Today's encouragement comes from John 8:42a, where we read these words:
"Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love Me . . . ‘ "There is not a true God-devotee in the entire universe who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ. All other "god-talkers" serve a different ultimate spiritual father, (namely, Satan). Devotion and dedication to a “God-concept”—no mat-ter how ardently and fervently it is held—is worthless idolatry, if it does not center on love for Christ.
Every soul has a "father"; and, in the final analysis—even according to Christ Himself—it is either the Father in heaven, or the one consigned to hell (Sa-tan). Who is your Father? Look at the highest object of your love, and you will know.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Where Christ is, all happiness must follow.”
—Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]
