Tues., 1/13/26 Devotion (Acts 13:15b)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 13:15b, which says this:

“ . . . ‘Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say

it.’ ” (ESV)

Paul and Barnabas are in the Pisidian Antioch synagogue. They are handed the message (above). Paul takes advantage of the invitation, to preach a very clear gospel sermon. The elect among his hearers believed in Jesus (v. 48).

All true Christians have “word[s] of encouragement” to say to “people.” Words of Life are the best ones; and Jesus Himself *is* The “Word” of God (Jn. 1:1); and The “Life” of the world (Jn. 6:51).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The hypocrite is a saint in jest. He makes a magni-ficent show, like an ape clothed in ermine or purple.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Mon., 1/12/26 Devotion (Acts 12:1)

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

“About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.” (ESV)

I like this expression, “Belonged to the church.” The regenerate saints belong to Jesus/they belong to the three Persons of the Holy Trinity/ and they belong to each other. To “belong to the church” is to have the most supreme blessing that can possibly be bestowed upon a human sinner.

Everyone “belongs” to a company of humans. Either we belong to the (true/ redeemed) church, or we belong to the flimsy and worn-out “kingdom” of Satan. IF you “belong” to the church today, realize your amazing and full po-tential as an inheritor of the kingdom of God in Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "For every believer, the debt-book is crossed out; the black lines of sin are crossed out with the red lines of Christ's blood.”

—Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "God's Anatomy Upon Man's Heart"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/9-11/26 Devotion

Praise God, the Sabbath Day (Sunday) is almost here! We get to go back to church. In order to help us get ready for worship, here are great words from Augustine’s “City of God” book. (This comes from the entirety of Book 1, Chapter 35). . . .

“Sons of the Church lie hidden among the ungodly; and there are false Chris-tians within the Church.

“Such is the reply (which could have been amplified and extended) which the redeemed household of servants of the Lord Christ—the pilgrim city of Christ the King—may return to its enemies.

“She must bear in mind that among these very enemies are hidden her future citizens; and when confronted with them she must not think it a fruitless task to bear with their hostility until she finds them confessing the faith. In the same way, while the City of God is on pilgrimage in this world, she has in her midst some who are united with her in participation in the sacraments, but who will not join with her in the eternal destiny of the saints. Some of these are hidden; some are well known, for they do not hesitate to murmur against God, whose sacramental sign they bear, even in the company of his acknowl-edged enemies. At one time they join his enemies in filling the theaters, at an-other they join with us in filling the churches.

“But, such as they are, we have less right to despair of the reformation of some of them, when some predestined friends, as yet unknown even to them-selves, are concealed among our most open enemies. In truth, these two cities are interwoven and intermixed in this era, and await separation at the last judgment. My task, as far as I shall receive divine assistance, will be to say what I think necessary in explanation of the origin, development, and ap-pointed end of those two cities. And this I shall do to enhance the glory of the City of God, which will shine the more brightly when set in contrast with cities of other allegiance."

Thurs., 1/8/26 Devotion (Acts 8:31a)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 8:31a, where we read these words:

“And [the Ethiopian eunuch] said, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ ” (ESV)

The Ethiopian (above) had the Scripture open on his lap, but he did not un-derstand it. Someone needed to “guide” him. This “someone,” (in this case, the Deacon Philip), himself was “guided” by the Holy Spirit (see v. 29).

. . . And so it is, in the church. We all need God-given “guides,” (pastors/ teachers), who themselves are called by and “guided” by the one, true, and only God. All God’s “guides” lead everyone to Jesus, and His gospel of pure grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Wherever there is truth there will be victory.”

—Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Wed., 1/7/26 Devotion (Matt. 7:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 7:6, where we read these words:

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” (ESV)

Today, in the New Covenant era, “dogs” and “pigs” are those who do not love Jesus Christ, (they are the new “gentiles”). The possessors of what is “holy” and of “pearls” are the Israel of God, (the regenerate church).

We are to preach the gospel to unbelievers; but we are also to be careful not to dishonor our Christ by allowing any admixture of His holy and precious atoning blessings with idolatry and unbelief—the result of which would be blasphemy against God and violence against us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Touch a true godly man in his religion, and you touch his life and his best freedom; he lives more in his God than in him-

self . . . " —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict With Itself”]

Tues., 1/6/26 Devotion (Acts 6:10)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 6:10, where we find these words:

“But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which [Stephen] was speaking.” (ESV)

In the world of religion there are a lot of bloated fools, who proudly and pompously parade their ignorance. Sometimes they challenge the true ministers of Christ’s church—and the result is that God’s enemies get overwhelmed.

Stephen, the church’s first martyr, was unconquerable. They could kill his body; but his foes had to cower before his (Stephen’s) words. Let us who are truly in Jesus be clothed with Christ's assurance and grace; and, like Stephen, possess the “faces” of “angels,” (v. 15).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Ground your comfort upon a lasting and unchangeable covenant, on such a covenant that accepts will for works, desires for deeds, and endeavors for performances.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

Mon., 1/5/26 Devotion (Matt. 4:20, 22)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 4:20 & 22, where we read these words:

“Immediately [Peter and Andrew] left their nets and followed him [Jesus]. . . . Immediately [James and John] left the boat and their father and followed him [Jesus].” (ESV)

When the Lord Jesus Christ effectually calls someone to be His disciple, through the power of the Holy Spirit’s regeneration of the soul—that person “immediately” “follows” Him, no questions asked.

The difference between true and false Christians, is that the true ones pos-sess a whole new (supernatural) life; and the false ones are still stuck in Adam’s sin and the curse of the law. Let us be counted amongst the blessed and the forgiven. If we are, we will follow the Messiah.

[Puritan quote of the day: "And so to come into God's presence is the great-est joy for a godly man in this life, to come into God's presence in His ordin-ances in His Church.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]