Proverbs
Chapter 12

1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Ruth went into the field of Boaz to pick the gleanings after it had been reaped (Ruth 2:3). She sought the leftovers from those reaping, but what she found was so much more - her redeemer himself. Boaz, for Ruth, was a type of Christ; he represented the one who saves us.

Likewise, we should be going out into our Redeemer’s field, not to reap what is left behind, but to bring in His bounty. Jesus informed His disciples, “lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest” (Jn. 4:35). This He spoke regarding those whose hearts were prepared to receive the gospel, as He continued, “already he who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for life eternal” (Jn. 4:36).

Ruth did not sow, but she received of the harvest, and also received redemption. So too, we who have received redemption should be going out to harvest that which we did not sow (Jn. 4:37-38).

Brethren, are you working to harvest the Lord’s field? Or even to reap the gleanings? If not, why not? Are you ashamed of the gospel? Is it not God’s power for salvation? (Rom. 1:16) Did not God choose “the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21)?

Let us then, as His workers, work to bring in His harvest as He commanded those who would follow (Mt. 28:18-20).

——————
Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, October 25

"She gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech." Ruth 2:3

Her hap was. Yes, it seemed nothing but an accident, but how divinely was it overruled! Ruth had gone forth with her mother's blessing, under the care of her mother's God, to humble but honourable toil, and the providence of God was guiding her every step. Little did she know that amid the sheaves she would find a husband, that he should make her the joint owner of all those broad acres, and that she a poor foreigner should become one of the progenitors of the great Messiah. God is very good to those who trust in Him, and often surprises them with unlooked for blessings. Little do we know what may happen to us tomorrow, but this sweet fact may cheer us, that no good thing shall be withheld. Chance is banished from the faith of Christians, for they see the hand of God in everything. The trivial events of today or tomorrow may involve consequences of the highest importance. O Lord, deal as graciously with Thy servants as Thou didst with Ruth.

How blessed would it be, if, in wandering in the field of meditation tonight, our hap should be to light upon the place where our next Kinsman will reveal Himself to us! O Spirit of God, guide us to Him. We would sooner glean in His field than bear away the whole harvest from any other. O for the footsteps of His flock, which may conduct us to the green pastures where He dwells! This is a weary world when Jesus is away- we could better do without sun and moon that without Him- but how divinely fair all things become in the glory of His presence! Our souls know the virtue which dwells in Jesus, and can never be content without Him. We will wait in prayer this night until our hap shall be to light on a part of the field belonging to Jesus wherein He will manifest Himself to us.

VIDEO: #RobertDeNiro Calls For News Outlets To Ignore & Attack #DonaldTrump, So They Can Convince Rural America To Abandon #MAGA https://madmaxworld.tv/watch?id=68f7d7a145e41b6de3500cdd

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, October 20

"Keep not back." Isaiah 43:6

Although this message was sent to the south, and referred to the seed of Israel, it may profitably be a summons to ourselves. Backward we are naturally to all good things, and it is a lesson of grace to learn to go forward in the ways of God. Reader, are you unconverted, but do you desire to trust in the Lord Jesus? Then keep not back. Love invites you, the promises secure you success, the precious blood prepares the way. Let not sins or fears hinder you, but come to Jesus just as you are. Do you long to pray? Would you pour out your heart before the Lord? Keep not back. The mercy-seat is prepared for such as need mercy; a sinner's cries will prevail with God. You are invited, nay, you are commanded to pray, come therefore with boldness to the throne of grace.

Dear friend, are you already saved? Then keep not back from union with the Lord's people. Neglect not the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. You may be of a timid disposition, but you must strive against it, lest it lead you into disobedience. There is a sweet promise made to those who confess Christ- by no means miss it, lest you come under the condemnation of those who deny Him. If you have talents keep not back from using them. Hoard not your wealth, waste not your time; let not your abilities rust or your influence be unused. Jesus kept not back, imitate Him by being foremost in self-denials and self-sacrifices. Keep not back from close communion with God, from boldly appropriating covenant blessings, from advancing in the divine life, from prying into the precious mysteries of the love of Christ. Neither, beloved friend, be guilty of keeping others back by your coldness, harshness, or suspicions. For Jesus' sake go forward yourself, and encourage others to do the like. Hell and the leaguered bands of superstition and infidelity are forward to the fight. O soldiers of the cross, keep not back.

Carnivore diet for 2 1/2 weeks and I'm down 6 pounds and my husband's weight is down and his glucose this morning was down to 103! It's working!

Rick, thank you very much for writing this article.

I remember this very well, I also remember thinking....when that SOB...got away with MURDER...that EVERY woman that had and would be abused...would have no one to help or believe her, Not long after that, there was a woman in Springfield IL that was murdered. By her "estranged" "husband" She had tried numerous times, with the "LAW" and LADIES an OP is worth only what the paper it is written on... NOTHING. She was found dead in a field.


Simpson's Best Performance
https://www.rickelkin.com/p/simpsons-best-performance?publication_id=2827123&post_id=175828389&isFreemail=true&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Matthew
Chapter 1

1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, October 6

"He had married an Ethiopian woman." Numbers 12:1

Strange choice of Moses, but how much more strange the choice of Him who is a prophet like unto Moses, and greater than he! Our Lord, who is fair as the lily, has entered into marriage union with one who confesses herself to be black, because the sun has looked upon her. It is the wonder of angels that the love of Jesus should be set upon poor, lost, guilty men. Each believer must, when filled with a sense of Jesus' love, be also overwhelmed with astonishment that such love should be lavished on an object so utterly unworthy of it. Knowing as we do our secret guiltiness, unfaithfulness, and black-heartedness, we are dissolved in grateful admiration of the matchless freeness and sovereignty of grace. Jesus must have found the cause of His love in His own heart, He could not have found it in us, for it is not there. Even since our conversion we have been black, though grace has made us comely. Holy Rutherford said of himself what we must each subscribe to- "His relation to me is, that I am sick, and He is the Physician of whom I stand in need. Alas! how often I play fast and loose with Christ! He bindeth, I loose; He buildeth, I cast down; I quarrel with Christ, and He agreeth with me twenty times a day!" Most tender and faithful Husband of our souls, pursue Thy gracious work of conforming us to Thine image, till Thou shalt present even us poor Ethiops unto Thyself, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Moses met with opposition because of his marriage, and both himself and his spouse were the subjects of an evil eye. Can we wonder if this vain world opposes Jesus and His spouse, and especially when great sinners are converted? for this is ever the Pharisee's ground of objection, "This man receiveth sinners." Still is the old cause of quarrel revived, "Because he had married an Ethiopian woman."

Check this Russian cover band- Leonid and Friends…
If you haven’t heard them before- easy to get hooked!

https://youtu.be/iQCpWw9dNRk?si=zWpEKaNPM3yl_MVn

The Ken Smith Band performed at The 79th Annual Pohick Country Fair, featuring the songs Green River, Ring of Fire, The Letter, You Don't Mess Around With Jim, Galveston, I Got Somebody, Workin’ Man Blues, Silver Wings, I’m a Believer, Sweet Caroline & Ken's own compositions I Don't Want to Let Time Slip Away from Me, I Ain't Got Time for a Broken Heart, Lonesome Whistle in the Dark, Gone but Not Forgotten, and It's Gonna Be All Right. #KenSmithBand #PohickCountryFair #PohickChurch #Pohick #PohickFair2025 #PohickFair #Music

The 79th Annual Pohick Country Fair featured food & apple butter, a turkey shoot, a military history exhibit, pony rides, cars, games, pumpkin & face painting, crafts, and musical entertainment by the Pohick Pickers and the Ken Smith Band at the historic Pohick Episcopal Church in Lorton, Virginia. #PohickCountryFair #PohickChurch #Lorton #Virginia #Pohick #PohickFair2025 #PohickFair #History

Believer, there will come a day when “the stars of heaven and their constellations will not flash forth their light; the sun will be dark when it rises and the moon will not shed its light” (Isa. 13:10). This is the day of the Lord, when He returns in anger to “punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity” (Isa. 13:11). What an interesting picture that those who walk in darkness now will be in literal darkness then.

Yet we are told that after, we will have no need of these celestial bodies to provide us light. There “will no longer be any night” and we “will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine” us (Rev. 22:5). What glorious imagery! At that time, we will reign with Him forever (Rev. 4:5)!

Zechariah paints a similar picture, when he tells us, “In that day there will be no light; the luminaries will dwindle. For it will be a unique day which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but it will come about that at evening time there will be light” (Zech. 14:6-7).

We have a blessed future on which we focus and in which we have our hope. For we will be united with Him in glory, and be with Him forever. Let us make this our focus, as we keep in our minds that in that time of darkness, “at evening time there will be light.”

——————
Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, October 4

"At evening time it shall be light." Zechariah 14:7

Oftentimes we look forward with forebodings to the time of old age, forgetful that at eventide it shall be light. To many saints, old age is the choicest season in their lives. A balmier air fans the mariner's cheek as he nears the shore of immortality, fewer waves ruffle his sea, quiet reigns, deep, still and solemn. From the altar of age the flashes of the fire of youth are gone, but the more real flame of earnest feeling remains. The pilgrims have reached the land Beulah, that happy country, whose days are as the days of heaven upon earth. Angels visit it, celestial gales blow over it, flowers of paradise grow in it, and the air is filled with seraphic music. Some dwell here for years, and others come to it but a few hours before their departure, but it is an Eden on earth. We may well long for the time when we shall recline in its shady groves and be satisfied with hope until the time of fruition comes. The setting sun seems larger than when aloft in the sky, and a splendour of glory tinges all the clouds which surround his going down. Pain breaks not the calm of the sweet twilight of age, for strength made perfect in weakness bears up with patience under it all. Ripe fruits of choice experience are gathered as the rare repast of life's evening, and the soul prepares itself for rest.
The Lord's people shall also enjoy light in the hour of death. Unbelief laments; the shadows fall, the night is coming, existence is ending. Ah no, crieth faith, the night is far spent, the true day is at hand. Light is come, the light of immortality, the light of a Father's countenance. Gather up thy feet in the bed, see the waiting bands of spirits! Angels waft thee away. Farewell, beloved one, thou art gone, thou wavest thine hand. Ah, now it is light. The pearly gates are open, the golden streets shine in the jasper light. We cover our eyes, but thou beholdest the unseen; adieu, brother, thou hast light at even-tide, such as we have not yet.

Psalms
Chapter 107

1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.

5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;

11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:

12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.

13 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.

14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.

15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.

20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;

24 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.

25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.

27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.

28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;

34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.

36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;

37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.

38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.

39 Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.

40 He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.

41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.

42 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.

43 Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

Believer, do you daily say with David,
“Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle” (Ps. 103:2-5)?

Do you sing His praises, as did Deborah (Judges 5:3) or as David exhorts (Ps. 7:17)?

Over and over in the Psalms, David speaks of singing praise to the Lord. Do you do so? How often? Even Isaiah tells us to “Sing to the Lord a new song, sing His praise from the end of the earth” (Isa. 42:10)!

We have much for which to praise Him, not the least of which is our salvation. Does He not also deserve praise simply for who He is? Absolutely! He is God, almighty, ever present, creator and upholder of all. To Him all praise is due!

Shall we rob Him of His glory? Shall we not pay Him that which He is owed?

This isn’t merely an Old Testament phenomenon. Paul, in quoting the Old Testament, tells us we should be praising Him among the gentiles and singing to His name (Rom. 15:9) and that even the gentiles should praise Him (Rom. 15:11).

If you are not already, heed the exhortation of the author of Hebrews, and through Jesus Christ, “let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God” (Heb. 13:15).

As the voice from the throne came to John in his vision, let us “give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great” (Rev. 19:5).

Praise the Lord!


——————
Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 30

"Sing forth the honour of His name, make His praise glorious." Psalm 66:2

It is not left to our own option whether we shall praise God or not. Praise is God's most righteous due, and every Christian, as the recipient of His grace, is bound to praise God from day to day. It is true we have no authoritative rubric for daily praise; we have no commandment prescribing certain hours of song and thanksgiving: but the law written upon the heart teaches us that it is right to praise God; and the unwritten mandate comes to us with as much force as if it had been recorded on the tables of stone, or handed to us from the top of thundering Sinai. Yes, it is the Christian's duty to praise God. It is not only a pleasurable exercise, but it is the absolute obligation of his life. Think not ye who are always mourning, that ye are guiltless in this respect, or imagine that ye can discharge your duty to your God without songs of praise. You are bound by the bonds of His love to bless His name so long as you live, and His praise should continually be in your mouth, for you are blessed, in order that you may bless Him;"this people have I formed for myself, they shall show forth my praise"; and if you do not praise God, you are not bringing forth the fruit which He, as the Divine Husbandman, has a right to expect at your hands. Let not your harp then hang upon the willows, but take it down, and strive, with a grateful heart, to bring forth its loudest music. Arise and chant His praise. With every morning's dawn, lift up your notes of thanksgiving, and let every setting sun be followed with your song. Girdle the earth with your praises; surround it with an atmosphere of melody, and God Himself will hearken from heaven and accept your music.
E'en so I love Thee, and will love,
And in Thy praise will sing,
Because Thou art my loving God,
And my redeeming King.

Believer, what has happened to the Church? Are we not the body of Christ? Do we not gather as His body to worship, to edify one another by the exercise of our gifts, to fellowship, and to do good deeds? Have we become so rich that we no longer need Him, the One whose body we comprise (Rev. 3:17)? Do we believe ourselves so wealthy that we are in need of nothing (Rev. 3:17)?

The Church has been weakened by “churchianity,” which is all show and no go. We are, at large, become lukewarm and ready to be spit out of His mouth (Rev. 3:16). We have pushed Christ out and invited the world in. What happened to our zeal? We are called to be separate from the world, not like it. Light has no fellowship with darkness (2 Cor. 6:14). Christ has no harmony with Belial (Rom. 6:15). We have naught in common with unbelievers (Rom. 6:15)

Let us not stand naked and poor, with our reward stored up here rather than in heaven (Rev. 3:18). Instead, become zealous for Him (Rev. 3:19), not without knowledge, but because we know Him.

Behold, He stands at the door of the Church knocking (Rev. 3:20). Shall we leave Him out in the cold, or let Him back in where He belongs that He might dine with us (Rev. 3:20)?

We belong to Him. Let His hand rapping on the door of the Church not go unheard, but let it move us for Him.

——————
Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 27

"My Beloved put in His hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for Him." Song of Solomon 5:4

Knocking was not enough, for my heart was too full of sleep, too cold and ungrateful to arise and open the door, but the touch of His effectual grace has made my soul bestir itself. Oh, the longsuffering of my Beloved, to tarry when He found Himself shut out, and me asleep upon the bed of sloth! Oh, the greatness of His patience, to knock and knock again, and to add His voice to His knockings, beseeching me to open to Him! How could I have refused Him! Base heart, blush and be confounded! But what greatest kindness of all is this, that He becomes His own porter and unbars the door Himself. Thrice blessed is the hand which condescends to lift the latch and turn the key. Now I see that nothing but my Lord's own power can save such a naughty mass of wickedness as I am; ordinances fail, even the gospel has no effect upon me, till His hand is stretched out. Now, also, I perceive that His hand is good where all else is unsuccessful, He can open when nothing else will. Blessed be His name, I feel His gracious presence even now. Well may my bowels move for Him, when I think of all that He has suffered for me, and of my ungenerous return. I have allowed my affections to wander. I have set up rivals. I have grieved Him. Sweetest and dearest of all beloveds, I have treated Thee as an unfaithful wife treats her husband. Oh, my cruel sins, my cruel self. What can I do? Tears are a poor show of my repentance, my whole heart boils with indignation at myself. Wretch that I am, to treat my Lord, my All in All, my exceeding great joy, as though He were a stranger. Jesus, thou forgivest freely, but this is not enough, prevent my unfaithfulness in the future. Kiss away these tears, and then purge my heart and bind it with sevenfold cords to Thyself, never to wander more.

Voddie Baucham was a devout Christian, devoted husband and loving father. He and his wife, Bridget, were parents to nine children, at least four of whom they adopted. They homeschooled their children. Voddie was a role model for his sons and a prototype for his daughters. Voddie also was grandfather three times over. His loss is a shock. Voddie and his wife were likely, by no means wealthy. She will now shoulder the burden of the last years of her children's rearing all by herself. If you are able, please contribute to the GiveSendGod for the Baucham family.
https://www.givesendgo.com/bauchamfamily

Brothers and sisters, are you sleeping? Will you be found so when Christ returns? His apostles fell asleep while they were in the garden and He stepped away to pray. He warned them not to sleep, but to be on their guard, because “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mt. 26:41).

He also cautioned in a parable about a man who goes on a journey and puts his slaves in charge, that like those servants, we should keep on the alert, lest the Master returns suddenly and finds us sleeping (Mk. 13:33-36).

We must always be prepared, going about the business appointed us by Jesus, watching for, though not attempting to predict, His return. We must be ready, because we do not know the day when He will come, and He will com at an hour when we do not expect (Mt. 24:42-43).

Let us then be as the five prudent virgins who, while the bridegroom tarried, took oil along with their lamps. They did indeed fall asleep, but they were prepared nonetheless, that when they heard the bridegroom approached, they trimmed their lamps and were ready for His arrival while their foolish counterparts were not (Mt. 25:1-13).

What talents has He given you? Are you faithfully using them to grow His bounty? Will He return to find an increase and so reward you with more? Or shall He find that you squandered it and take from you even what you have and cast you out (Mt. 25:14-30)?

Exhortations in Scripture regarding preparedness abound. Only the fool will reject such abundant admonition.

“Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy” (Rom. 13:11-13).

——————
Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 24

"I sleep, but my heart waketh." Song of Solomon 5:2

Paradoxes abound in Christian experience, and here is one- the spouse was asleep, and yet she was awake. He only can read the believer's riddle who has ploughed with the heifer of his experience. The two points in this evening's text are- a mournful sleepiness and a hopeful wakefulness. I sleep. Through sin that dwelleth in us we may become lax in holy duties, slothful in religious exercises, dull in spiritual joys, and altogether supine and careless. This is a shameful state for one in whom the quickening Spirit dwells; and it is dangerous to the highest degree. Even wise virgins sometimes slumber, but it is high time for all to shake off the bands of sloth. It is to be feared that many believers lose their strength as Samson lost his locks, while sleeping on the lap of carnal security. With a perishing world around us, to sleep is cruel; with eternity so near at hand, it is madness. Yet we are none of us so much awake as we should be; a few thunder-claps would do us all good, and it may be, unless we soon bestir ourselves, we shall have them in the form of war, or pestilence, or personal bereavements and losses. O that we may leave for ever the couch of fleshly ease, and go forth with flaming torches to meet the coming Bridegroom! My heart waketh. This is a happy sign. Life is not extinct, though sadly smothered. When our renewed heart struggles against our natural heaviness, we should be grateful to sovereign grace for keeping a little vitality within the body of this death. Jesus will hear our hearts, will help our hearts, will visit our hearts; for the voice of the wakeful heart is really the voice of our Beloved, saying, "Open to me." Holy zeal will surely unbar the door.

Oh lovely attitude! He stands
With melting heart and laden hands;
My soul forsakes her every sin;
And lets the heavenly stranger in."

Brethren, do you trust in the Lord for your protection? Can you compare yourself to David, who, believing the battle belongs to the Lord, refused to wear armor when he stood against mighty Goliath, knowing that God would grant him victory (1 Sam. 17:39-40)?

When trouble comes your way, are you like Jehoshaphat, turning immediately to the Lord in prayer, and receiving word back from God that the battle belongs to Him (2 Chron. 20:1-30)?

Or will you, unlike Ezra, look to the strength of the flesh, seeking assistance from the world, attempting to gain victory through the aid of those outside the body of Christ?

Christian, we have a God who cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). We need not fear (Isa. 41:10). For in Him we find our strength, and in Him we find our victory (1 Cor. 15:57). We are part of the body of Christ, and we depend upon Him and one another for our encouragement (Heb. 10:24-25).

Shall we tell the world that our God is weak and unable to do that which He has promised? Shall we contradict Scripture wherein we have assurance that He has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33; 1 Jn. 5:4)? Is the body of Christ so feeble that we may not turn to one another instead of the world for our encouragement and comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-4; 1 Thes. 5:11)?

Our Lord lives and reigns, and the victory has already been won. Our lives should reflect this confidence. We should, as Ezra, be ashamed to depend upon the world for its help when we have the Spirit of God and the body of Christ on whom to rely.

Let us be like Ezra, not seeking help from the world, but trusting in Him and the means He has provided for triumph over our tribulations.

——————
Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 24

"For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him; but His power and His wrath is against all them that forsake Him." Ezra 8:22

A convoy on many accounts would have been desirable for the pilgrim band, but a holy shame-facedness would not allow Ezra to seek one. He feared lest the heathen king should think his professions of faith in God to be mere hypocrisy, or imagine that the God of Israel was not able to preserve His own worshippers. He could not bring his mind to lean on an arm of flesh in a matter so evidently of the Lord, and therefore the caravan set out with no visible protection, guarded by Him who is the sword and shield of His people. It is to be feared that few believers feel this holy jealousy for God; even those who in a measure walk by faith, occasionally mar the lustre of their life by craving aid from man. It is a most blessed thing to have no props and no buttresses, but to stand upright on the Rock of Ages, upheld by the Lord alone. Would any believers seek state endowments for their Church, if they remembered that the Lord is dishonoured by their asking Caesar's aid? as if the Lord could not supply the needs of His own cause! Should we run so hastily to friends and relations for assistance, if we remembered that the Lord is magnified by our implicit reliance upon His solitary arm? My soul, wait thou only upon God. "But," says one, "are not means to be used?" Assuredly they are; but our fault seldom lies in their neglect: far more frequently it springs out of foolishly believing in them instead of believing in God. Few run too far in neglecting the creature's arm; but very many sin greatly in making too much of it. Learn, dear reader, to glorify the Lord by leaving means untried, if by using them thou wouldst dishonour the name of the Lord.

This is a great article! Thank you, The Wise Wolf!

The Coolest Guy I Ever Met: A Rock Star Without a Band
https://wisewolfmedia.substack.com/p/the-coolest-guy-i-ever-met-a-rock

I periodically scan a number of social sites. Where do you think my collection of world-famous memes come from? While stealing meme... Err, browsing the news, I happened to notice something disturbing. In this world? Go figure.
There are an enormous number of "social influencers'" jumping on the Charlie Kirk bandwagon daring people to un-follow them because they are conservative, or praise Charlie Kirk, or whatever anti-liberal jab they can make simply to place themselves in the light that was Charlie Kirk. I have a serious problem with societal leeches; these insincere money-grabbing bottom-feeders are no different that liberals with a mask.