Wed., 5/11/22 Devotion (Jas. 3:17)

Today's encouragement comes from James 3:17, which says this:

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, wil-ling to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypo-crisy."

The world's "wisdom" is full of frenetic activity—designed to fill up space, and to distract one's mind from the important things of life. We see a lot of this in religious expressions, especially in many inferior forms of Christianity. But God's wisdom is different. It starts in the heart, and gets established there, as the foundation of everything that will be expressed by that life: in word, or in action.

. . . We can tell, whether we are operating on God's wisdom, or that of the world's. If it is of God, it will be very tranquil, and serene; and yet very strong and pure. If it is the world's, it will simply wear us out, as we expend energy for no other purpose, but to seek to assuage our guilt.

[Puritan quote of the day: "I cannot but think that to make large confessions of sin, and yet with a senseless dead heart, is a high degree of taking the name of God in vain.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Mon., 5/9/22 Devotion (Ps. 55:16)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 55:16, where we read these words:

"As for me, I will call upon God, and the LORD shall save me."

King David makes a personal assertion here. No matter what other people choose to do with their troubles and problems—he, at least, will bring his to the Lord. David believed that simply "calling upon God" would be enough to secure His [God's] help. This is why he wrote, "The Lord shall save me."

May all God's chosen and elect, redeemed and sanctified Christian church-men call upon Him, in trouble or in pleasure. Let us recognize that the Lord is good; and that He alone is able to meet all of our needs in Christ—be those needs profound or mundane.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Those who would annihilate the church ministry try to pull the stars out of Christ's hand.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "God's Anatomy upon Man's Heart"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 5/6-8/22 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, "A Body of Divinity.” . . .

"If you would have peace, then make war with sin. Sin is the Achan that troubles us, the Trojan horse. . . . If you would have peace with God, then break your league with sin. Go to battle with sin, for it is a most just war. God has proclaimed it [the “just war”]; in fact, He has promised us victory. 'Sin shall not have dominion over you,' (Rom. 6:14). There is no path to peace, except by maintaining a war with sin. . . .

"Go to Christ's blood for peace. Some seek to get their peace from their own righteousness, not Christ's. They look for peace in their [allegedly] holy life, not in Christ's death. If conscience is troubled, they strive to quiet it with their duties. This is not the right way to get peace. Duties must not be neglected, nor are they to be idolized. Look to the blood of sprinkling, (Heb. 12:24). That blood of Christ which pacified God, must pacify our consciences. Christ's blood being taken in by faith, gives peace. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God,' (Rom. 5:1). There is no medicine to cure a wounded con-science, but the blood of Christ."

Thurs., 5/5/22 Devotion (Num. 12:1a, 2a)

Today's encouragement comes from Numbers 12:1a & 2a, where we read these words:

"Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian wo-man whom he had married . . . So they said, 'Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? . . . ' "

As we look at these two phrases above, we learn something important. Aaron's and Miriam's problem with their brother (Moses) was that he had gone off and married an Ethiopian woman. They did not like this for some reason. Maybe they were prejudiced against Ethiopians (or Cushites). But let us note *what* Aaron and Miriam *do*: they make their statement about those through whom God speaks a *pretense* (with regard to what it was that *real-ly* bothered them).

This is a very common practice among sinners of all sorts—even religious ones. What they *say* is often not really the issue. Let us keep this principle in mind as we deal with people, especially if we are in any kind of leadership positions. Let us try to understand what the real "rub" is, and not be duped by falsehood.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Bend the greatest strength of your heart in fervent prayer to God against the corruption that troubles you the most.” —Christo-pher Love, in, "The Mortified Christian"]

Wed., 5/4/22 Devotion (Num. 11:1a)

Today's encouragement comes from Numbers 11:1a, where these sobering words are found:

"Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused. . . . "

There is an acceptable (even proper) way to "complain" to God (cf. Ps. 142:2); and then there is this unacceptable and improper way to do it, (as seen throughout much of Num., ch. 11). The people "craved"; they wanted their way; they "wept all over" Moses; they insisted that they be granted their desires. God's answer was to give them exactly what they wanted, and then to kill off many of them, (see vv. 33-34).

Let us be careful about what we earnestly long for; and of what we "demand" of God. In fact, it may not be good for us. The faithful church’s "status quo," (viz. continuing to eat God's provision of His manna, [Jesus Christ the Bread of Life]), is a whole lot better than an early grave.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Hence we learn that a life of holiness is the pleas-antest life in this world, because in such a life we have the imperfect begin-nings of a blessed and endless sight of God.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Pure in Heart Blessed"]

Tues., 5/3/22 Devotion (Ps. 46:1-2)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 46, vv. 1 & 2, where we read these words:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea . . . "

Nations come and go; but Christ and His church kingdom remain forever. In times of international and/or national distress and apostasy, it is easy to get nervous and unsettled. The words of this Psalm (above) are comforting to the true saints of the church. What we know and are familiar with *may* indeed "be removed," and "the mountains [may] be carried into the midst of the seas”—but still our God remains with us, through it all.

. . . In these days of real and palpable "trouble," and great upheaval, let us find our strength in The One who is our "very present help." He will sustain us, His church, no matter whatever else befalls us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Whether we have comfort or not, both are for our good.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Mon., 5/2/22 Devotion (Heb. 7:16)

Today's encouragement comes from Hebrews 7:16, where we read these words:

"[Christ] has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life."

Because Jesus Christ always lives, His church may rest secure in His (Christ's) eternal priesthood. Under the Old Covenant, the priests came and went—as they, like everyone else, died. But now that Jesus has been incar-nated, crucified, and risen from the dead—He is at the right hand of the Fath-er, always making intercession for His church, through His blood atonement for us.

Whereas *all* non-Christian religions and life-philosophies have no choice but to depend on dead people, who cannot help them at all—the Christian believ-er depends on One who can never die. Let us approach our Messiah with confidence—knowing that He has provided everything for us, and that He has "the power of an endless life."

[Puritan quote of the day: "God is a tender Father, and He would have all the love of His children.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]