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.

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.

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.

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!

I love reading REAL BOOKS, you know the ones printed on paper,,,

Well Prepared
https://terrylclark.substack.com/p/well-prepared?publication_id=934525&post_id=167129597&isFreemail=false&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true

Christians, hatred for us and our beliefs abound, and not surprisingly. Jesus told us, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you" (Jn. 15:18-19).

Attacks from this world occur daily, but they should not be unexpected. They should, however, steel us in our convictions. We should pray along with David, "Lead me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness because of mine enemies" (Ps. 5:8).

Despite all attacks, we must carry on. We have our armor (Eph. 6:13-16) to protect us, and by which we may "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Eph. 6:16). And we have our offensive weapon, our sword as it would be, in the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). This weapon is sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of dividing between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb. 4:12).

So let us not repay evil for evil; for the Lord will avenge His chosen (Rom. 12:19).

This does not mean we cannot pray for justice. This is, after all, what even David did, and God called David a man after His own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). In this same Psalm where David prays to be kept in righteousness, he requests of God, "Hold them guilty, O God; by their own devices let them fall! In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out, for they are rebellious against You" (Ps. 5:10).

God hates sin. God desires justice. We should as well. But never let our desire for justice allow us to descend into vengeance. We are to pray for our enemies (Mt. 5:44), that they would be changed by God and turned from their wickedness, or that God would exact justice upon them. You can even pray for both.

Do not let the schemes of your enemies lead you astray; instead, always let God lead you in His righteousness.

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 11

"Lead me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness because of mine enemies." Psalms 5:8

Very bitter is the enmity of the world against the people of Christ. Men will forgive a thousand faults in others, but they will magnify the most trivial offence in the followers of Jesus. Instead of vainly regretting this, let us turn it to account, and since so many are watching for our halting, let this be a special motive for walking very carefully before God. If we live carelessly, the lynx-eyed world will soon see it, and with its hundred tongues, it will spread the story, exaggerated and emblazoned by the zeal of slander. They will shout triumphantly. "Aha! So would we have it! See how these Christians act! They are hypocrites to a man." Thus will much damage be done to the cause of Christ, and much insult offered to His name. The cross of Christ is in itself an offence to the world; let us take heed that we add no offence of our own. It is "to the Jews a stumblingblock": let us mind that we put no stumblingblocks where there are enough already. "To the Greeks it is foolishness": let us not add our folly to give point to the scorn with which the worldly-wise deride the gospel. How jealous should we be of ourselves! How rigid with our consciences! In the presence of adversaries who will misrepresent our best deeds, and impugn our motives where they cannot censure our actions, how circumspect should we be! Pilgrims travel as suspected persons through Vanity Fair. Not only are we under surveillance, but there are more spies than we reck of. The espionage is everywhere, at home and abroad. If we fall into the enemies' hands we may sooner expect generosity from a wolf, or mercy from a fiend, than anything like patience with our infirmities from men who spice their infidelity towards God with scandals against His people. O Lord, lead us ever, lest our enemies trip us up!

Psalms
Chapter 56

1 (To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.) Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.

3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.

8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.

10 In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.

11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.

13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?


Psalms
Chapter 57

1 (To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.) Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.

6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.

7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.

10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.

11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.



Psalms
Chapter 58

1 (To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David.) Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

2 Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.

3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;

5 Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.

6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.

7 Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.

8 As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun.

9 Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.

10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

11 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Christian, we are called to be "separate," different from the world around us. It is in the definition of the Greek word translated "church" - ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklesia), which comes from two Greek words:
ek - which means "out, or out of" and the verb kaleo, which means "to call." Thus Christians are those who have been "called out" of the world.

Believer, you are admonished by Scripture to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Rom. 12:2).

We are but sojourners here, awaiting our departure from these earthly tents and our entrance into our eternal home (2 Cor. 4:1). Yet while we dwell here, it is our job to shine light in the darkness. We will have tribulation in this world, but be of strong heart, for Jesus has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33).

We must remember in times of trouble, when enemies are attacking, the exhortation given us by Paul:

"Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay' says the Lord. 'But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:19-21

The world will hate us, for it hated Him first (Jn. 15:18).

We must remain holy for Christ's sake, because we are called to be holy as He is holy (1 Pet. 1:15). We must rise above, show ourselves different, and allow Christ to live through us so that those who are called will hear His voice and come to Him.

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 11

"Be ye separate." 2 Corinthians 6:17

The Christian, while in the world, is not to be of the world. He should be distinguished from it in the great object of his life. To him, "to live," should be "Christ." Whether he eats, or drinks, or whatever he does, he should do all to God's glory. You may lay up treasure; but lay it up in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, where thieves break not through nor steal. You may strive to be rich; but be it your ambition to be "rich in faith," and good works. You may have pleasure; but when you are merry, sing psalms and make melody in your hearts to the Lord. In your spirit, as well as in your aim, you should differ from the world. Waiting humbly before God, always conscious of His presence, delighting in communion with Him, and seeking to know His will, you will prove that you are of heavenly race. And you should be separate from the world in your actions. If a thing be right, though you lose by it, it must be done; if it be wrong, though you would gain by it, you must scorn the sin for your Master's sake. You must have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Walk worthy of your high calling and dignity. Remember, O Christian, that thou art a son of the King of kings. Therefore, keep thyself unspotted from the world. Soil not the fingers which are soon to sweep celestial strings; let not these eyes become the windows of lust which are soon to see the King in His beauty- let not those feet be defiled in miry places, which are soon to walk the golden streets- let not those hearts be filled with pride and bitterness which are ere long to be filled with heaven, and to overflow with ecstatic joy.

Then rise my soul! and soar away,
Above the thoughtless crowd;
Above the pleasures of the gay,
And splendours of the proud;
Up where eternal beauties bloom,
And pleasures all divine;
Where wealth, that never can consume,
And endless glories shine.



* yes, my intro this morning was to some degree influenced by the tragic events of yesterday

At the outset of the book of Habakkuk, God prophesies that He is going to raise up the Chaldeans as punishment for wickedness, that they would "seize dwelling places which are not theirs, " and that they "come for violence" (Habakkuk 1:6,9). They are said to be their own authority. Part of this descriptive oracle states that their horses are "keener than wolves in the evening" (Hab. 1:8).

Consider this image, and the idea of such a destructive horde. Wolves that feed at night are hungry from the day, ready for attack, ready to devour.

This is a picture often used in the New Testament as well. There are many who would, and do, come in among Jesus' flock to devour. They often disguise themselves in sheepskin, as even Jesus warned, "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Mt. 7:15).

For three years, with tears Paul warned the elders in Ephesus that after his "departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them" (Acts 20:29-31).

Over and over we are admonished to be on guard against false teachings.

Believer, do you use discernment when you hear men speak? The devil knows God's word better than most men and will use it to confuse and confound. false teachers lace their subtle lies with truth, a minor twist that renders their teaching poisonous.

These teachers posture themselves as authoritative, often abusing the word "anointed." They speak of their visions, crow about the revelations given them, all the while making merchandise of God's people (2 Pet. 2:3).

Christian do not be fooled. They disguise themselves as servants of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:15), but they stand condemned (Jude 1:12). Be not like the Thessalonians, but the Bereans who were counted more noble because they searched the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul taught was true (Acts 17:11).

Never be afraid to question teachings from the pulpit, from a Bible study teacher, from anyone. If it was noble for the Bereans to compare Paul's teaching to Scripture, it is certainly noble for you to do so with teachings from someone who is assuredly lesser than Paul.

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 10

"Evening wolves." Habakkuk 1:8

While preparing the present volume, this particular expression recurred to me so frequently, that in order to be rid of its constant importunity I determined to give a page to it. The evening wolf, infuriated by a day of hunger, was fiercer and more ravenous than he would have been in the morning. May not the furious creature represent our doubts and fears after a day of distraction of mind, losses in business, and perhaps ungenerous tauntings from our fellow men? How our thoughts howl in our ears, "Where is now thy God?" How voracious and greedy they are, swallowing up all suggestions of comfort, and remaining as hungry as before. Great Shepherd, slay these evening wolves, and bid Thy sheep lie down in green pastures, undisturbed by insatiable unbelief. How like are the fiends of hell to evening wolves, for when the flock of Christ are in a cloudy and dark day, and their sun seems going down, they hasten to tear and to devour. They will scarcely attack the Christian in the daylight of faith, but in the gloom of soul conflict they fall upon him. O Thou who hast laid down Thy life for the sheep, preserve them from the fangs of the wolf.

False teachers who craftily and industriously hunt for the precious life, devouring men by their false-hoods, are as dangerous and detestable as evening wolves. Darkness is their element, deceit is their character, destruction is their end. We are most in danger from them when they wear the sheep's skin. Blessed is he who is kept from them, for thousands are made the prey of grievous wolves that enter within the fold of the church.

What a wonder of grace it is when fierce persecutors are converted, for then the wolf dwells with the lamb, and men of cruel ungovernable dispositions become gentle and teachable. O Lord, convert many such: for such we will pray tonight.

Christian, do you recognize the power God wrought working new life in you? This is the same power God used to raise Jesus from the dead. We are no longer dead in our sins, but alive to God, by the "washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit" (Tit. 3:5).

Believer, that power is still at work in you. It did not stop with your conversion. It is this power that causes you to will and to work for His glory (Phil. 2:13). It was for this you were made a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), to do the good works God prepared beforehand so that you would walk in them (Eph. 2:10).

Let us therefore, brethren, present ourselves to God as living and holy sacrifices (Rom. 1:12) as did Jesus, who died for us, so that our worship may not be in vain, but pleasing to God.

Remember always that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power that now courses through you, enabling you to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called" (Eph. 4:1). And let us do so that in the end, we may hear those blessed words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant!"

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 8

"The exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead." Ephesians 1:19, 20

In the resurrection of Christ, as in our salvation, there was put forth nothing short of a divine power. What shall we say of those who think that conversion is wrought by the free will of man, and is due to his own betterness of disposition? When we shall see the dead rise from the grave by their own power, then may we expect to see ungodly sinners of their own free will turning to Christ. It is not the word preached, nor the word read in itself; all quickening power proceeds from the Holy Ghost. This power was irresistible. All the soldiers and the high priests could not keep the body of Christ in the tomb; Death himself could not hold Jesus in his bonds: even thus irresistible is the power put forth in the believer when he is raised to newness of life. No sin, no corruption, no devils in hell nor sinners upon earth, can stay the hand of God's grace when it intends to convert a man. If God omnipotently says, "Thou shalt," man shall not say, "I will not." Observe that the power which raised Christ from the dead was glorious. It reflected honour upon God and wrought dismay in the hosts of evil. So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner. It was everlasting power. "Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him." So we, being raised from the dead, go not back to our dead works nor to our old corruptions, but we live unto God. "Because He lives we live also." "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." "Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Lastly, in the text mark the union of the new life to Jesus. The same power which raised the Head works life in the members. What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ!

Are you bearing fruit for the Lord? This is the reason He called us. As He said to His apostles, “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you” (Jn. 15:16).

If you are not bearing fruit, perhaps you need to ask yourself, are you abiding in, and relying on the vine? For the branch cannot bear fruit if its connection to the vine is severed (Jn. 15:4-5).

Brethren, be sure you are abiding in Him. Make time to speak with Him and hear from Him daily. Fellowship with other believers so that you may be encouraged and stimulated to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24-25). Test yourself and examine your faith (2 Cor. 13:5).

The fruit we bear will result in God’s glory (Jn. 5:8) as we perform the good works God prepared beforehand in which we should walk (Eph. 2:10).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 8

"From Me is thy fruit found." Hosea 14:8

Our fruit is found from our God as to union. The fruit of the branch is directly traceable to the root. Sever the connection, the branch dies, and no fruit is produced. By virtue of our union with Christ we bring forth fruit. Every bunch of grapes has been first in the root, it has passed through the stem, and flowed through the sap vessels, and fashioned itself externally into fruit, but it was first in the stem; so also every good work was first in Christ, and then is brought forth in us. O Christian, prize this precious union to Christ; for it must be the source of all the fruitfulness which thou canst hope to know. If thou wert not joined to Jesus Christ, thou wouldst be a barren bough indeed.
Our fruit comes from God as to spiritual providence. When the dew-drops fall from heaven, when the cloud looks down from on high, and is about to distil its liquid treasure, when the bright sun swells the berries of the cluster, each heavenly boon may whisper to the tree and say, "From me is thy fruit found." The fruit owes much to the root- that is essential to fruitfulness- but it owes very much also to external influences. How much we owe to God's grace-providence! In which He provides us constantly with quickening, teaching, consolation, strength, or whatever else we want. To this we owe our all of usefulness or virtue.

Our fruit comes from God as to wise husbandry. The gardener's sharp-edged knife promotes the fruitfulness of the tree, by thinning the clusters, and by cutting off superfluous shoots. So is it, Christian, with that pruning which the Lord gives to thee. "My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." Since our God is the author of our spiritual graces, let us give to Him all the glory of our salvation.

already on the books since 1996:


e-verify.gov
E-Verify is a United States Department of Homeland Security website that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees, both U.S. and foreign citizens, to work in the United States. The site was originally established in 1996 as the Basic Pilot Program to prevent companies from hiring people who had violated immigration laws and entered the United States unlawfully. In August 2007, the DHS started requiring all federal contractors and vendors to use E-Verify.

BREAKING: Whistleblowers Inside HHS and CDC Warn of ACTIVE Sabotage Operation Taking Place Within the Federal Health Departments
https://www.2ndsmartestguyintheworld.com/p/breaking-whistleblowers-inside-hhs?publication_id=400535&post_id=172822380&isFreemail=true&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, August 29

"All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk." Numbers 6:4

Nazarites had taken, among other vows, one which debarred them from the use of wine. In order that they might not violate the obligation, they were forbidden to drink the vinegar of wine or strong liquors, and to make the rule still more clear, they were not to touch the unfermented juice of grapes, nor even to eat the fruit either fresh or dried. In order, altogether, to secure the integrity of the vow, they were not even allowed anything that had to do with the vine; they were, in fact, to avoid the appearance of evil. Surely this is a lesson to the Lord's separated ones, teaching them to come away from sin in every form, to avoid not merely its grosser shapes, but even its spirit and similitude. Strict walking is much despised in these days, but rest assured, dear reader, it is both the safest and the happiest. He who yields a point or two to the world is in fearful peril; he who eats the grapes of Sodom will soon drink the wine of Gomorrah. A little crevice in the sea-bank in Holland lets in the sea, and the gap speedily swells till a province is drowned. Worldly conformity, in any degree, is a snare to the soul, and makes it more and more liable to presumptuous sins. Moreover, as the Nazarite who drank grape juice could not be quite sure whether it might not have endured a degree of fermentation, and consequently could not be clear in heart that his vow was intact, so the yielding, temporizing Christian cannot wear a conscience void of offence, but must feel that the inward monitor is in doubt of him. Things doubtful we need not doubt about; they are wrong to us. Things tempting we must not dally with, but flee from them with speed. Better be sneered at as a Puritan than be despised as a hypocrite. Careful walking may involve much self-denial, but it has pleasures of its own which are more than a sufficient recompense.

Oklahoma Introduces Certification Test To Weed Out Far-Left Teachers
Aug 28, 2025 - 07:30 PM
ZeroHedge: https://www.zerohedge.com/political/oklahoma-introduces-certification-test-weed-out-far-left-teachers

This ZeroHedge post begins how Leftist educators brainwash kids to be Woke. THEN goes into how Oklahoma State has an Anti-Woke Teacher Certification process by law. Significant quote:

“The state of Oklahoma has devised a way to prevent future leftist infiltration: A certification test for incoming teachers designed to weed out woke devotees and lay the ground rules for what does and does not cross the line. The test may be applied to all new teachers, or specifically to teachers trained in blue states like California and New York that require progressive indoctrination. The state Department of Education, headed by Oklahoma schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, will implement the new certifications”…Parents should READ ENTIRE POST!
#StopWokeSchools

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Brethren, are you bearing fruit for God? We were joined to Christ for this purpose (Rom. 7:4). He chose us for this (Jn. 15:16), and if we abide in Him, we will bear fruit (Jn. 15:5). There is more than one way in which the metaphor of fruit is used, including that of being used to bring others to Christ. The most evident in our everyday lives, however, are the fruits of the Spirit, which are "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal. 5:22). This fruit is sweet, and those of us who know God have tasted and know that the Lord is good (Ps. 34:8).
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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, August 25

"His fruit was sweet to my taste." Song of Solomon 2:3

Faith, in the Scripture, is spoken of under the emblem of all the senses. It is sight: "Look unto me and be ye saved." It is hearing: "Hear, and your soul shall live." Faith is smelling: "All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia"; "thy name is as ointment poured forth." Faith is spiritual touch. By this faith the woman came behind and touched the hem of Christ's garment, and by this we handle the things of the good word of life. Faith is equally the spirit's taste. "How sweet are Thy words to my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my lips." "Except a man eat my flesh," saith Christ, "and drink my blood, there is no life in him."

This "taste" is faith in one of its highest operations. One of the first performances of faith is hearing. We hear the voice of God, not with the outward ear alone, but with the inward ear; we hear it as God's Word, and we believe it to be so; that is the "hearing" of faith. Then our mind looketh upon the truth as it is presented to us; that is to say, we understand it, we perceive its meaning; that is the "seeing" of faith. Next we discover its preciousness; we begin to admire it, and find how fragrant it is; that is faith in its " smell." Then we appropriate the mercies which are prepared for us in Christ; that is faith in its "touch." Hence follow the enjoyments, peace, delight, communion; which are faith in its "taste." Any one of these acts of faith is saving. To hear Christ's voice as the sure voice of God in the soul will save us; but that which gives true enjoyment is the aspect of faith wherein Christ, by holy taste, is received into us, and made, by inward and spiritual apprehension of His sweetness and preciousness, to be the food of our souls. It is then we sit "under His shadow with great delight," and find His fruit sweet to our taste.

In the second chapter of Micah, God tells Israel that He will gather the remnant, and that the Lord, as a Shepherd, will go ahead of them, breaking them free from their oppressors, from captivity, and leading the way (Micah 2:12-13). Jesus did this when He burst forth from the grave. He broke the bonds of sin and deburred the sting of death to lead us into His kingdom.

Christian, be ever thankful that, in hearing Jesus' gospel, and believing the One who sent Him, that you now have eternal life and do not come into judgement but have passed out of death into life (Jn. 5:24). Keep the cross before your eyes that you may never forget Jesus who endured it for the joy set before Him. Let us share in His joy that He gave us in fulness when He came and spoke God's word into this world (Jn. 17:13).

Rejoice that "the breaker is come up before [us]!"
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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, August 24

"The breaker is come up before them." Micah 2:13

Inasmuch as Jesus has gone before us, things remain not as they would have been had He never passed that way. He has conquered every foe that obstructed the way. Cheer up now thou faint-hearted warrior. Not only has Christ travelled the road, but He has slain thine enemies. Dost thou dread sin? He has nailed it to His cross. Dost thou fear death? He has been the death of Death. Art thou afraid of hell? He has barred it against the advent of any of His children; they shall never see the gulf of perdition. Whatever foes may be before the Christian, they are all overcome. There are lions, but their teeth are broken; there are serpents, but their fangs are extracted; there are rivers, but they are bridged or fordable; there are flames, but we wear that matchless garment which renders us invulnerable to fire. The sword that has been forged against us is already blunted; the instruments of war which the enemy is preparing have already lost their point. God has taken away in the person of Christ all the power that anything can have to hurt us. Well then, the army may safely march on, and you may go joyously along your journey, for all your enemies are conquered beforehand. What shall you do but march on to take the prey? They are beaten, they are vanquished; all you have to do is to divide the spoil. You shall, it is true, often engage in combat; but your fight shall be with a vanquished foe. His head is broken; he may attempt to injure you, but his strength shall not be sufficient for his malicious design. Your victory shall be easy, and your treasure shall be beyond all count.
"Proclaim aloud the Saviour's fame,
Who bears the Breaker's wond'rous name;
Sweet name; and it becomes him well,
Who breaks down earth, sin, death, and hell."

Christian, are you weary of weeping? Do you long to be done with sorrows? For now, we weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15), but remember, this world is passing away. Keep your eyes upon Jesus. For when we enter into His kingdom, "the Lamb in the center of the throne will be [our] shepherd, and will guide [us] to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from [our] eyes" (Rev. 7:17). Even in weeping, let us find joy, for when He returns, we shall have joy everlasting, and our "voice of weeping shall be no more heard" (Isa. 65.19).
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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, August 23

"The voice of weeping shall be no more heard." Isaiah 65:19

The glorified weep no more, for all outward causes of grief are gone. There are no broken friendships, nor blighted prospects in heaven. Poverty, famine, peril, persecution, and slander, are unknown there. No pain distresses, no thought of death or bereavement saddens. They weep no more, for they are perfectly sanctified. No "evil heart of unbelief" prompts them to depart from the living God; they are without fault before His throne, and are fully conformed to His image. Well may they cease to mourn who have ceased to sin. They weep no more, because all fear of change is past. They know that they are eternally secure. Sin is shut out, and they are shut in. They dwell within a city which shall never be stormed; they bask in a sun which shall never set; they drink of a river which shall never dry; they pluck fruit from a tree which shall never wither. Countless cycles may revolve, but eternity shall not be exhausted, and while eternity endures, their immortality and blessedness shall co-exist with it. They are for ever with the Lord. They weep no more, because every desire is fulfilled. They cannot wish for anything which they have not in possession. Eye and ear, heart and hand, judgment, imagination, hope, desire, will, all the faculties, are completely satisfied; and imperfect as our present ideas are of the things which God hath prepared for them that love him, yet we know enough, by the revelation of the Spirit, that the saints above are supremely blessed. The joy of Christ, which is an infinite fulness of delight, is in them. They bathe themselves in the bottomless, shoreless sea of infinite beatitude. That same joyful rest remains for us. It may not be far distant. Ere long the weeping willow shall be exchanged for the palm-branch of victory, and sorrow's dewdrops will be transformed into the pearls of everlasting bliss. "Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

“Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/114/jer.17.5.NKJV

Eating lunch today with my husband at Mission BBQ in Wilmington, NC after an eye doctor appointment and heard an explosion. Not knowing if it was a car that ran into the building or what, I looked out the window and saw a black cloud of smoke and debris flying through the air about 1/2 mile away near Bob King car dealership. According to the Wilmington Fire Department, it happened at East Carolina Veterinary Medical Center. The center was scheduled to open in September after moving from its former location on Greenville Avenue. Three firefighters were injured, one with severe burns on his hands.