesus also want "newness," and they seek it all their lives. But they remain in their per-petual “oldness,” and "ancient" sins: the sin they shared in Adam; and the sins they have committed along the paths of their unbelief.

Christians may need to suffer more than most people; but we also have a surpassing glory that more than compensates for it: and that is our blessed new life in Jesus. Let us love Him today; and enjoy Him.

[Edwards quote of the day: "Happiness and rest are what all men pursue. But the things of the world, wherein most men seek it, can never grant it. They are laboring and spending themselves in vain.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, entitled, "The Peace Which Christ Gives . . . "]

Mon., 9/15/25 Devotion (Ps. 63:2)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 63:2, where David wrote these words:

"So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory."

David penned these words while he was stuck in the wilderness of Judah—separated from the Lord's tabernacle in Jerusalem. Even from the dry desert of desolation and isolation, David craved to be in his God's blessed presence.

When we are cut off from the Lord's ordinary means of grace which we would enjoy in the church (house/tabernacle) of God, let us still resort to His pres-ence in the "sanctuary of our hearts"; and let us long for and look forward to those glorious days of sweet communion with the saints, as we gather for Sunday's church worship services.

[Puritan quote of the day: "[God's] ways are secret, but always just. God is most in His way when we think He is out of His way.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Great Gain of Godliness"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 8/22-24/25 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday again! In order to help us prepare our hearts for the church’s Sabbath Worship Services, here are good words from Jona-than Edwards. (They are taken from a Soli Deo Gloria book, entitled, “Stand-ing In Grace.") . . .

“ . . . So that the first effect of the power of God in the heart in regeneration is to give the heart a divine taste or sense, to cause it to have a relish of the loveliness and sweetness of the supreme excellency of the divine nature; and indeed this is all the immediate effect of the divine power that there is; and this is all the Spirit of God needs to do in order to produce all good effects in the soul. If God by an immediate act of His, gives the soul a relish of the ex-cellency of His own nature, other things will follow of themselves without any further act of the divine power than only what is necessary to uphold the na-ture of the faculties of the soul. 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.” [all italics mine]

Thurs., 8/21/25 Devotion (Rom. 11:28)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 11:28, where Paul wrote these words:

“As regards the gospel, they [the unbelieving Jews of Paul’s day] are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.” (ESV)

I think that sometimes this verse is misunderstood. There is no such thing as divine election based in love and grace that is not absolutely connected to Jesus Christ, the Messiah of God. Those who used to be “enemies” become “friends” through faith in the same Redeemer (Jesus) of God’s elect church.

The reference to the “forefathers” reminds us that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all believed in the Lord Jesus Christ (even before He arrived in His incarna-tion); and that their true spiritual seed (alone) constitutes the “beloved” of God (in Christ).

[Edwards quote of the day: "As He is God, all things are His own, and He has a right to dispose of them according to His own pleasure.” —Jonathan Ed-wards, in his sermon, "The Sovereignty of God"]

Wed., 8/20/25 Devotion (Rom. 10:19)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 10:19, where Paul wrote these words:

“But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, ‘I will make you jeal-ous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you an-

gry.’ " (ESV)

Sometimes we modern Christians forget how furious the first-century unbe-lieving Jews were, at the fact that they could see (before their very eyes), that the God of the OT was given to the Gentiles through faith in Jesus Christ; and that they got left out in the cold.

. . . But “jealousy” is a powerful emotion; and the Lord God of glory would (and does) use it, to yet draw His elect unto Himself: from among the Jews as well as the Gentiles.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A Christian conquers, even when he is conquer-ed.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 8/19/25 Devotion (Rom. 9:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 9:8, where we read these words:

“This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.” (ESV)

What does it mean, to be, “the children of the promise”? It means, to be in the spiritual lineage of Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham. If we are in the spiritu-al lineage of Esau, Ishmael, and Abraham—then we are not “children of the promise.” One missed step here knocks us out of the promised covenant of grace.

The physical lineage is of no account; but the spiritual lineage is of ulti-mate account—and this is because it runs us all the way back to Jesus, the one redemptive “seed” of Abraham, (Gal. 3:16).

[Puritan quote of the day: "When a man is shaken in his own righteousness, then he sees the emptiness and the lying disposition of it.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Mon., 8/18/25 Devotion (Rom. 8:27)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 8:27, where we read these words:

“And he [God] who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, be-cause the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (ESV)

Romans 8:28 is a very famous and well-known verse; but the reason “all things work together” for God-lovers, is because of what the Holy Spirit does for regenerate churchmen. The Spirit not only *helps* us in our weakness (Rom. 8:26a)—*He* Himself intercedes *for* us at the deepest levels possible (Rom. 8:26b, 27).

With the Holy Spirit interceding for us “according to the will of God,” it is no wonder that “all things work together” for the saints’ “good.” Let us bless God that we cannot escape His perfect and persistent love for us in Christ.

[Edwards quote of the day: "Evil is an evil thing, and yet it may be a good thing that evil should be in the world.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Decrees of God"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 8/15-17/25 Devotion

Bless God—Sunday is almost here! We get to go back to church. In order to help us get ready for Sabbath worship, here is Jonathan Edwards, from his, “A History of The Work of Redemption” book. . . .

“ . . . So that Abraham, being the person in whom this foundation is laid, is re-presented in Scripture as though he were the father of all the church, the fa-ther of all them that believe; as it were a root whence the visible church thenceforward through Christ, Abraham’s root and offspring, rose as a tree, distinct from all other plants; of which tree Christ was the Branch of righteous-ness; and from which tree, after Christ came, the natural branches were bro-ken off, and the Gentiles were grafted into the same tree.

“So that Abraham still remains the father of the church, or root of the tree, through Christ, his seed. It is the same tree that flourishes from that small be-ginning that was in Abraham’s time, and has in these days of the gospel spread its branches over a great part of the earth, and will fill the whole earth in due time, and at the end of the world shall be transplanted from an earthly soil into the paradise of God."

Thurs., 8/14/25 Devotion (Rom. 4:13)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 4:13, where we read these words:

“For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.” (ESV)

Abraham was regenerated by the Holy Spirit, exercised faith in Christ, and re-ceived the covenantal gospel promise 430 years before the Sinaitic law was given to Moses, (according to Paul, in Gal. 3:17). Therefore, from a chrono-logical perspective (alone), “faith-righteousness” beat “law-righteousness” to the “punch,” before the battle ever began.

. . . But the roots of the warfare go all the way back to the Garden of Eden, where, after the Fall, we sinners continue to clamor for works- and law-righ-teousness. Only the miracle of the new birth in Christ breaks this death march.

[Puritan quote of the day: "In a spiritual sense, the godly seek great things for themselves, and it is their glory to do so.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Ex-cellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Wed., 8/13/25 Devotion (Rom. 3:28)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 3:28, where Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote these words:

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.”

Why are we justified by faith in Christ; and cannot be justified by any of the works of the law (or any other works, whatsoever)? Because faith fetches to our hearts the One (Christ) who did all the works of the law for us. His obedience is then legally imputed to the account of believers.

We *do* have to appear as *perfect* before God; and *perfect* obedience *is* necessary for us to be declared righteous and justified. *All* of our righteous-ness and justification is in Jesus. *None* of it is in ourselves or our works.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Heaven is ours already, only we strive till we have full possession.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 8/12/25 Devotion (Ps. 16:2)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 16:2, where we read these words:

“I say to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.’ ” (ESV)

David owns the Triune God as his own; and he (David) fully realized that this involved two amazing (polar-opposite) truths. . . . One, that because YHWH was his, through his faith in Christ, he (David) possessed *all* good things (cf. vv. 5 & 6); and, two, that David possessed *nothing* good in himself, as a fall-en sinner.

These realizations are key to all authentic, Spirit-filled Christian living. We have *everything* in Jesus and His gospel of grace; and we have *nothing* worthwhile in ourselves—as any of those things are in any way independent of Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Take heed, that you do not lay the stress and weight of all your comfort upon duty . . . " —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For The Downcast"]

Mon., 8/11/25 Devotion (Rom. 1:17)

Today’s encouragement comes from Rom. 1:17, where we read these immortal words:

“For in it [the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’ “ (ESV)

There are essentially two “righteousnesses” that all of us sinners inevitably seek to avail ourselves of: a “righteousness” of our “own,” (Rom. 10:3); or the “righteousness of God.” Our “own” righteousness is sought through “law” obe-dience (Rom. 10:5). The righteousness of God is apprehended by faith in Christ alone (Rom. 1:17; 10:4).

These two “righteousnesses,” and their adherents, are diametrically opposed to each other. They can never be reconciled. “Self/law” “righteousness” leads to Satan and hell. God’s righteousness received by faith leads to Christ and glory.

[Puritan quote of the day: "[Christ] was love itself clothed with man's na-

ture . . . " —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 8/8-10/25 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday. We get to go back to church. In order to help us prepare for Sabbath worship, here are some great words from Jona-than Edwards’ mind, entitled, “Justification By Faith Alone.” . . .

“To suppose that we are justified by our own sincere obedience, or anything  of our own virtue or goodness, derogates from gospel grace.

“That scheme of justification which manifestly takes from or diminishes the grace of God is undoubtedly to be rejected; for it is the declared design of God in the gospel to exalt the freedom and riches of His grace, in that method of justifying sinners and that way of admitting them to His favor, and the blessed fruits of it which it declares. The Scripture teaches that the way of justification appointed in the gospel covenant is appointed for the end that free grace might be expressed and glorified. Romans 4:16: ‘Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace.’ The exercising and magnifying of free grace in the gospel contrivance for the justification and salvation of sinners is evidently the chief design of it. And this freedom and riches of grace in the gospel are everywhere spoken of in Scripture as its chief glory. Therefore, as that doc-trine which derogates from the free grace of God in justifying sinners is most opposed to God’s design, so it must be exceedingly offensive to Him."

Thurs., 8/7/25 Devotion (Acts 26:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Paul's words, as they are found in Acts 26:8:

"Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?”

The idea of resurrection is ingrained in the human psyche—being put there by God Himself. But resurrection presupposes and necessitates death. Therefore, in the pre-fallen original state of mankind, our spiritual and material "DNA” included in it the fact that “life” (existence) would always prevail.

Every body will rise from the dead on the great Judgment Day. There will be no exceptions to this inevitable “rule.” Those who are in Christ will be raised in their glorified body; those who are not in Christ will be raised in their con-demned body. Let us be raised in our souls (already), by faith in Jesus.

[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., 8/6/25 Devotion (Acts 24:25a)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 24:25a, which says this:

"Now as [Paul] reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid . . . “

Have you ever noticed how nervous people get, when we talk to them about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come? This is understand-able. We sinners simply cannot long-tolerate any discussion of issues that touch on our guilt, and the holiness of God.

Felix’ fear was an appropriate initial response. Had he listened longer (and more carefully) to Paul, Felix would have heard the sweet sound of the gospel of grace and mercy in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us not stop at guilt; instead, may we go all the way to glory in the forgiveness wrought in Jesus’ blood.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The word 'Father' is a sweet word, for it sweetens all our duties.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Tues., 8/5/25 Devotion (Acts 23:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 23:1, where we read these words:

"Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, 'Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.’ “

Did the Apostle Paul mean, by his statement above, that he lived with a good conscience since his conversion to Christ, or all of his life (including his pre-Christian years)? I tend to think, the latter. If this is true, then it says some im-portant things about religious conviction.

. . . And that is, that a person may be totally wrong, and yet completely be-lieve that he or she is absolutely right. Only in Jesus may a conscience be truly free, and thoroughly “good”—and this is because only in Jesus is a conscience objectively clean and clear, all in Christ’s shed blood.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ's blood only can merit pardon. We please God by repentance but we do not satisfy Him by it.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Mon., 8/4/25 Devotion (Acts 22:8a, 10a)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 22:8a & 10a, where we read these words:

"So I [Paul] answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ . . . So I [Paul] said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ “

This couplet of questions from the newly-converted Saul of Tarsus also eman-ates from all other regenerated Christians. We come to know that the “Lord” is our Lord Jesus Christ; and we then need to know what we are to “do,” giv-en that we are now new creatures in Christ.

Because Paul now “knew” that Jesus was Lord, he comprehended that he [Paul] was to be His [Christ’s] happy and willing servant/minister/apostle, from that moment, into all eternity. If we “know” Jesus, we will love God in Him; and we will find ourselves “doing” His will, being led by the Holy Spirit.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Whatsoever you desire that God should give you, cast that upon the Lord.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Down-cast"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 8/1-3/25 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday! Here is Thomas Watson, on God's Mercy, from his, "A Body of Divinity” book. . . .

"Mercy coming to us in a covenant is sweetest. It was mercy that God would give Israel rain, and bread to the full, and peace, and victory over their ene-mies, (Lev 26:4-6)—but it was a greater mercy that God would be their God, (v. 12). To have health is a mercy, but to have Christ and salvation is a great-er mercy. It is like the diamond in the ring, which casts a more sparkling lus-ter. . . .

"All the mercy in the creature is derived from God, and is but a drop of this ocean. The mercy and pity a mother has to her child is from God. God is called, 'The Father of mercies,' because He begets all the mercies in the world, (2 Cor 1:3). If God has put any kindness into the creature, how much kindness is in Him who is the Father of mercy!

"As God's mercy makes the saints happy, so it should make them humble. Mercy is not the fruit of our goodness, but the fruit of God's goodness. Mercy is an alms [a gift to the poor] that God bestows. They have no cause to be proud that live upon the alms of God's mercy. 'If I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head,' (Job 10:15): 'All my righteousness is the effect of God's mercy, therefore I will be humble and will not lift up my head.' "

Thurs., 7/31/25 Devotion (Acts 18:27b-28)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 18:27b-28, where we read these words:

"When [Apollos] arrived [in Achaia], he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus." (ESV)

The ministers of the gospel are first called upon to “help” those who through grace “believe,” (i.e. the regenerate church/the Israel of God). Our next role is to “powerfully refute” all those who overtly oppose the gospel. We do this via the Holy Scriptures, that uniformly teach that Jesus is the Christ.

. . . But all of this ministry is done in the power of the Holy Spirit, as we trust God to give us the words that He has ordained for us to speak. Let all of us be faithful with our opportunities to proclaim the good news of Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "David committed many sins, but especially those two of adultery and murder, and yet God pardoned him. But Saul committed far less sins than those and yet God cast him off forever.” —Jeremiah Bur-roughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Wed., 7/30/25 Devotion (Acts 17:22)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 17:22, where we read these words:

"So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I per-ceive that in every way you are very religious.’ ” (ESV)

Everybody is “very religious”—way more religious than we think or are willing to admit to. We cannot help but be religious, because we are created in the image of God, the true God. Everybody is clamoring for the kingdom of God, whether they (we) realize it, or not.

Because we are religious, we worship. The only real question is, “What (or who) do we worship?” Paul directed the Athenians to the one true God—and he did so, by preaching Jesus and the resurrection to them. Idolatry’s time has come and gone. Now is the time to believe in the living God, through faith in Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: “Who ever stayed and waited long upon God, but he had more than he prayed for?” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Tues., 7/29/25 Devotion (Acts 16:25)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 16:25, where we read these words:

"But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”

When God’s true children praise Him, even while they are enduring the most grievous afflictions, it greatly honors Him [the Lord]. Paul and Silas could have been bemoaning their situation, and grousing over the fact that they got beat up in Philippi, and thrown into prison—but, instead, they were praying and singing.

On top of all this, they were bold and confident. The ministers were happy to have the other prisoners hear their petitions to the one, true, and only God, through Jesus Christ; and they were so liberated in their souls that they in-toned the Lord’s praises in hymns of deliverance. May all the saints do the same.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Is your sin as big as God, as big as Christ?”

—William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Mon., 7/28/25 Devotion (Mk. 10:35-36)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 10:35 & 36, 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.' And He said to them, 'What do you want Me to do for you?’ “

Even as true Christians, one of our biggest problems is that we just do not ask God for enough; and, worse than that, we do not request His greatest blessings—the ones that will bring us the most joy.

The Zebedee boys are never reproved by the blessed Messiah for their au-dacious words (above). Jesus was more than willing to hear them. Their peti-tion turned out to be a bit self-serving; and only later would they learn that to have the fullness of Christ in His gospel through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit was what they really wanted and needed.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Though God does not answer you immediately, yet He does hear you immediately.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Thurs., 7/24/25 Devotion (Mk. 6:56c)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 6:56c, where we read these words:

" . . . And as many as touched Him [Jesus] were made well.”

So far as I can tell from the four Gospel accounts, almost everyone who ever touched the Lord Jesus Christ after His baptism, was made “well.” Even (at least some [if not all]) of the soldiers who slapped and/or crucified the blessed Messiah came to faith in Him; and hence were made ultimately “well."

. . . How do we “touch” Jesus today? By receiving Him in His gospel preach-ing by faith; by receiving Him in His sacraments by faith; and by receiving Him in fresh applications of the Spirit’s gracious nourishment in prayer (by faith). The greatest “wellness” is redemption through Christ’s blood. Touch Him by faith today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We would never go to God unless God came to us, such is the stoutness of our hearts.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Re-conciliation"]

Wed., 7/23/25 Devotion (Mk. 5:36c)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 5:36c, where we read these words:

" . . . 'Do not be afraid; only believe.’ “

Regenerate Christians are always in one of two states: being afraid of some-thing; or resting in Jesus by faith. All of life is this continuum of fear and faith. Fear is the natural result of living in a fallen world. Faith is the supernatural result of living in Jesus, the church’s Head.

Let us adopt David’s approach of Ps. 56:3, where he said, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you [the LORD].” Fear becomes for us the impetus of faith. May our faith be sincere and exuberant. If we are in Christ, what (or who) do we have to fear?

[Puritan quote of the day: " . . . Man's unrighteousness must usher in Christ's righteousness.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Mon., 7/21/25 Devotion (Acts 8:35)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 8:35, where these words are spok-en of the deacon Philip, with regard to the Ethiopian eunuch:

"Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.”

When the church’s faithful ministers insist that *every* text of Holy Scripture ultimately points us directly to the Lord Jesus Christ, we mean it—and, more than that, it is true. But, to simply behold or read a text of Scripture is not good enough. We must preach Christ in and from it. This is what it means to preach the gospel.

. . . And notice the order from the little Acts 8 text (above). There is a Spirit-filled preacher; there is a Scripture passage; there is bold proclamation; there is a Redeemer to be preached; and there is a needy sinful human being who hears and believes the good news.

[Edwards quote of the day: "The love of Christ for the elect is so great that God the Father looks upon it proper and suitable to account Christ and the elect as one, and accordingly to account what Christ does and suffers as if they did it and suffered it.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "The Wisdom of God"]

Thurs., 7/17/25 Devotion (Josh. 24:15a)

Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 24:15a, where we read these words:

"And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . “

Good leaders do not “beat around the bush”; but, instead, they get right to the point. Joshua knew that all his hearers would end up serving the true God, or a myriad of idols. He also knew that the fallen heart of man was *so* wicked, that it [the fallen heart] would conceive of serving the living God as an “evil” thing.

. . . Therefore, Joshua simply cut through all the evasions and pretenses, and called the people of Israel to honestly own the God (or gods) that they would inevitably and unavoidably serve. All the regenerated saints of Christ’s church have chosen, by grace, to serve the Lord Jesus Christ—(and this is because God first chose them).

[Puritan quote of the day: "What is the reason why carnal hearts seek up and down for comfort in this and another lust? It is because they do not have enough in God.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Hope"]

Tues., 7/15/25 Devotion (Acts 2:25)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 2:25, where we read these words that made up part of Peter’s Pentecost sermon:

“For David says concerning him [Jesus], ‘I saw the Lord before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken . . . ’ " (ESV)

King David was a great believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. As a prophet, God revealed Jesus to him [David]; and, as a result, David was unafraid, unshaken, and unmovable. David knew that this Jesus was the Man who would sit on the throne of the true Israel, God’s redeemed church.

By the power of the Holy Spirit who regenerates the authentic saints, we who are in Christ today may possess the same comfort and confidence that David had. In Jesus we are never “shaken."

[Puritan quote of the day: "How Christ defends His disciples from mali-cious imputations of the Pharisees!” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 7/14/25 Devotion (Josh. 21:45)

Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 21:45, where we read these wonderful words:

"Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.”

God kept His promise to Joshua and Israel, and settled them in the land of Canaan. In Christ, God has kept His promise to every elect and redeemed human sinner who has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. *In* this regen-eration every gift of God is given to His churchmen in Jesus Christ.

If we are ever tempted to think that God has not kept His promises, it is be-cause we do not know what they are; and we have concocted idolatrous substitutes for them. Everything good and valuable is found in Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Shall man be proud after God has been humble?” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Wed., 7/9/25 Devotion (Josh. 11:7)

Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 11:7, which says this:

"So Joshua and all the people of war with him came against them suddenly by the waters of Merom, and they attacked them.”

This is an intriguing verse, because in it we learn some of the principles of spiritual warfare. Joshua did not wait around for the massive alliance of Ca-naanites to attack him—instead he (Joshua) assailed them; and he did it “suddenly,” when his foes were not expecting him.

The Christian churchman’s warfare is more offensive, than it is defensive. Since we already know the corruption of our own hearts, and the deceits of the world and Satan, we are thoroughly “up on” the battle plans of all our op-ponents. As we walk in the Spirit in love with Jesus, we cannot be defeated.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If there remains some filth and uncleanness still in our hearts, it should teach us to long for heaven, when our sanctification shall be made as perfect as our justification is.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Hope"]

Tues., 7/8/25 Devotion (Ps. 140:7)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 140:7, where we read these words:

"O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.”

To have one’s “head covered in the day of battle” by God, is to be assured of victory and safety. The most secure place in the world is to be under the hand of the true and Triune God. Even in the “thick” of the warfare against all Christ’s foes, the church’s true saints are more comfortably reposed than the most pampered of sinners.

Regenerate churchmen love God in Jesus Christ; and, because of this, they are willing to both engage and thoroughly defeat all of His (and our) enemies. But we would have no possibility of success unless the sovereign God was with us, and provided us all the strength we need in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: " 'You have heard of the patience of Job,' says James (Jas. 5:11). We have heard of his impatience too, but it pleased God mercifully to overlook that.” —Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 7/7/25 Devotion (Matt. 17:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 17:8, where we read these words:

"When they [Peter, James, and John] had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.”

Compared with the Lord Jesus Christ. everyone and everything else in the created world is individually and collectively very “small potatoes.” Even the great Moses and the eminent Elijah fade into virtual insignificance relative to the Messiah of God’s elect church.

. . . It is only when we saints are so enamored with Christ, that we experience the glories promised in the gospel of grace in the fullness of the Spirit. If we are regenerate, possessing new natures in Jesus, then we may (and should) ask God to give us His very best—and this will be manifest in a clear view of the resplendent and beautiful Redeemer.

[Puritan quote of the day: "In a word, as Christ's Person excels your person, so His obedience infinitely exceeds your disobedience.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 7/4-6/25 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! We get to go back to church again! Here are great words from Martin Luther, taken from his excellent Preface to his amazing "Galatians" Commentary. . . .

"Therefore, the afflicted and troubled conscience has no remedy against desperation and eternal death unless it takes hold of the forgiveness of sins by grace, freely offered in Christ Jesus—that is to say, this passive faith or Christian righteousness. If the conscience can take hold of this, then it may be at rest and boldly say, 'I do not seek this active or working righteousness, although I know that I ought to have it, and also to fulfill it. But if I had it and did actually fulfill it, I still could not place my trust in it, nor should I dare to set it against God's judgment. Thus I abandon all active righteousness, both of my own and of God's law, and embrace only that passive righteousness that is the righteousness of grace, mercy, and forgiveness of sins. Briefly, I rest only on that righteousness that is the righteousness that is the righteousness of Christ and of the Holy Spirit.’ "

Thurs., 7/3/25 Devotion (Josh. 5:12)

Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 5:12, where we read these words:

"Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.”

After our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, and took His place at the Father’s right hand; and after the Triune God finally closed the canon of the NT scriptures—the church of Jesus would never again need to “eat” from any of the provisions that were necessary (before the events mentioned above). Not only were abrogated OT rites done away with, but also tongues and prophecy, etc., went by the wayside.

True, i.e. regenerated Christians feed on Jesus Christ the Bread of Life; and they have no taste or relish for anyone or anything else. Non-regenerate peo-ple spend all their time filling their souls with the chaff of the world and its false religions. Let all the saints be sated to the full in our Messiah!

[Puritan quote of the day: "Feeling and freeness of spirit are often reserved until duty is discharged.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Wed., 7/2/25 Devotion (Ps. 130:3-4)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 130:3 & 4, where we read these words:

"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.”

If righteousness before God had anything to do with any of us, we would all be doomed to hell. We possess nothing in ourselves that we can pre-sent to God as “righteousness.” Anybody that thinks he or she has any in-herent “goodness” or “righteousness” is under condemnation (and rightly so).

. . . Therefore, it is wonderful that the psalmist, (probably David), intimates the imputed righteousness of Christ, by which sinners are forgiven, and have a perfect standing with the Holy God. Let us bless God for the gos-pel of grace in our Lord Jesus Christ!

[Puritan quote of the day: "In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, among that cloud of witnesses, we see Rahab, Gideon, and Samson ranked with Abraham, the father of the faithful (Heb. 11:31-32).” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed”]

Tues., 7/1/25 Devotion (Matt. 11:28)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 11:28, where we read these words which fell from the Savior's lips:

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

The weird thing about life, is that all that is necessary for perfect fulfillment, is desire. Those who *feel* their need of Jesus, and who come to Him in faith (and nothing else), get Him. Augustine's maxim is true: "Our souls are rest-less until we find our rest in You [the true God]."

A soul at rest can pray to God; and can concentrate on what is truly impor-tant. A person that is constantly restless can only do a lot of work, activity, and performance, hoping to assuage real guilt and worry. God only accepts hearts that come to Christ, and rest in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "This may be a great comfort to you: God does not expect you to root out all presence of sin, but only to keep down the reigning of sin in you.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Mortified Christian"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 6/6-8/25 Devotion

Bless God—Sunday is almost here. We get to go back to church, to hear the fresh gospel of grace, and enjoy the ordinances of God! In order to help set our minds aright, here are some great words from the amazing John Owen. These come from his outstanding “The Doctrine of Justification By Faith” book. . . .

“[Justifying faith] includes in it a sincere renunciation of all other ways and means for the attaining of righteousness, life and salvation. This is essential to faith, (Acts 4:12; Hos. 14:2-3; Jer. 3:23). Ps. 71:16b: ‘I will remind them of Your righteousness, Yours alone,’ [italics mine]. When a person is in the condition before described, [i.e. under conviction of sin/having no hope in anything in himself or the law/being desperate/and without human resources, etc.], (and such alone are called immediately to believe, Matt. 9:13; 11:28; 1 Tim. 1:15), many things will present themselves to him for his relief; particu-larly his own righteousness (Rom. 10:3). A renunciation of them all as to any hope or expectation of relief from them, belongs to sincere believing, (Isa. 1:10-11).

“ . . . Trust in God, or the grace and mercy of God in and through the Lord Christ as set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, belongs here-to, or necessarily ensues hereon. For the person called to believing is, 1) con-vinced of sin, and exposed to wrath; 2) has nothing else to trust to for help and relief; 3) actually renounces all other things that tender [present] them-selves to that end . . . "

Thurs., 6/5/25 Devotion (Ps. 92:13-14)

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

As someone who is getting older everyday, I really appreciate these verses. The promise (here) applies to every faithful regenerated Christian churchman. So long as we are in Christ, we are in His church, God’s “house.” We roam our Father’s “courts,” as we fellowship with Him via the Spirit’s grace all day long.

Every human being is “planted.” Some are planted in the house of the world; and some are planted in the house of the LORD. Let us find ourselves thriv-ing in Jesus today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Observe the happy condition of every child of God. All things work for his good, the best and worst things.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things For Good"]

Wed., 6/4/25 Devotion (Isa. 36:4)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 36:4, where we read these words:

"Then the Rabshakeh said to them, 'Say now to Hezekiah, "Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: 'What confidence is this in which you

trust?' " ' "

Do we trust in the Lord, the Triune God of the Bible? Do we have full confi-dence in Christ alone? If so, then the world will not understand us, nor why we dare put our faith in God—and not in them. Here, the self-important king of Assyria reckoned himself invincible: "How dare Hezekiah would trust in a God, over me," he thought.

God is *very* pleased by our simple and sincere faith in Jesus. No matter what our situation may be today, we will do well to put all our faith in Christ. As we do so we can enjoy God in every way.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is the honor of religion to have such disciples as will own her and stand for her at all times, and that with an undaunted cour-age.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Tues., 6/3/25 Devotion (Isa. 35:10)

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

"And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

The blessedness of salvation in Christ leads to forgiveness and restoration. These graces bring on a great deal of supernatural heartfelt joy and pleasure. Only the redeemed know the deepest and most profound senses of bliss and contentment possible in this world (all in Jesus).

Therefore, let us try to look at our lives from the vantage point of what really matters. Are we forgiven people? Do we trust in Christ alone for our right-eousness? If so, then, we have reason and cause for much joy—even if a lot of other areas of our lives are difficult and trial-filled.

[Puritan quote of the day: "As God is the worst enemy, so He is the best friend, the truest friend, the most real friend in all the world.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 5/23-25/25 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here again. We get to go back to church! In order to help us get ready for Sabbath Worship, here are good words from John Owen’s “Spiritual-Mindedness” book. . . .

“ . . . No thoughts of Christ born of faith in Him and accompanied with love for Him will ever be wasted. They that sow this seed will return with their minds full of sheaves. Christ will meet with them. He will assure them that He ac-cepts them and that He is delighted with them. He will pour out His love upon them. Those gracious promises which He has made of ‘coming’ to those that believe in Him, of ‘making His home with them,’ and of ‘dining with them’ as-sure believers that if they desire to have fellowship with Him, and show this desire by thinking much about Him, He will meet with them in a very real, spiritual way."

Thurs., 5/22/25 Devotion (1 Jn. 1:10)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 John 1:10, where we read these words:

"If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him [God] a liar, and His word is not in us."

Sin is an insidious thing. If we acknowledge it, we must confess it and repent of it. If we do not acknowledge it, we sin even worse (by pretending it does not exist in us). The best thing to do, in confessing sin, is to be as honest with God as we possibly can be. This requires God's assistance.

Confession of sin usually has these two temptations attached to it: 1) to say things to God that we do not really mean (just to ease our conscience); or, 2) to confess things to God which (in themselves) are really not sin at all. Again: the key is candor. May the Lord help us know our hearts well enough (as per Ps. 139:23-24), in order to make good confession to Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The eyes of our souls cannot be towards God un-less He has cast a gracious look upon us first.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Wed., 5/21/25 Devotion (2 Pet. 3:18a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Peter 3:18a, where we read these words:

" . . . But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. . . . "

How does a church full of regenerate Christians *grow* in "the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"? Certainly, by being well-fed. The context of Peter's injunction (above) is largely that of the proper use and understanding of the word of God (the sacred scriptures)—particularly as they are preached.

Believers *grow* when we ingest Jesus as The Word—being hungry for Him alone. The written word, which is the basis and foundation of the church's preached word, always points everyone to The Incarnate Word (Jesus), (the "Logos," of Jn. 1:1). This "Word” (Christ) is The ultimate Revel-ation of God. Only He (Jesus) can "feed" us. He feeds us His own Person, His "flesh" and "blood," in the preached Gospel, and in the proper adminis-tration of the sacrament of The Lord's Supper.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Every godly, gracious man is a praying man.”

—William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Tues., 5/20/25 Devotion (Ps. 73:16-17)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 73:16 & 17, where Asaph, the hu-man author, was dealing with, and finally received resolution to the thorny is-sue of the prosperity of the wicked, (see vv. 2-3 ff.). . . .

"When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me—until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end."

On our own, individually, we are simply *unable* to grasp a whole lot of things that are necessary for our happiness and well-being. This is no accident. God intentionally designed us to be insufficient and incomplete in and of our-selves. This is why He puts His saints into the body of Christ, His holy church. When Asaph came into the communion of his fellow-believers in the context of Sabbath worship—all of a sudden the darkness was dispersed, and his un-derstanding was enlightened, all in the Christ to come.

It is the height of pride and folly, to believe we do not need Jesus or His church. Let us enter the Lord's sanctuary on Sundays, and receive in Christ all that we need for all of life.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Mercy is not for them that sin and fear not, but for them that fear and sin not. God's mercy is a holy mercy; where it pardons it heals.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

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

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 19:24 & 25, which finds the prophet 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 success. For Isaiah to proph-esy these words must have seemed extremely preposterous and impossible 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 together of all the nations into the church, see Eph. 2, esp. vv. 11-13.)

Let us revel in the wonderful strength of our Savior; 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 fath-om the depth of God's justice.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]