July 12

Morning

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who are called, loved by God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ: — Jude 1:1 BSB

To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: — 1 Cor 1:2 BSB

according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. — 1 Pet 1:2 BSB

Take note of the unity of the Three Persons of the Trinity in all their gracious acts. It is unwise for believers to show preference for one Person over the others, thinking of Jesus as the embodiment of all grace and beauty while viewing the Father as harsh and without kindness. It is equally wrong to elevate the Father’s decree and the Son’s atonement while downplaying the work of the Spirit.

In the works of grace, none of the Persons of the Trinity act independently from the others. They are as united in their actions as they are in their essence. Their love for the chosen is one, and their works that flow from that love are also undivided. This is especially true in the matter of sanctification. While we often speak of sanctification as the work of the Spirit, we must not forget that the Father and the Son also have a role in it. It is accurate to speak of sanctification as the work of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. Even now, God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness,” and we are described as “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

See how highly God values true holiness, for all Three Persons of the Trinity are involved in creating a church that is “without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.”

And you, believer, as a follower of Christ, must also place great value on holiness—on purity of life and godliness in your conduct. Treasure the blood of Christ as the foundation of your hope, but never speak lightly of the work of the Spirit, for it is what prepares you for the inheritance of the saints in light. Today, let us live in such a way that the work of the Triune God is evident in us!

Evening

And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. — 2 Tim 4:18 BSB

The city of the great King, heaven, is a place of active service. Redeemed souls serve Him day and night in His temple. They never stop fulfilling the desires of their King. Though they “rest” in the sense that they are free from care and anxiety, they never rest in idleness or inactivity.

Heaven is also a place of communion with all of God’s people. We will sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in eternal fellowship. We will have deep conversations with the great company of the elect, all reigning with the One who, by His love and mighty power, brought them safely home. In heaven, we won’t sing solo but will join in a chorus of praise to our King.

Heaven is a place of realized victory. Every time, Christian, that you overcome a temptation or defeat a sinful desire after a long struggle, you get a foretaste of the joy that awaits you when the Lord will soon crush Satan under your feet, and you will find yourself more than a conqueror through Him who loved you.

Paradise is also a place of perfect security. When you experience the full assurance of faith, you taste the secure joy that will be yours when you become a full citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem. O my sweet home, heaven! O blessed haven for my soul! I give thanks even now to Him whose love has taught me to long for you. But how much louder my thanks will be in eternity when I finally possess you!

"My soul has tasted of the grapes,
And now it longs to go,
Where my dear Lord His vineyard keeps
And all the clusters grow.

“Upon the true and living vine,
My famished soul would feast,
And banquet on the fruit divine,
An everlasting guest!”