Today's encouragement comes from Luke 23:12, where we read these words:
"That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previous-ly they had been at enmity with each other."
Have we ever considered how the devil holds his forces together? He does this by uniting them around their hatred for Jesus—no matter how much they might otherwise despise each other. Therefore, true Christians ought to be in-finitely *more* united around Jesus, and His church's doctrine, than Satan and his followers are, around their disdain for Christ.
What made Herod and Pilate like each other? It was not their common affinity for a Jerusalem restaurant. Instead, they stood arm-in-arm in opposition to the stated Kingship of Jesus. This is why even today we find Christian hypo-crites "in bed" with Muslims, atheists, and all other unbelievers. They are unit-ed in their resistance to our unconquerable Sovereign, Christ the Lord.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The work and business of ministers of the gospel is, as it were, that of servants: to wash and cleanse the souls of men; for this is done by the preaching of the Word, which is their main business.” —Jona-than Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "Christ the Example of Ministers"]
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Monday, December 8, 2014
Mon., 12/8/14 Devotion (Lk. 22:43)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 22:43, where we read these words:
"Then an angel appeared to Him [Jesus] from heaven, strengthening Him."
All God's Christian people need strength. Even the very Captain of our souls, the Head of the church Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ, did. Sometimes we children of God find ourselves in very tough circumstances. Naturally, we call out to God for deliverance and freedom (from what afflicts us). But what of-tentimes the Lord chooses to do, is *not* to immediately extricate us from our problem—but to use it as a great opportunity to make us stronger.
After all: this happened with our Savior Himself. He is in the Garden of Geth-semane, He is in agony and anguish; and His Father chooses to give Him strength (even through an angel)—for the purpose of encouraging Jesus in His horrendously difficult task of going to the cross to die for all the elect church.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The nature of God is lovely in Christ, and our na-ture in Christ is lovely to Him." —Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]
"Then an angel appeared to Him [Jesus] from heaven, strengthening Him."
All God's Christian people need strength. Even the very Captain of our souls, the Head of the church Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ, did. Sometimes we children of God find ourselves in very tough circumstances. Naturally, we call out to God for deliverance and freedom (from what afflicts us). But what of-tentimes the Lord chooses to do, is *not* to immediately extricate us from our problem—but to use it as a great opportunity to make us stronger.
After all: this happened with our Savior Himself. He is in the Garden of Geth-semane, He is in agony and anguish; and His Father chooses to give Him strength (even through an angel)—for the purpose of encouraging Jesus in His horrendously difficult task of going to the cross to die for all the elect church.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The nature of God is lovely in Christ, and our na-ture in Christ is lovely to Him." —Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]
Friday, December 5, 2014
Fri.-Sabbath, 12/5-7/14 Devotion
Yippee—it is almost Sunday. In order to encourage us in our faith walk in ad-vance of The Lord’s Day, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, "A Divine Cordial":
"God's purpose is the ground of assurance.
"Here is a sovereign elixir [medicine] of unspeakable comfort to those who are the called of God. Their salvation rests upon God's purpose. 'The founda-tion of God stands sure, having this seal: "The Lord knows those that are His, and, let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity,” ' (2 Tim. 2:19). Our graces are imperfect, our comforts ebb and flow, but God's foundation stands sure. They who are built upon this rock of God's eternal purpose, need not fear falling away; neither the power of man, nor the vio-lence of temptation, shall ever be able to overturn them."
"God's purpose is the ground of assurance.
"Here is a sovereign elixir [medicine] of unspeakable comfort to those who are the called of God. Their salvation rests upon God's purpose. 'The founda-tion of God stands sure, having this seal: "The Lord knows those that are His, and, let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity,” ' (2 Tim. 2:19). Our graces are imperfect, our comforts ebb and flow, but God's foundation stands sure. They who are built upon this rock of God's eternal purpose, need not fear falling away; neither the power of man, nor the vio-lence of temptation, shall ever be able to overturn them."
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Thurs., 12/4/14 Devotion (Lk. 18:1)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 18:1, where we read these words:
"Then He [Jesus] spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart . . . "
What is it about prayer, that God so earnestly enjoins it on us? Mostly, prayer is designed to keep us in *contact* with God. If all was well with us all the time, we would grow remiss in prayer, and very independent of the Lord. It may well be that God delays answering some of our prayers solely because He wants us still coming back to Him.
If we weary in prayer, and give up on it—it is the same thing (practically-speaking) as giving up on one's belief in Christ. That is a serious matter. May we keep praying to God, all the while leaving our requests in His capable, sovereign, and holy hands.
[Puritan quote of the day: "A man full of grace has Christ in his heart, and the world under his feet; grace humbles, yet elevates.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon entitled, "The Beauty of Grace"]
"Then He [Jesus] spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart . . . "
What is it about prayer, that God so earnestly enjoins it on us? Mostly, prayer is designed to keep us in *contact* with God. If all was well with us all the time, we would grow remiss in prayer, and very independent of the Lord. It may well be that God delays answering some of our prayers solely because He wants us still coming back to Him.
If we weary in prayer, and give up on it—it is the same thing (practically-speaking) as giving up on one's belief in Christ. That is a serious matter. May we keep praying to God, all the while leaving our requests in His capable, sovereign, and holy hands.
[Puritan quote of the day: "A man full of grace has Christ in his heart, and the world under his feet; grace humbles, yet elevates.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon entitled, "The Beauty of Grace"]
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Wed., 12/3/14 Devotion (Lk. 17:20-21)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 17:20 & 21, which says this:
"Now when [Jesus] was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, 'The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, "See here!" or "See there!" For in-deed, the kingdom of God is within [or among] you.' "
In brief, the kingdom of God is wherever Jesus Christ is, covenantally-experi-enced. This is more than simply His omnipresence, by the Spirit. It is also more than His locative position in heaven, where His glorified body and blood is. It is also much more than a future "kingdom" on earth. The kingdom of God is now—wherever Christ is glorified in His church: in the individual ex-pression of particular saints; and in the corporate worship of the body of Christ.
Let us be thankful that the King of the kingdom makes all the difference. The kingdom of God is "within" us, or "among” us—if Jesus is truly ours by faith.
[Puritan quote of the day: "They seek for heaven in hell that seek for spiritual love in an unchanged heart." —Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]
"Now when [Jesus] was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, 'The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, "See here!" or "See there!" For in-deed, the kingdom of God is within [or among] you.' "
In brief, the kingdom of God is wherever Jesus Christ is, covenantally-experi-enced. This is more than simply His omnipresence, by the Spirit. It is also more than His locative position in heaven, where His glorified body and blood is. It is also much more than a future "kingdom" on earth. The kingdom of God is now—wherever Christ is glorified in His church: in the individual ex-pression of particular saints; and in the corporate worship of the body of Christ.
Let us be thankful that the King of the kingdom makes all the difference. The kingdom of God is "within" us, or "among” us—if Jesus is truly ours by faith.
[Puritan quote of the day: "They seek for heaven in hell that seek for spiritual love in an unchanged heart." —Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Tues., 12/2/14 Devotion (Lk. 16:31)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 16:31, where we see these words, spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ:
"But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.' "
No one was ever turned to Christianity on the basis of beholding miracles—even the great one of Jesus' bodily resurrection. Instead, all those who are converted are so on the basis of the great miracle of regeneration (or new birth). No one believes the Bible, either, until or unless the Holy Spirit gives them Christ's righteousness (and the subsequent new nature in Him).
Therefore, let us not be surprised at the recalcitrant blindness and rebellion of many, who simply *will* not believe. The truth is they *cannot* believe, until God sovereignly calls them. Let us ask the Lord to do this for all our lost friends.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Now Christ and the church are all one. They make but one mystical body. The church is the queen, and Christ is the King."
—Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]
"But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.' "
No one was ever turned to Christianity on the basis of beholding miracles—even the great one of Jesus' bodily resurrection. Instead, all those who are converted are so on the basis of the great miracle of regeneration (or new birth). No one believes the Bible, either, until or unless the Holy Spirit gives them Christ's righteousness (and the subsequent new nature in Him).
Therefore, let us not be surprised at the recalcitrant blindness and rebellion of many, who simply *will* not believe. The truth is they *cannot* believe, until God sovereignly calls them. Let us ask the Lord to do this for all our lost friends.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Now Christ and the church are all one. They make but one mystical body. The church is the queen, and Christ is the King."
—Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]
Monday, December 1, 2014
Mon., 12/1/14 Devotion (1 Chron. 29:3)
Today's encouragement comes from 1 Chronicles 29:3, where we read these words of David, inspired by the Holy Spirit:
"Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver."
Whatever we value and love, we adorn. David esteemed the house of his God, having affection for it. Jesus loves His church, and bedecks her with all His gracious jewels, (cf. Rev. 21:10 ff.). Whatever or whoever we love, we are careful to bestow high honor on.
The wise and happy person loves what God loves; and invests his or her life in beautifying what will last forever. Let us set our affection on the Son of God and house of God, even as David did.
[Puritan quote of the day: "For the greatest and most glorious work that you can perform is not nearly worth so much as one drop of the blood of Christ."
--Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]
"Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver."
Whatever we value and love, we adorn. David esteemed the house of his God, having affection for it. Jesus loves His church, and bedecks her with all His gracious jewels, (cf. Rev. 21:10 ff.). Whatever or whoever we love, we are careful to bestow high honor on.
The wise and happy person loves what God loves; and invests his or her life in beautifying what will last forever. Let us set our affection on the Son of God and house of God, even as David did.
[Puritan quote of the day: "For the greatest and most glorious work that you can perform is not nearly worth so much as one drop of the blood of Christ."
--Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]
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