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.

Brethren, our God is not a distant God. He did not create the universe, set it in motion, then step back to watch how things work out. Our God is intimately involved in His creation, so much so that He sent His only begotten Son to partake of that which He created, taking the form of man, and dying on a cross for our justification.

He set the times and places for where we would live (Acts 17:26). He knows the number of hairs on your head (Mt. 10:30). Through His Son we can draw near (Heb. 7:25).

It should not be surprising then that He keeps watch over us (Prov. 24:12). At times, this may be uncomfortable. It may entail discipline (Heb. 12:11). At times, it should bring us peace.

Regardless the circumstance, we should be thankful. When He hems us in, it is not because He doesn’t want us happy - it is for our benefit. Just as parents sets boundaries for their children, so God sets boundaries for us.

Our Lord knows we face temptation, as He faced temptation Himself (Heb. 2:18). God warned Cain that sin lies in wait, seeking opportunity in us (Gen. 4:7). And He knows the flesh is weak (Mt. 26:41), a problem with which even Paul struggled (Rom. 7:14-25; 8:3). Thus for our protection, for our sanctification, God watches over us.

Let us then not question, but accept with joy, the trials through which we travel on our road to spiritual maturity; for in the end, our faith will be strengthened, and we will be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (Jas. 1:2-4).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 16

"Am I a sea, or a whale, that Thou settest a watch over me?" Job 7:12

This was a strange question for Job to ask of the Lord. He felt himself to be too insignificant to be so strictly watched and chastened, and he hoped that he was not so unruly as to need to be so restrained. The enquiry was natural from one surrounded with such insupportable miseries, but after all, it is capable of a very humbling answer. It is true man is not the sea, but he is even more troublesome and unruly. The sea obediently respects its boundary, and though it be but a belt of sand, it does not overleap the limit. Mighty as it is, it hears the divine hitherto, and when most raging with tempest it respects the word; but self-willed man defies heaven and oppresses earth, neither is there any end to this rebellious rage. The sea, obedient to the moon, ebbs and flows with ceaseless regularity, and thus renders an active as well as a passive obedience; but man, restless beyond his sphere, sleeps within the lines of duty, indolent where he should be active. He will neither come nor go at the divine command, but sullenly prefers to do what he should not, and to leave undone that which is required of him. Every drop in the ocean, every beaded bubble, and every yeasty foam-flake, every shell and pebble, feel the power of law, and yield or move at once. O that our nature were but one thousandth part as much conformed to the will of God! We call the sea fickle and false, but how constant it is! Since our fathers' days, and the old time before them, the sea is where it was, beating on the same cliffs to the same tune; we know where to find it, it forsakes not its bed, and changes not in its ceaseless boom; but where is man-vain, fickle man? Can the wise man guess by what folly he will next be seduced from his obedience? We need more watching than the billowy sea, and are far more rebellious. Lord, rule us for Thine own glory. Amen.

People are laying blame for the shooting of Charlie Kirk on all sorts of external influences: politics, religion, rhetoric. What most seem to ignore, and what all of those "influences" reflect, is the basic nature of humanity, what dwells within us all when we have not received the change of heart that can be wrought only by God through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders" (Mt. 15:19).

Like it or not, this is human nature. And when God is rejected, He turns us over to it:

"And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them" (Rom. 1:28-32).

If that last paragraph does not describe America today, I don't know what does.

It is time to turn back to God. People need the redeeming grace offered only through Jesus Christ. He is "the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by" Him (Jn. 14:6). For, "there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

So I urge you today, "believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).

Paul attested that the gospel was not only the power of God for salvation to those who believe (Rom. 1:16), but that it was simple:

"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also" (1 Cor. 15:3-8).

This isn't a fairytale. It is attested by witnesses, not only the 500 mentioned here who were alive to refute Paul if he lied, but through so many other historical documents and witnesses.

Therefore, I implore you today, follow the Scripture that, "if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation" (Rom. 10:9-10).

Brethren, do you have a family member who is sick? Fall on your knees, call upon Christ, and tell Him. For we are told, "humble yourselves under the mighty hand of 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).

Also, forget not that family is a blessing. See your spouse, your siblings, your children, your parents, your in-laws through the eyes of Christ. Are they saved? Show them grace. Are they lost? Show them compassion. Christ must be first in all things, which is why He tells us we must "hate" our families (Lk. 14:26). He does not truly mean we should "hate" them, but that He must hold the primary position in your heart.

So, let us love and enjoy our families, pray for them in their illnesses, and lead them to Christ, all the while putting Him first. After all, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (Jn. 17:3).
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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 2

"But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell Him of her." Mark 1:30

Very interesting is this little peep into the house of the Apostolic Fisherman. We see at once that household joys and cares are no hindrance to the full exercise of ministry, nay, that since they furnish an opportunity for personally witnessing the Lord's gracious work upon one's own flesh and blood, they may even instruct the teacher better than any other earthly discipline. Papists and other sectaries may decry marriage, but true Christianity and household life agree well together. Peter's house was probably a poor fisherman's hut, but the Lord of Glory entered it, lodged in it, and wrought a miracle in it. Should our little book be read this morning in some very humble cottage, let this fact encourage the inmates to seek the company of King Jesus. God is oftener in little huts than in rich palaces. Jesus is looking round your room now, and is waiting to be gracious to you. Into Simon's house sickness had entered, fever in a deadly form had prostrated his mother-in-law, and as soon as Jesus came they told Him of the sad affliction, and He hastened to the patient's bed. Have you any sickness in the house this morning? You will find Jesus by far the best physician, go to Him at once and tell Him all about the matter. Immediately lay the case before Him. It concerns one of His people, and therefore will not be trivial to Him. Observe, that at once the Saviour restored the sick woman; none can heal as He does. We may not make sure that the Lord will at once remove all disease from those we love, but we may know that believing prayer for the sick is far more likely to be followed by restoration than anything else in the world; and where this avails not, we must meekly bow to His will by whom life and death are determined. The tender heart of Jesus waits to hear our griefs, let us pour them into His patient ear.

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

Buy Healthy Coffee: https://dianawellnessstore.com

I wonder IF so called "parents", ever regret, what they have done to their Children......What about the so called "doctors" as well. Actually what are the so called "parents" and "doctors" going to do with their 30 pieces of silver, in hell.

His Choice
https://terrylclark.substack.com/p/his-choice?publication_id=934525&post_id=167623428&isFreemail=false&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Colorado Parents Live in the Shadow of Marxism
Marxists view family as a threat to the state—and apparently so does Colorado
https://thegoldreport.substack.com/p/colorado-parents-live-in-the-shadow?publication_id=2439317&post_id=168264198&isFreemail=true&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

A great video, that Virginia was able to leave. I also believe her when she said that Epstein is still alive. Big Mike and Barry, Gates, and so many other, pedophiles, need to hang from a rope, but not before they are tortured, beyond repair. When Big Mike and Barry were in the White House, those bastards had "pizzas" and "hot dogs" brought in from Chicago. We ALL know what that is. Little Girls and Little Boys, yes, I often wonder why the REAL so called "parents" SOLD their daughters to those pedophiles. But I can now see why the one girl was getting paid out of USAid. What those girls must have gone through.

Virginia Giuffre
https://anonymous8675309.substack.com/p/virginia-giuffre?publication_id=4281599&post_id=166191354&isFreemail=true&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Happy Fathers Day to ALL of the Dad's OR Momma's that were there for your Children and Still Are. Many Momma's were and still are raising their Children. My son and his girlfriend told me Happy Father's Day this morning. Because I was the one parent that was and still am there for my son both parents. Jamie is a fine young man, for it.

Maybe she and her sister will go back to their "real" "parents" that sold them, now. Anita Blanchard and Martin Nesbitt. Especially since the girls will no longer be paid from USAID.

Now hear this - OLD Tube TV

Back in the day, I’ll never forget the day my parents announced that we were getting a TV. There it came, a 1957 DuMont black and White TV in this big console beautiful white ash lacquered oil rubbed cabinet. Marvelous, it was heavy, took two delivery drivers and dad’s help to squeeze it through the front door. Finally given the place of honor in the front room underneath the front window facing the street. You know what was fabulous about those first TVs. They had speakers, 10 inch deep Bass speakers and you could hear them. If you peered closely through the grill cloth you could see it. A real 10 inch deep bass speaker. Today’s TV’s You can’t even find the speakers, DONT LISTEN to your wife, you don’t need hearing aids and there is not one dam thing wrong with your hearing and you don’t need to have your hearing checked for $8000 hearing sides. It’s a scam.

Dr. Suzanne Humphries: How Pediatricians Use “Wellness Visits” to Coerce Parents Into Vaccinating Their Kids
https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2025/05/21/example-of-how-pediatricians-use-wellness-visits-to-coerce-vaccination-another-baby-dies-after-6-routine-vaccines/

ATTENTION PARENTS WATCH AND SHARE THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.

Music Legend John Rich EXPOSES Dark Truth About Diddy, Calls For DEATH Penalty! ’It’s Worse Than…’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nx8b0s0dsM

Very well said, thank you, Chad! You know IF people would have actually used this in an argument with the courts. I often think of the one Dad that his ex wife, was determined to change his son into a female. And the "judge" that was pushing for it as well. I hope that never happened. And I think of all of the so called "parents" that pushed this trans crap onto their Children.