Is #Reproof, #Correction & #Instruction Opposite Of #Edification? https://sonsoflibertymedia.com/is-reproof-correction-instruction-opposite-of-edification/

Tina Peters #312502 La Vista Correctional Facility P.O. Box 3 Pueblo, CO 81002


FREE TINA

How many of you out there, especially those of you in positions of influence and leadership within the body of Christ, are willing to risk sacrificing a friendship or any relationship for the sake of bringing correction to errant doctrine and heresy?

How many of you out value the favor of God over that of man? How many of you out there fear God above man since all men will stand before Him to give an account to everything that they have said and done in this present life?

The writer of this following item ended up sacrificing a friendship for the sake of standing up for doctrinal purity within the body of Christ. It probably was not a pleasant thing for him to undergo, but he did so because he valued the favor of God above that of men and fears God above man, knowing that he himself, like everyone else, will have to give an account before God for the choices that he has made in this present life and for all that he has said and done, for his desire and aim is to please God, not man, including those who professed to be fellow followers of Christ because his final reward will be given to him by God and not man.

Just because men may not favor you and may even be against you, that does not necessarily mean that God is against you and just because men may speak favorably of you, even within the ranks of the Church, that does not necessarily mean that it is a sign of God’s favor.

But if we are placed in a position in which we have to choose between the favor of God and the favor of man, are we willing to trust that God will eventually vindicate us and compensate us with something that is either equal to or greater than any sacrifices we make on behalf of His Kingdom, even when we suffer the disfavor and displeasure of men for His names’ sake?
https://midwestoutreach.org/2019/08/08/fraternity-over-orthodoxy/

Dear Christians, criticism comes quickly and easily, and though reproof and correction are necessary, criticism can be destructive to the soul. As Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

While it is easy to tear down, how often do we build up and encourage? More so, how often do we celebrate our brethren in living out the truth?

John, in his third letter, exclaimed to Gaius, “I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth” (3 Jn. 1:3). Do you rejoice over our brethren walking in truth?

After all, this is an aspect of love, it “rejoices with the truth” (1 Cor. 13:6).

Therefore, while we rightly should exhort, reprove, correct one another with Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16), we also should be encouraging one another (Heb. 10:24-25), and rejoicing when we see our brethren walking in the light and in truth (1 Jn. 1:7; 3 Jn. 1:3).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, November 28

"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth." 3 John 3

The truth was in Gaius, and Gaius walked in the truth. If the first had not been the case, the second could never have occurred; and if the second could not be said of him the first would have been a mere pretence. Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it, or else it is of no value. Doctrines held as a matter of creed are like bread in the hand, which ministers no nourishment to the frame; but doctrine accepted by the heart, is as food digested, which, by assimilation, sustains and builds up the body. In us truth must be a living force, an active energy, an indwelling reality, a part of the woof and warp of our being. If it be in us, we cannot henceforth part with it. A man may lose his garments or his limbs, but his inward parts are vital, and cannot be torn away without absolute loss of life. A Christian can die, but he cannot deny the truth. Now it is a rule of nature that the inward affects the outward, as light shines from the centre of the lantern through the glass: when, therefore, the truth is kindled within, its brightness soon beams forth in the outward life and conversation. It is said that the food of certain worms colours the cocoons of silk which they spin: and just so the nutriment upon which a man's inward nature lives gives a tinge to every word and deed proceeding from him. To walk in the truth, imports a life of integrity, holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity- the natural product of those principles of truth which the gospel teaches, and which the Spirit of God enables us to receive. We may judge of the secrets of the soul by their manifestation in the man's conversation. Be it ours today, O gracious Spirit, to be ruled and governed by Thy divine authority, so that nothing false or sinful may reign in our hearts, lest it extend its malignant influence to our daily walk among men.

Proverbs
Chapter 23

1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Proverbs
Chapter 22

1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Proverbs
Chapter 15

1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Proverbs
Chapter 7

1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.

2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,

7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

Proverbs
Chapter 3

1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Christian, are you growing in your relationship with Christ? Are you growing in likeness to Him? Is this not our call, to be transformed by His word and conformed to His image (Rom. 12:2)?

If you are stagnating, if you find yourself in bondage to sin, why? Paul exhorts that we “walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding” (Eph. 4:17-18).

He has given us what we need. We have His Spirit dwelling within us (1 Cor. 3:16). He teaches us (1 Cor. 2:12-13; 1 Jn. 2:27). He intercedes when we know not how to pray (Rom. 8:26). He leads us into truth (Jn. 16:13). He empowers us to be witnesses for Christ (Acts 1:8).

We have His word, which He Himself breathed out and is profitable for teaching, training in righteousness, reproof, and correction (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It nourishes our spirits (Deut. 8:3; Mt. 4:4). It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths (Ps. 119:105). It helps keep our way pure (Ps. 119:9-11).

We have our faith, by which we joyfully withstand trials and are made mature (Jas. 1:2-4).

How then, unless we are new to the faith, should we still be babes requiring milk and unable to consume solid food (1 Cor. 3:2-3; Heb. 5:12-13)?

Let us move on beyond the basics then, pressing on to maturity (Heb. 6:1) and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, October 20

"Grow up into Him in all things." Ephesians 4:15

Many Christians remain stunted and dwarfed in spiritual things, so as to present the same appearance year after year. No up-springing of advanced and refined feeling is manifest in them. They exist but do not "grow up into Him in all things." But should we rest content with being in the "green blade," when we might advance to "the ear," and eventually ripen into the "full corn in the ear?" Should we be satisfied to believe in Christ, and to say, "I am safe," without wishing to know in our own experience more of the fulness which is to be found in Him. It should not be so; we should, as good traders in heaven's market, covet to be enriched in the knowledge of Jesus. It is all very well to keep other men's vineyards, but we must not neglect our own spiritual growth and ripening. Why should it always be winter time in our hearts? We must have our seed time, it is true, but O for a spring time- yea, a summer season, which shall give promise of an early harvest. If we would ripen in grace, we must live near to Jesus- in His presence- ripened by the sunshine of His smiles. We must hold sweet communion with Him. We must leave the distant view of His face and come near, as John did, and pillow our head on His breast; then shall we find ourselves advancing in holiness, in love, in faith, in hope- yea, in every precious gift. As the sun rises first on mountain-tops and gilds them with his light, and presents one of the most charming sights to the eye of the traveller; so is it one of the most delightful contemplations in the world to mark the glow of the Spirit's light on the head of some saint, who has risen up in spiritual stature, like Saul, above his fellows, till, like a mighty Alp, snow-capped, he reflects first among the chosen, the beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and bears the sheen of His effulgence high aloft for all to see, and seeing it, to glorify His Father which is in heaven.

Dear brethren, do you long as newborns for the pure milk of God’s word (1 Pet. 2:2)? May it always be so.

Yet, we must not be content with milk only. We must grow and mature, we must advance to consume solid food as well (Heb. 5:12-14). We cannot remain fleshly (1 Cor. 3:2-3), but grow in faith, in grace, in holiness. For it is this to which we are called, when God exhorts, “you shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:16).

It is a battle, to be sure. For the flesh wars against the spirit (Gal. 5:17). Therefore, we must nourish and strengthen our spirits as the athlete nourishes and strengthens his body. And while the body is trained through diet and exercise, so it is with the spirit.

Nutrition for the spirit comes from the word of God. For every word of Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for correction, for training in righteousness, for reproof, and able to equip us for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Therefore, we must spend time in it, striving diligently to handle God’s word accurately (2 Tim. 2:15) and eschewing worldliness of all sorts (2 Tim. 2:16; 1 Jn. 2:15-16).

Let us, therefore, come to Jesus through God’s word, seeking His words which are spirit and life (Jn. 6:63), nourishing our spirits with not only the milk of the word, but the bread of life (Jn. 6:35), and the meat of God’s word.

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, October 19

"Babes in Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:1

Are you mourning, believer, because you are so weak in the divine life: because your faith is so little, your love so feeble? Cheer up, for you have cause for gratitude. Remember that in some things you are equal to the greatest and most full-grown Christian. You are as much bought with blood as he is. You are as much an adopted child of God as any other believer. An infant is as truly a child of its parents as is the full-grown man. You are as completely justified, for your justification is not a thing of degrees: your little faith has made you clean every whit. You have as much right to the precious things of the covenant as the most advanced believers, for your right to covenant mercies lies not in your growth, but in the covenant itself; and your faith in Jesus is not the measure, but the token of your inheritance in Him. You are as rich as the richest, if not in enjoyment, yet in real possession. The smallest star that gleams is set in heaven; the faintest ray of light has affinity with the great orb of day. In the family register of glory the small and the great are written with the same pen. You are as dear to your Father's heart as the greatest in the family. Jesus is very tender over you. You are like the smoking flax; a rougher spirit would say, "put out that smoking flax, it fills the room with an offensive odour!" but the smoking flax He will not quench. You are like a bruised reed; and any less tender hand than that of the Chief Musician would tread upon you or throw you away, but He will never break the bruised reed. Instead of being downcast by reason of what you are, you should triumph in Christ. Am I but little in Israel? Yet in Christ I am made to sit in heavenly places. Am I poor in faith? Still in Jesus I am heir of all things. Though "less than nothing I can boast, and vanity confess." yet, if the root of the matter be in me I will rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the God of my salvation.

Christian, are you weary? Is your strength lacking? Are you dejected regarding your service to God?

Elijah felt the same, even asking the Lord to take his life.

Believer, we need not feel this way. Let us eat and drink that we might have strength for the journey. Remember, however, that “man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD” (Deut. 8:3; cf. Mt. 4:4).

While food may nourish our bodies, many are yet gaunt, emaciated of spirit, because they are not feeding on God’s word. This is where our true strength lies. We can do all things through the strength He gives us (Phil. 4:13).

Brethren, we must not take our relationship with God for granted nor neglect our spiritual fitness by failing to spend time communing with Him through the Scriptures He so graciously gave us.

His word is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, able to prepare us for every good work (1 Tim. 3:16-17). His word will gird us, is our weapon against evil (Eph. 6:17), able to pierce the heart, dividing between joint and marrow, soul and spirit (Heb. 4:12). And His word is true food.

Let us, therefore, take time daily to be in His word, drawing close to Him, that He might draw close to us, and that He might “strengthen you,” and “help you,” and “uphold you with [His] righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, October 5

"He arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights." 1 Kings 19:8

All the strength supplied to us by our gracious God is meant for service, not for wantonness or boasting. When the prophet Elijah found the cake baked on the coals, and the cruse of water placed at his head, as he lay under the juniper tree, he was no gentleman to be gratified with dainty fare that he might stretch himself at his ease; far otherwise, he was commissioned to go forty days and forty nights in the strength of it, journeying towards Horeb, the mount of God. When the Master invited the disciples to "Come and dine" with Him, after the feast was concluded He said to Peter, "Feed my sheep"; further adding, "Follow me." Even thus it is with us; we eat the bread of heaven, that we may expend our strength in the Master's service. We come to the passover, and eat of the paschal lamb with loins girt, and staff in hand, so as to start off at once when we have satisfied our hunger. Some Christians are for living on Christ, but are not so anxious to live for Christ. Earth should be a preparation for heaven; and heaven is the place where saints feast most and work most. They sit down at the table of our Lord, and they serve Him day and night in His temple. They eat of heavenly food and render perfect service. Believer, in the strength you daily gain from Christ labour for Him. Some of us have yet to learn much concerning the design of our Lord in giving us His grace. We are not to retain the precious grains of truth as the Egyptian mummy held the wheat for ages, without giving it an opportunity to grow: we must sow it and water it. Why does the Lord send down the rain upon the thirsty earth, and give the genial sunshine? Is it not that these may all help the fruits of the earth to yield food for man? Even so the Lord feeds and refreshes our souls that we may afterwards use our renewed strength in the promotion of His glory.

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, August 4

"The people that do know their God shall be strong." Daniel 11:32

Every believer understands that to know God is the highest and best form of knowledge; and this spiritual knowledge is a source of strength to the Christian. It strengthens his faith. Believers are constantly spoken of in the Scriptures as being persons who are enlightened and taught of the Lord; they are said to "have an unction from the Holy One," and it is the Spirit's peculiar office to lead them into all truth, and all this for the increase and the fostering of their faith. Knowledge strengthens love, as well as faith. Knowledge opens the door, and then through that door we see our Saviour. Or, to use another similitude, knowledge paints the portrait of Jesus, and when we see that portrait then we love Him, we cannot love a Christ whom we do not know, at least, in some degree. If we know but little of the excellences of Jesus, what He has done for us, and what He is doing now, we cannot love Him much; but the more we know Him, the more we shall love Him. Knowledge also strengthens hope. How can we hope for a thing if we do not know of its existence? Hope may be the telescope, but till we receive instruction, our ignorance stands in the front of the glass, and we can see nothing whatever; knowledge removes the interposing object, and when we look through the bright optic glass we discern the glory to be revealed, and anticipate it with joyous confidence. Knowledge supplies us reasons for patience. How shall we have patience unless we know something of the sympathy of Christ, and understand the good which is to come out of the correction which our heavenly Father sends us? Nor is there one single grace of the Christian which, under God, will not be fostered and brought to perfection by holy knowledge. How important, then, is it that we should grow not only in grace, but in the "knowledge" of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I will be posting what I have in my emails from people that I followed on substack

A very important video from Dr. TenPenny

COVID Detox Update: A Clarification on One Jab Maker
A necessary correction-and a sincere apology.
https://anonymous8675309.substack.com/p/covid-detox-update-a-clarification

House Oversight Committee to depose Ghislaine Maxwell in Tallahassee prison on August 11
The deposition is set to take place on August 11 at the Federal Correctional Institution Tallahassee, where Maxwell is being held.
Just remember she is NOT suicidal!!!!

Jannat Un Nisa - China Ships 50-Foot Monster To France That Will Power The Most Ambitious Fusion Reactor Ever:

https://wonderfulengineering.com/china-ships-50-foot-monster-to-france-that-will-power-the-most-ambitious-fusion-reactor-ever/

#ITER #Fusion #Thermonuclear #Tokamak #Reactor #CorrectionCoilInCryostatFeeder #MagneticContainment #CAS #ASIPP #Energy #PlasmaPhysics #Physics #Engineering

It seems no matter what or how much God did for them from the time of the Exodus throughout their desert wanderings, the Israelites always grumbled and complained. Despite the freedom from their prior slavery, despite the miracles, despite the provision of their needs, there was always something about which the Israelites were dissatisfied or displeased and over which they were willing to turn from God.

Christian, is this you today? Are you not content with that which God has provided? Are you so downtrodden that you rail against the one who set you free from your slavery to sin? Has He not promised that if we seek His kingdom first, He will make sure all of our needs are met? Let us not be as the Israelites. Instead, let us, as James exhorts, count it all joy when we face trials of many kinds. Let us, as Paul instructs, be grateful and give thanks in all things, even our trials, that we might be made holy by the One who is Most Holy.

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, April 30

"And all the children of Israel murmured." Numbers 14:2

There are murmurers amongst Christians now, as there were in the camp of Israel of old. There are those who, when the rod falls, cry out against the afflictive dispensation. They ask, "Why am I thus afflicted? What have I done to be chastened in this manner?" A word with thee, O murmurer! Why shouldst thou murmur against the dispensations of thy heavenly Father? Can He treat thee more hardly than thou deservest? Consider what a rebel thou wast once, but He has pardoned thee! Surely, if He in His wisdom sees fit now to chasten thee, thou shouldst not complain. After all, art thou smitten as hardly as thy sins deserve? Consider the corruption which is in thy breast, and then wilt thou wonder that there needs so much of the rod to fetch it out? Weigh thyself, and discern how much dross is mingled with thy gold; and dost thou think the fire too hot to purge away so much dross as thou hast? Does not that proud rebellious spirit of thine prove that thy heart is not thoroughly sanctified? Are not those murmuring words contrary to the holy submissive nature of God's children? Is not the correction needed? But if thou wilt murmur against the chastening, take heed, for it will go hard with murmurers. God always chastises His children twice, if they do not bear the first stroke patiently. But know one thing- "He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." All His corrections are sent in love, to purify thee, and to draw thee nearer to Himself. Surely it must help thee to bear the chastening with resignation if thou art able to recognize thy Father's hand. For "whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons." "Murmur not as some of them also murmured and were destroyed of the destroyer."

Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, April 9

"Thy gentleness hath made me great." Psalm 18:35

The words are capable of being translated, "Thy goodness hath made me great." David gratefully ascribed all his greatness not to his own goodness, but the goodness of God. "Thy providence," is another reading; and providence is nothing more than goodness in action. Goodness is the bud of which providence is the flower, or goodness is the seed of which providence is the harvest. Some render it, "Thy help," which is but another word for providence; providence being the firm ally of the saints, aiding them in the service of their Lord. Or again, "Thy humility hath made me great." "Thy condescension" may, perhaps, serve as a comprehensive reading, combining the ideas mentioned, including that of humility. It is God's making Himself little which is the cause of our being made great. We are so little, that if God should manifest His greatness without condescension, we should be trampled under His feet; but God, who must stoop to view the skies, and bow to see what angels do, turns His eye yet lower, and looks to the lowly and contrite, and makes them great. There are yet other readings, as for instance, the Septuagint, which reads, "Thy discipline"- Thy fatherly correction- "hath made me great;" while the Chaldee paraphrase reads, "Thy word hath increased me." Still the idea is the same. David ascribes all his own greatness to the condescending goodness of his Father in heaven. May this sentiment be echoed in our hearts this evening while we cast our crowns at Jesus' feet, and cry, "Thy gentleness hath made me great." How marvellous has been our experience of God's gentleness! How gentle have been His corrections! How gentle His forbearance! How gentle His teachings! How gentle His drawings! Meditate upon this theme, O believer. Let gratitude be awakened; let humility be deepened; let love be quickened ere thou fallest asleep tonight.

Update on the Amish Approach to Covid
As a result of my challenges, journal makes multiple corrections to scientific article
https://sharylattkisson.substack.com/p/update-on-the-amish-approach-to-covid?publication_id=2579146&post_id=148901873&isFreemail=true&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true

Proverbs 23:13-14
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

As I was reading a news article about some middle school kids who stole and wrecked their teachers' vehicle, this verse came to mind. Obviously, their parents did not take heed to this verse and apply the board of correction to their seat of knowledge when they were small. Had they done so, I doubt I would have been reading about their stunt in the news.

I know the world does not like the idea of spanking kids. Every time it is mentioned, the word "abuse" is attached. That is what the enemy of our souls wants the world to think: corporal punishment is abuse. IT IS NOT. The LORD gave each of us a cushion on the back to absorb the "rod" that we would need, because God knew before the beginning of time that we would be stubborn, rebellious, disobedient, wicked, fleshly, selfish and sinful; and the only attempt to drive that out of us is a combination of a daily diet of God's Word, and a good warm application to our bottoms.

As a child, I was under the influence of my parents and my Godly maternal grandmother. Between those three people, my siblings and I learned how to act. We learned that certain behaviors would not be tolerated. If we participated in certain behaviors, there would be dire consequences. While those consequences were not pleasant, they have helped shape the person that I am today. I, in turn, did not tolerate certain behaviors from my children. I have had one of my adult children thank me for how I raised them. What a blessing to my heart those comments were! But even if I had not had the privilege of living to hear my child thank me, I know that it is pleasing to the LORD when we raise our children in the manner in which He had laid out in His Word.

Christian parents: if you have small children, now is the time to start disciplining them. If you love them, you do not want to see them on the evening news. If they make the evening news, more than likely they did something they should not have done, and that will break your heart. Give them Godly correction while they still have time to be molded. Let them know that there are rules to be followed and if they do not follow the rules, there are consequences to be suffered. Along with the discipline, let them know that God loves them with a perfect love, and begin sharing His Word with them EVERY DAY. Let them know that you love them and want the best for them, which is always rooted in Christ Jesus. Take 15 minutes out of your busy day to share with them a verse or two of scripture, until it becomes so enjoyable that you will begin sharing with them whole chapters per day! You will never regret teaching your children the ways of the LORD. (Isaiah 54:13)

If you are a parent who is not a Christian, the same thing applies, except you first need to come to a relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ. Repent of your life of sin and ask the LORD to be your Savior and the Master of your life. If you come to Him in sincerity, He will not turn you away. (John 6:37) He will save you and indwell you with His precious Holy Spirit, which will empower you to understand His Word and give you the desire to see your children saved and walking with the LORD. Get in a Bible teaching church, one that focuses less on "stuff" and more on the Word of God, get you a good study Bible (I always recommend the MacArthur study Bible because of the notes) and start reading the Word every day, and read it to your children. You will be thankful that you started them out on God´s Word at a young age!