Dear Friends,
Today’s devotional shows you how to fight the devil and win! David Brainerd (1716-1747) devoted his life to proclaiming the Gospel to American Indians in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. He wrote these triumphant words while dying of tuberculosis. The devil loves to kick a man when he is down but in spite of Brainerd’s weakened condition, he came out “more than conqueror.” May we learn how to do so from his example. God bless you.

Because of Calvary,
John Janney

• Romans 10:1-4 (ESV)

  1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

On Saturday, September 19, 1747, less than three weeks before his death, David Brainerd wrote, “‘How infinitely sweet it is to love God and be all for Him!’ Upon which it was suggested to me, ‘You are not an angel, not lively and active.’ To which my whole soul immediately replied, ‘I as sincerely desire to love and glorify God, as any angel in heaven.’ Upon which it was suggested again, ‘But you are filthy, not fit for heaven.’ Hereupon instantly appeared the blessed robe of Christ’s righteousness which I could not but exult and triumph in. I viewed the infinite excellency of God, and my soul even broke with longings that God should be glorified.” [The Life and Diary of David Brainerd edited by Jonathan Edwards, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1949), p. 364]