Christian, are you following Jesus? This is, ostensibly, the meaning of the term “Christian” - one who follows Christ. This is what the Lord said His followers, His sheep, would do: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (Jn. 10:27).

What does this mean to you? What does it look like?

For one, it means you will be “fishers of men” (Mt. 4:19). We must preach the gospel in our work to spread God’s kingdom and draw in those who are His.

It also means we will deny ourselves and take up our crosses (Mt. 10:38; Mt. 16:24). It may even mean giving up our possessions (Mt. 19:21).

In many cases, it will mean suffering, often for nothing other than believing in Him. He “suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21). The world will hate us (Jn. 15:18-19), but we will be blessed when we are hated, insulted, ostracized, and scorned as evil for His sake (Lk. 16:22).

As the old song goes, no one promised you a rose garden. As a matter of fact, Jesus said to His follower that “in the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). While we may have times of ease, our faith grows most, and character is most evident, in our trials (Jas. 1:2-4) and when we endure suffering for doing what is right (1 Pet. 2:20).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 18

"And they follow me." John 10:27

We should follow our Lord as unhesitatingly as sheep follow their shepherd, for He has a right to lead us wherever He pleases. We are not our own, we are bought with a price- let us recognize the rights of the redeeming blood. The soldier follows his captain, the servant obeys his master, much more must we follow our Redeemer, to whom we are a purchased possession. We are not true to our profession of being Christians, if we question the bidding of our Leader and Commander. Submission is our duty, cavilling is our folly. Often might our Lord say to us as to Peter, "What is that to thee? Follow thou Me." Wherever Jesus may lead us, He goes before us. If we know not where we go, we know with whom we go. With such a companion, who will dread the perils of the road? The journey may be long, but His everlasting arms will carry us to the end. The presence of Jesus is the assurance of eternal salvation, because He lives, we shall live also. We should follow Christ in simplicity and faith, because the paths in which He leads us all end in glory and immortality. It is true they may not be smooth paths- they may be covered with sharp flinty trials, but they lead to the "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant." Let us put full trust in our Leader, since we know that, come prosperity or adversity, sickness or health, popularity or contempt, His purpose shall be worked out, and that purpose shall be pure, unmingled good to every heir of mercy. We shall find it sweet to go up the bleak side of the hill with Christ; and when rain and snow blow into our faces, His dear love will make us far more blest than those who sit at home and warm their hands at the world's fire. To the top of Amana, to the dens of lions, or to the hills of leopards, we will follow our Beloved. Precious Jesus, draw us, and we will run after Thee.

Brethren, are you living your life according to the desires of your flesh? Are we not told to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16)?

You have been made a new creation; the old has passed away (2 Cor. 5:17). Why then would you return to living by the flesh? Jesus warned that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mt. 26:41). Paul understood this and tells us that “the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please” (Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:14-25).

Let us then turn to the one who strengthens us (Isa. 41:10; Phil. 4:13), and walk in the Spirit by Whom we are indwelt (1 Cor. 3:16), with whom God sealed us as a deposit, the seal of our salvation (Eph. 1:13-14), and in so doing, let the fruit He bears through us, “ove, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22) be made evident to all.

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 18

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:25

The two most important things in our holy religion are the life of faith and the walk of faith. He who shall rightly understand these is not far from being a master in experimental theology, for they are vital points to a Christian. You will never find true faith unattended by true godliness; on the other hand, you will never discover a truly holy life which has not for its root a living faith upon the righteousness of Christ. Woe unto those who seek after the one without the other! There are some who cultivate faith and forget holiness; these may be very high in orthodoxy, but they shall be very deep in condemnation, for they hold the truth in unrighteousness; and there are others who have strained after holiness of life, but have denied the faith, like the Pharisees of old, of whom the Master said, they were "whitewashed sepulchres." We must have faith, for this is the foundation; we must have holiness of life, for this is the superstructure. Of what service is the mere foundation of a building to a man in the day of tempest? Can he hide himself therein? He wants a house to cover him, as well as a foundation for that house. Even so we need the superstructure of spiritual life if we would have comfort in the day of doubt. But seek not a holy life without faith, for that would be to erect a house which can afford no permanent shelter, because it has no foundation on a rock. Let faith and life be put together, and, like the two abutments of an arch, they will make our piety enduring. Like light and heat streaming from the same sun, they are alike full of blessing. Like the two pillars of the temple, they are for glory and for beauty. They are two streams from the fountain of grace; two lamps lit with holy fire; two olive trees watered by heavenly care. O Lord, give us this day life within, and it will reveal itself without to Thy glory.

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Christian, are you an encourager? Do you encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ? Or do you tend to discourage? Never forget, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Pr. 18:21). As followers of Christ, our words should impart life, they should edify, not tear down.

Believer, it is to this we are called. The author of Hebrews tells us, “let is consider how to inspire one another to love and good works…encouraging one another” (Heb. 10:24-25). Will we then curse our brother? How can we do so, when like us, he is made in the image of God (Jas. 3:9-10)?

No, let us instead “encourage one another and build up one another” (1 Thes. 5:11), as we are exhorted by Scripture. This is part and parcel of our calling, that we “encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13).

Who can you encourage today?

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 17

"Encourage him." Deuteronomy 1:38

God employs His people to encourage one another. He did not say to an angel, "Gabriel, my servant Joshua is about to lead my people into Canaan- go, encourage him." God never works needless miracles; if His purposes can be accomplished by ordinary means, He will not use miraculous agency. Gabriel would not have been half so well fitted for the work as Moses. A brother's sympathy is more precious than an angel's embassy. The angel, swift of wing, had better known the Master's bidding than the people's temper. An angel had never experienced the hardness of the road, nor seen the fiery serpents, nor had he led the stiff-necked multitude in the wilderness as Moses had done. We should be glad that God usually works for man by man. It forms a bond of brotherhood, and being mutually dependent on one another, we are fused more completely into one family. Brethren, take the text as God's message to you. Labour to help others, and especially strive to encourage them. Talk cheerily to the young and anxious enquirer, lovingly try to remove stumblingblocks out of his way. When you find a spark of grace in the heart, kneel down and blow it into a flame. Leave the young believer to discover the roughness of the road by degrees, but tell him of the strength which dwells in God, of the sureness of the promise, and of the charms of communion with Christ. Aim to comfort the sorrowful, and to animate the desponding. Speak a word in season to him that is weary, and encourage those who are fearful to go on their way with gladness. God encourages you by His promises; Christ encourages you as He points to the heaven He has won for you, and the spirit encourages you as He works in you to will and to do of His own will and pleasure. Imitate divine wisdom, and encourage others, according to the word of this evening.

Christian, when you have a need, when you struggle, when you are anxious, do you attempt in your own power to find a solution? Or do you bring your troubles to God in prayer?

While we always should depend on Him, and not be anxious, but bring our requests to God in prayer so that we may know His peace (Phil. 4:6-7), we often seek to resolve our difficulties in our own time according to our own wisdom and understanding. Ah, but “the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Are we not told, “do not lean on your own understanding”, but instead to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” and “in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Pro. 3:5-6)?

Often, in our stubbornness, in our pride, in our humanity, we forget that though the horse may be prepared for battle, “the victory belongs to the Lord” (Pro. 21:31). In such times, things may seem dark, but this is because God needs to bring us to the end of ourselves in order to remind us of our need for Him.

We ought never to stand in our own strength. Remember, you “can do all things through Him who strengthens” you (Phil. 4:13). And God promises, “I will strengthen you” (Isa. 41:10).

As strong as it may be, your arm is not mighty like His. So instead of relying upon your own wiles, humble yourself before God “that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:6-7).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 17

"Bring him unto me." Mark 9:19

Despairingly the poor disappointed father turned away from the disciples to their Master. His son was in the worst possible condition, and all means had failed, but the miserable child was soon delivered from the evil one when the parent in faith obeyed the Lord Jesus' word, "Bring him unto me." Children are a precious gift from God, but much anxiety comes with them. They may be a great joy or a great bitterness to their parents; they may be filled with the Spirit of God, or possessed with the spirit of evil. In all cases, the Word of God gives us one receipt for the curing of all their ills, "Bring him unto me." O for more agonizing prayer on their behalf while they are yet babes! Sin is there, let our prayers begin to attack it. Our cries for our offspring should precede those cries which betoken their actual advent into a world of sin. In the days of their youth we shall see sad tokens of that dumb and deaf spirit which will neither pray aright, nor hear the voice of God in the soul, but Jesus still commands, "Bring them unto me." When they are grown up they may wallow in sin and foam with enmity against God; then when our hearts are breaking we should remember the great Physician's words, "Bring them unto me." Never must we cease to pray until they cease to breathe. No case is hopeless while Jesus lives.

The Lord sometimes suffers His people to be driven into a corner that they may experimentally know how necessary He is to them. Ungodly children, when they show us our own powerlessness against the depravity of their hearts, drive us to flee to the strong for strength, and this is a great blessing to us. Whatever our morning's need may be, let it like a strong current bear us to the ocean of divine love. Jesus can soon remove our sorrow, He delights to comfort us. Let us hasten to Him while He waits to meet us.

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Christian, do you keep God at arm’s length in your life? Does He seem distant to you, or do you distance yourself from Him? Why should this be?

James tells us that we should “draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (Jas. 4:8).

What excuse are you using to not be close to Him? Are you harboring some personal desire, perhaps a hidden sin, that prevents you being intimate with Him? Is there anything in your mind or heart of which God isn’t already aware?

If something is holding you back, confess it, for He is faithful and just and will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). There is no sin so great it cannot be washed clean by the blood of Jesus. This is why Scripture says we should “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:22).

By the greatness of the love God has bestowed on us, we are called His children (1 Jn. 3:1). What child would not wish to be close to such a loving Father?

Beloved, be not like the Israelites of whom Isaiah wrote, or the Pharisees against whom Jesus quoted Isaiah saying, “this people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote” (Isa. 29:13). Instead, “let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). He has called us to be “a people near unto Him” (Ps. 148:14).


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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 15

"A people near unto him." Psalm 148:14

The dispensation of the old covenant was that of distance. When God appeared even to His servant Moses, He said, "Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet"; and when He manifested Himself upon Mount Sinai, to His own chosen and separated people, one of the first commands was, "Thou shalt set bounds about the mount." Both in the sacred worship of the tabernacle and the temple, the thought of distance was always prominent. The mass of the people did not even enter the outer court. Into the inner court none but the priests might dare to intrude; while into the innermost place, or the holy of holies, the high priest entered but once in the year. It was as if the Lord in those early ages would teach man that sin was so utterly loathsome to Him, that He must treat men as lepers put without the camp; and when He came nearest to them, He yet made them feel the width of the separation between a holy God and an impure sinner. When the gospel came, we were placed on quite another footing. The word "Go" was exchanged for "Come"; distance was made to give place to nearness, and we who aforetime were afar off, were made nigh by the blood of Jesus Christ. Incarnate Deity has no wall of fire about it. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," is the joyful proclamation of God as He appears in human flesh. Not now does He teach the leper his leprosy by setting him at a distance, but by Himself suffering the penalty of His defilement. What a state of safety and privilege is this nearness to God through Jesus! Do you know it by experience? If you know it, are you living in the power of it? Marvellous is this nearness, yet it is to be followed by a dispensation of greater nearness still, when it shall be said, "The tabernacle of God is with men, and He doth dwell among them." Hasten it, O Lord.

Believer, does bad news cause you fear or anxiety? Do “evil tidings” bring you dread? Why?

God says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10).

We have no reason to fear. On the contrary, we should have peace. For, “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 23:6). We are told to not be anxious, that if we come to God with our requests, and thanksgiving, through prayer and supplication, that God will give us peace that surpasses all comprehension (Phil. 4:6-7).

Do not fear bad news - instead, let us fear God! In this way, we will be blessed: “How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments” (Ps. 112:1). Do not forget, “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Pr. 9:10).

There is nothing to fear in this world. No evil can overcome us, because Jesus has already overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). Even those who seek to do us harm should hold no fear for us, as Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mt. 10:28).

Believer, do not be alarmed at reports of evil. God promises us peace, and if we humble ourselves under His mighty arm, He will exalt us at the proper time; therefore, cast your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you (1 Pet. 5:7).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 15

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings." Psalm 112:7

Christian, you ought not to dread the arrival of evil tidings; because if you are distressed by them, what do you more than other men? Other men have not your God to fly to; they have never proved His faithfulness as you have done, and it is no wonder if they are bowed down with alarm and cowed with fear: but you profess to be of another spirit; you have been begotten again unto a lively hope, and your heart lives in heaven and not on earthly things; now, if you are seen to be distracted as other men, what is the value of that grace which you profess to have received? Where is the dignity of that new nature which you claim to possess?

Again, if you should be filled with alarm, as others are, you would, doubtless, be led into the sins so common to others under trying circumstances. The ungodly, when they are overtaken by evil tidings, rebel against God; they murmur, and think that God deals hardly with them. Will you fall into that same sin? Will you provoke the Lord as they do?

Moreover, unconverted men often run to wrong means in order to escape from difficulties, and you will be sure to do the same if your mind yields to the present pressure. Trust in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Your wisest course is to do as Moses did at the Red Sea, "Stand still and see the salvation of God." For if you give way to fear when you hear of evil tidings, you will be unable to meet the trouble with that calm composure which nerves for duty, and sustains under adversity. How can you glorify God if you play the coward? Saints have often sung God's high praises in the fires, but will your doubting and desponding, as if you had none to help you, magnify the Most High? Then take courage, and relying in sure confidence upon the faithfulness of your covenant God, "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Good Morning Everyone, I hope you have a good day. I believe that we all need this right now, because we all need the light, that we can be, to one another. And know that Our LORD is with us all.

Psalms
Chapter 69

1 (To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David.) Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.

2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.

3 I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.

4 They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

5 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.

6 Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.

7 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.

8 I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.

9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

10 When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.

11 I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.

12 They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.

13 But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.

14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

15 Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

16 Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

17 And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.

18 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.

19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.

21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

22 Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.

23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.

24 Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.

25 Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.

26 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.

27 Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness.

28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

29 But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.

30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

31 This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.

32 The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.

33 For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.

34 Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.

35 For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.

36 The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.

Psalms
Chapter 68

1 (To the chief Musician, A Psalm or Song of David.) Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

7 O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:

8 The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.

10 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.

11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

12 Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

13 Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.

14 When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon.

15 The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan.

16 Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever.

17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.

18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

20 He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.

21 But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.

22 The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea:

23 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.

24 They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.

25 The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.

26 Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.

27 There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.

28 Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

29 Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.

30 Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war.

31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:

33 To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.

34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.

35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.

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We read often of Jesus leaving the crowds, of seeking solitude, and at times it happened. But how often did He move on, yet throngs followed behind?

When He got into a boat with His disciples, leaving a crowd to cross the sea, other boats followed and went with Him. People followed wherever He went. It wasn't because He was attractive in any way, for Scripture tells us, "He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him" (Isa. 53:2).

People often followed because of His miracles, though some because of His teaching. As His closest disciples said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God" (Jn. 6:68-69).

Brethren, why are you following Jesus? Is it because you are seeking His miracles, what He can do for you? Or do you follow because of who He is, and because of what He has done for you?

No miracle can compare to that of being made a new creation in Him (2 Cor. 5:17). No sign can ever do more for you than God replacing your heart of stone with a heart of flesh (Ezek. 36:26) and His granting His Spirit to live within us (Ezek. 36:27; 1 Cor. 2:12; 1 Cor. 3:16).

When we are with Him, as the disciples were in the boat, and as were those who followed in other boats, He will calm our storms (Mk. 4:37-39) and give us peace (Isa. 26:3), a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:6-7).

Follow Him, believer, and do so for who He is - the way, the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6), and know that we will reach our final destination unscathed with Him (Jn. 5:24).

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 14

"There were also with Him other little ships." Mark 4:36

Jesus was the Lord High Admiral of the sea that night, and His presence preserved the whole convoy. It is well to sail with Jesus, even though it be in a little ship. When we sail in Christ's company, we may not make sure of fair weather, for great storms may toss the vessel which carries the Lord Himself, and we must not expect to find the sea less boisterous around our little boat. If we go with Jesus we must be content to fare as He fares; and when the waves are rough to Him, they will be rough to us. It is by tempest and tossing that we shall come to land, as He did before us. When the storm swept over Galilee's dark lake all faces gathered blackness, and all hearts dreaded shipwreck.

When all creature help was useless, the slumbering Saviour arose, and with a word, transformed the riot of the tempest into the deep quiet of a calm; then were the little vessels at rest as well as that which carried the Lord. Jesus is the star of the sea; and though there be sorrow upon the sea, when Jesus is on it there is joy too. May our hearts make Jesus their anchor, their rudder, their lighthouse, their life-boat, and their harbour. His Church is the Admiral's flagship, let us attend her movements, and cheer her officers with our presence. He Himself is the great attraction; let us follow ever in His wake, mark His signals, steer by His chart, and never fear while He is within hail. Not one ship in the convoy shall suffer wreck; the great Commodore will steer every barque in safety to the desired haven. By faith we will slip our cable for another day's cruise, and sail forth with Jesus into a sea of tribulation. Winds and waves will not spare us, but they all obey Him; and, therefore, whatever squalls may occur without, faith shall feel a blessed calm within. He is ever in the centre of the weather-beaten company: let us rejoice in Him. His vessel has reached the haven, and so shall ours.

Christian, are you like the Pharisees, looking down on the sinner as if you never stood in his place? Do you not recall that you, like all, have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23)? Would you deceive yourself and tell yourself that you have no sin (1 Jn. 1:8)? If so, then the truth is not in you (1 Jn. 1:8).

Would you not rather be as Jesus, receiving sinners unto Himself (Lk. 15:2)? This does not mean cavorting with them, accepting or even celebrating their sin. No. This is not either what Jesus did.

But if we would not receive sinners, as did Jesus, how then shall we reach them with the gospel? Is this not our mission, to make disciples of all the nations (Mt. 28:19-20)? How can they believe in Jesus if they do not hear, and how will they hear if He is not preached (Rom. 10:14)?

Jesus did not pray for us to become monk-like, separating ourselves from the world, nor to be removed from this world; He prayed that God would keep us from evil while in the world.

Paul echoes Jesus' sentiment in his epistle to the Corinthians: "I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world" (1 Cor. 5:9-10).

No, we must not only receive, but go to sinners that we may preach the gospel boldly, that the Spirit may have opportunity to convict, to open hearts, to draw them to Christ.

Forget not, we too were once dead in our trespasses and sins, walking in the way of the world, indulging our lustful desires, and were by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:1-3).

But God showed us mercy and, while we were yet in our sins, Christ died for us and God made us alive together with Christ (Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:4-5).

Christian, you know not when nor with whom God may use you as a vessel of His mercy. Therefore, receive sinners as did Christ, not to accept or applaud their sin, but to help lift them out of it. Jesus never said to a sinner, "I accept you as you are;" rather He said, "go and sin no more" (Jn. 8:11). Let us bring that same message, in conjunction with the gospel, to those yet walking in darkness.

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 13

"This man receiveth sinners." Luke 15:2

Observe the condescension of this fact. This Man, who towers above all other men, holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners- this Man receiveth sinners. This Man, who is no other than the eternal God, before whom angels veil their faces- this Man receiveth sinners. It needs an angel's tongue to describe such a mighty stoop of love. That any of us should be willing to seek after the lost is nothing wonderful- they are of our own race; but that He, the offended God, against whom the transgression has been committed, should take upon Himself the form of a servant, and bear the sin of many, and should then be willing to receive the vilest of the vile, this is marvellous.

"This Man receiveth sinners"; not, however, that they may remain sinners, but He receives them that He may pardon their sins, justify their persons, cleanse their hearts by His purifying word, preserve their souls by the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, and enable them to serve Him, to show forth His praise, and to have communion with Him. Into His heart's love He receives sinners, takes them from the dunghill, and wears them as jewels in His crown; plucks them as brands from the burning, and preserves them as costly monuments of His mercy. None are so precious in Jesus'sight as the sinners for whom He died. When Jesus receives sinners, He has not some out-of-doors reception place, no casual ward where He charitably entertains them as men do passing beggars, but He opens the golden gates of His royal heart, and receives the sinner right into Himself- yea, He admits the humble penitent into personal union and makes Him a member of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. There was never such a reception as this! This fact is still most sure this evening, He is still receiving sinners: would to God sinners would receive Him.

LISTEN to Grieving Erika Kirk & Her Warning!
https://oneway2day.com/2025/09/13/listen-to-grieving-erika-kirk-her-warning/

SUMMARY: A post from The Vigilant Fox on 9/12/25 highlights Erika Kirk’s address to the nation made on Youtube also on 9/12/25. On a personal note, I’ve been hesitant to delve into thoughts and available details of the murder and assassination of Charlie Kirk. My first gut reaction was disbelief followed by anger. … The words of Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika are relevant and should be listened to AND SO I share The Vigilant Fox’s brief coverage…TAKE A LOOK & REMEMBER!
#ErikaKirk #CharlieKirkLegacy

Brethren, is God's strength in you? Do you say with Paul, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13)? Or are you fearful and anxious, despite God telling you, "do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isa. 41:10)?

When we rely on, and rest in, God for our strength, we are like springs, or clouds bringing rain, in a barren and desolate place.

Do not be moved by your circumstances. For "the Lord will give strength to His people" (Ps. 29:11). He has so promised, and He does not lie (Num. 4:29).

Let us, therefore, be as the cedars of Lebanon planted by God (Ps. 104:16), not easily swayed, but standing tall and powerful in the strength of the Lord, that we may show forth His greatness and glory, and "fill the wells" (Ps. 84:6) that others might find refreshment.

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 13

"Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well, the rain also filleth the pools." Psalm 84:6

This teaches us that the comfort obtained by a one may often prove serviceable to another; just as wells would be used by the company who came after. We read some book full of consolation, which is like Jonathan's rod, dropping with honey. Ah! we think our brother has been here before us, and digged this well for us as well as for himself. Many a "Night of Weeping," "Midnight Harmonies," an "Eternal Day," "A Crook in the Lot," a "Comfort for Mourners," has been a well digged by a pilgrim for himself, but has proved quite as useful to others. Specially we notice this in the Psalms, such as that beginning, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?" Travellers have been delighted to see the footprint of man on a barren shore, and we love to see the waymarks of pilgrims while passing through the vale of tears.

The pilgrims dig the well, but, strange enough, it fills from the top instead of the bottom. We use the means, but the blessing does not spring from the means. We dig a well, but heaven fills it with rain. The horse is prepared against the day of battle, but safety is of the Lord. The means are connected with the end, but they do not of themselves produce it. See here the rain fills the pools, so that the wells become useful as reservoirs for the water; labour is not lost, but yet it does not supersede divine help.

Grace may well be compared to rain for its purity, for its refreshing and vivifying influence, for its coming alone from above, and for the sovereignty with which it is given or withheld. May our readers have showers of blessing, and may the wells they have digged be filled with water! Oh, what are means and ordinances without the smile of heaven! They are as clouds without rain, and pools without water. O God of love, open the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing!