Wed., 9/30/26 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” of the “new creation” in Christ (v. 15), makes the Israel of God pre-cious and treasured to the Holy Trinity. And, for the church’s saints, “peace” and “mercy” are ours in our Lord Jesus.

As the Israel of God “boasts” only in the “cross” of Christ (v. 14), we glory in the full blessings of Abraham, who was justified by faith. Now, as Abraham’s progeny of faith, we rejoice in the “Seed” of our redemption, our Lord Jesus Christ.

[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"]

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Tues., 9/29/26 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."

Every day when we wake up we are faced with an array of forces that are dead-set on robbing us of our joy and freedom in Christ. First among them is our own flesh, which continues to desire to have a right standing with God in-dependently of Jesus' blood atonement. In league with this, is the world of works-religion, which preaches law to us, and insists that we be enslaved by rules (just like they are).

It takes courage, determination, and intentionality *not* to be swept away with the rest of the world, which is in bondage to its own "righteousness." Let all faith-redeemed regenerate churchmen trust, not in themselves, but in Jesus only. Let us reaffirm our liberty in Christ today, by faith.

[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"]

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Mon., 9/28/26 Devotion (Gal. 4:6-7)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 4:6 & 7, where we read these words:

“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (NKJV)

[Of course, “sons,” includes “daughters.”] Because the Holy Spirit dwells in true Christians, we are able, at all times, to earnestly call out to our Heavenly Father. In our most grievous moments, and most tense times, He is there, to hear our passionate petitions.

. . . Not only this, we are now the heirs of all the glory that is in Christ Jesus. Because we are children of God, we are the recipients of all our Father’s kindnesses to us; we relish His love, and trust Him for all His grace. Regener-ate Christians, by far and away, are the most blessed people to be found on earth.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Keep your ear open to God and shut out sin; deaf-en your ears to the lies of the slanderer and the heretic. Do not let him have your ear who comes to rob you of your heart.” —Thomas Watson, in his ser-mon, "The Spiritual Watch"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 9/25-27/26 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, entitled, "The Ten Commandments.” . . .

"True faith is grounded upon knowledge. Knowledge carries the torch before faith. There is a knowledge of Christ's glorious excellencies, (Php. 3:8). He is made up of all love and beauty. True faith is a judicious intelligent grace, it knows Whom it believes, and why it believes. Faith is seated as well in the understanding as in the will. It has an eye to see Christ, as well as a wing to fly to Him. Such therefore as are veiled in ignorance, or have only an implicit faith to believe as the church believes, have no true and genuine faith.

"Faith lives in a broken heart. 'The father cried out with tears, "Lord, I be-lieve," ' (Mk. 9:24). True faith is always in a heart bruised for sin. They, there-fore, whose hearts were never touched for sin, have no faith. If a physician should tell us there was an herb that would help us against all infections, but it always grows in a watery place; if we should see a herb like it in color, leaf, smell, blossom, but growing upon a rock, we should conclude that it was the wrong herb. So saving faith always grows in a heart humbled for sin, in a weeping eye and a tearful conscience. If, therefore, there be a show of faith, but it grows upon the rock of a hard impenitent heart, it is not the true faith."

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Thurs., 9/24/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 13:11c)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 13:11c, where we read these words:

" . . . And the God of love and peace will be with you."

Even the world relishes the idea of a God of "love and peace.” But their "love and peace” god is not the Lord of heaven and earth—the One who saves sin-ners, and makes them His beloved churched children. God’s presence is especially felt by us as we are meek and humble in Jesus.

. . . The Living God of "love and peace" *is* with us; and we particularly *ex-perience* these blessed attributes of His (love and peace), as we are matur-ing, united, and secure (as the Body of Christ), [see the earlier parts of v. 13].

[Puritan quote of the day: "If temptations arise from natural causes, then na-tural 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"]

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Wed., 9/23/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 12:8-9a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 12:8 & 9a, where Paul wrote these words:

"Concerning this [thorn in the flesh] I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' "

The very thing we typically believe hinders our service and love for God—is often the very thing that most powerfully forwards it. Paul passionately loath-ed his thorn in his flesh, whatever it was—and yet it had the effect of "deflat-ing" him, so that he thought little of himself, and much of Christ.

It is a very difficult thing to do, but we also may think in this counter-cultural and counter-intuitive way, as we actually thank God for the hardest trials we face. Even if they *never* go away in this life, they can have the savory influ-ence of causing us to love Jesus even more.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ does not bid us (says Augustine) learn of Him to work miracles, to open the eyes of the blind, to raise the dead, but He would have us learn of Him to be meek.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Beati-tudes"]

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Tues., 9/22/26 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."

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

Where are the eyes of our hearts focused, today? If they are on earth (i.e. not on Christ), we will naturally gravitate downward. If they are in heaven (i.e. on Christ), we will, by grace, soar upwards (in our souls).

[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"]

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Mon., 9/21/26 Devotion (Ps. 72:17)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 72:17, where we read these words:

"His [Christ's] name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; all nations shall call Him blessed.” (NKJV)

Sometimes, when we see pictures of international terrorists, we might notice in the background maps of the world. This should remind us that the devil hopes to take over the entire globe, employing these, his minions. But this will never happen. Verses such as Ps. 72:17 (above) assure us that Jesus Christ and His church—and no one or nothing else—will indeed prevail.

Let us bless God for this precious truth; and then let us live by even more hearty faith (than before). This faith will manifest itself in the church's worship, love, service, and evangelism.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The church of Christ, notwithstanding her imper-fections, is in a safer state than Adam was in innocence.” —Nathaniel Vin-cent, in, "A Discourse Concerning Love"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 9/18-20/26 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday. In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his elucidation of the second petition ("Thy Kingdom Come") of The Lord's Prayer, (which is also the title of his book). . . .

"Here is comfort to those who are the subjects of the King of heaven. God will put forth all the 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 unto her a wall of fire round about,' (Zech. 2:5). A wall, that is defensive; 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 in any way—even by contemptible means, as the blowing of the trumpets, and blazing of the 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 Jonah sailed safely to shore. God will never be short on ways of saving His people; rather than fail, their very enemies shall do His work, (2 Chron. 20:23). He sets Ammon and Mount Seir against one another. As God will de-liver His people from temporal danger, so from spiritual danger, as from sin, and from hell. 'Jesus which delivered us from the wrath to come,' (1 Thess. 1:10)."

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Thurs., 9/17/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 6:10)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 6:10, where we read these words:

“ . . . as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.” (ESV)

Paul is rehearsing his ministry life; and he concludes that every perception about him and his gospel comrades is false; and that every miraculous fact about them is true. Do you love Jesus as a member of His church? Then you will be thought a fool by the world; though, in fact, you are among the wisest people on earth.

. . . Nothing *is* as it appears. Truth is real; error is an illusion. Grace is au-thentic; works-righteousness is a fraud. Christ is supreme; everyone and everything else is subordinate. The redeemed in Jesus inherit the earth; the haters of the Messiah are the ultimate losers.

[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"]

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Wed., 9/16/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 5:6a, 7, 8a)

Today's encouragement comes from the familiar and lovely words of 2 Corin-thians 5:6a, 7, & 8a, which say this:

“So we are always of good courage. . . . for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage . . . ” (ESV)

Is this not an amazing thing, that Christ-loving regenerated churchmen are “of good courage,” no matter what happens to us in this world? Why are the true saints “of good courage”? Because it does not matter whether we are in this body while on this fallen earth, or in this body while we are in our glorified state in heaven. Here, we “walk by faith."

. . . And how is this faith manifested? In "our aim to please [the Lord],” (v. 9b). And, as this is our sincere Spirit-wrought desire, we are emboldened with a courageous fortitude in Jesus and His gospel that cannot be overthrown by anything in all of creation.

[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 . . . "]

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Tues., 9/15/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 4:2a, c)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 4:2a & c, where Paul wrote these words:

“But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. . . . but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s consci-ence in the sight of God.” (ESV)

The faithful church’s truly-called regenerate gospel ministers absolutely loathe religious dishonesty, charlantry, and deceit. Our abhorrence of this wickedness is only the result of God’s grace in us. Gospel ministers, called by Jesus Himself, are, by grace alone, miraculously honest and open and un-ashamed in their gospel ministrations.

. . . None of this is because there is anything good in us—because, apart from Jesus Christ there is nothing good in us. It is rather a result of miracu-lous grace, whereby the Holy Spirit Himself overrules and governs our hearts—so that we can bring the unadulterated gospel to God's chosen church.

[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"]

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Mon., 9/14/26 Devotion (2 Cor. 3:18a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 3:18a, where Paul wrote these words:

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. . . . "

This is one of the most encouraging texts in all of Holy Scripture. The church’s saints experience sufferings, deaths, and crosses—but all of these yield (through faith in Jesus) grace, life, and more Christlikeness. Are you suf-fering today? Are you dying to sin today? Are you faithfully bearing your cross as a churched disciple of Jesus today?

. . . If so, then rejoice: you are going to experience, even in this life, deliver-ance, resurrection, and godly character. Do not lose heart, dear Christians, everything that happens to you (in Jesus) is for your good.

[Edwards quote of the day: "The Son is the fullness of God, and the church is the fullness of the Son of God.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Glory of God"]

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Fri.-Sabbath, 9/11-13/26 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here! As we prepare to worship God in church on His day, here are good words from Thomas Watson's, "All Things for Good” book. . . .

"Christ is in heaven . . . and He prays for all believers as He did for the apo-stles. ‘I do not pray for these alone but for all of them that shall believe in Me,' (Jn. 17:20). When a Christian is weak, and can hardly pray for himself, Jesus Christ is praying for him; and He prays for three things. First, that the saints may be kept from sin (Jn. 17:15): 'I pray that You would keep them from the evil [one].' We live in the world as in a pest house; Christ prays that His saints may not be infected with the contagious evil of the times. Second, for His people’s progress in holiness. 'Sanctify them,’ (Jn. 17:17). Let them have constant supplies of the Spirit, and be anointed with fresh oil. Third, for their glorification: 'Father, I desire that those whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am,’ (Jn. 17:24). Christ is not content till the saints are in His arms. This prayer, which He made on earth, is the copy and pattern of His prayer in heaven. What a comfort is this; when Satan is tempting, Christ is praying! This works for [our] good."

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Thurs., 9/10/26 Devotion (Ps. 53:5a)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 53:5a, where we read these words:

"There they are in great fear where no fear was . . . "

David is (here above) musing on the ways of wicked men; but I wonder if this principle of misdirected fear does not often apply even to the true saints? Why should sincere believing Christian churchmen fear for the state of their souls (or of anything else), if they truly and really trust in Jesus alone for their salvation and the forgiveness of their sins?

We should fear God at all times; but in Christ this only leads to our loving Him all the more. This is possible if one condition is met, (and it is impossible if this condition is not met). And that condition is a good doctrinal and theologic-al understanding of the gospel, and of how justification is realized. When peo-ple mix works with their faith, it is no wonder they are in "great fear." They ought to be.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Even if sin did not bear such bitter fruit, if death did not grow on this tree, a gracious soul would forsake it out of love to God.”

—Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

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Wed., 9/9/26 Devotion (1 Cor. 14:40)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 14:40, where we read these words:

"Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Paul ends the 14th chapter of 1 Corinthians with these words (above). Earlier, he had given specific instructions about Sunday church worship in the con-gregation (in Corinth). Though the tongues/prophecy detail is now abrogated, in that God's full written revelation is now completed—everything was to be done, "decently and in order.”

The Lord is in no way a "kill-joy"; and His insistence on dignity and decorum in His worship is not designed to dishearten us. Instead, the exact opposite is true. God provides structure and order, so that in the church—particularly in Sunday worship—we have a practical "anchor," since we have to deal with a disordered and confused world (the rest of the week).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Flesh and blood may have its fears and disquiets, but grace checks them.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Content-ment"]

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Tues., 9/8/26 Devotion (1 Cor. 13:13)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 13:13, which says this:

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Love is greater than faith and hope, because love, like Christ, salvation, and the church lasts forever. As great as faith is—and it is *very* great because it is the grace by which we apprehend Christ and His righteousness—nonethe-less, in glory (heaven) it will not be necessary. The same can be said about hope, (which is also a marvelous mercy of God to us).

But love is special, because it will be perfected (and continued forever) in heaven; and it is to be our creed here on earth. True faith and true hope al-ways lead to inevitable (and invincible) love. Let us live in Christ's love today, and in so doing, bring Him a lot of glory.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a sinful modesty in Christians that they are not more free with their ministers and other spiritual friends in unburdening them-selves and opening the sores and troubles of their souls to them.” —Thomas Watson, in "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

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Mon., 9/7/26 Devotion (1 Cor. 12:31)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 12:31, where we read these words:

"But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”

After the Apostle Paul spent most of a chapter describing various spiritual gifts given to the church—some of which are still in use today; and others of which are not—he enjoins us to go after the "best” ones; but then tells us of "a more excellent way." This superlative path, of course, is that of love, eluci-dated so famously in the next chapter (1 Cor. 13).

Gifts and love are not at odds; but love is greater in every way. Gifts are of no account without love. The devil has excellent gifts (from God), but he has no proper love (for God). Let us employ our various God-given abilities fully and well—but let us always do it out of love for Christ, His gospel, and His church.

[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"]

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Wed., 9/2/26 Devotion (Ps. 42:1-2)

Today's encouragement comes from David's words, as they are found in Psalm 42:1 & 2:

"As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”

For some reason, David had been separated from Jerusalem and the tabernacle there. He could hardly wait to get back into the corporate worship of the God he loved so much. Though he could pray to his Lord, "from the heights of Hermon," (v. 6)—it was not the same to him, as when he joyfully went up to the "house of God," (v. 4).

Do we take delight in worshipping the True God in Jesus Christ, as His church? You can always tell a true saint: he or she longs to be God’s sweet presence, in the church worship service and in the prayer closet.

[Edwards quote of the day: "Defilers and profaners of ordinances, by known and allowed wickedness, provoke God more than the heathen who have no ordinances.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "A Warning To Professors of Religion"]

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Tues., 9/1/26 Devotion (Ps. 40:17a)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 40, v. 17a, which says this:

"But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me. . . . “

King David wrote these words (above). He was "poor and needy" in that he knew he was bankrupt before God—possessing no inherent righteousness of his own. All of David's favor with God came through his union (by faith) with Christ. But what is very intriguing in this verse is the expression, "The LORD thinks upon me."

Can we picture the God who created the entire universe "thinking” “upon" us, His church? He does. We may not think of ourselves as particularly interest-ing—but the body of Christ, and the individual members of the church are of infinite interest to God. He "thinks" on us; and all His thoughts are for our good, our welfare, our betterment, and our prosperity in Christ. Let *us* think on Jesus today; and thank God for His goodness.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Do not say thus, 'I shall never be helped; I am in a sad condition and shall never be better.' . . . This you cannot say, for who knows what God will do?” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Down-cast"]

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