Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, August 7

"Satan hindered us." 1 Thessalonians 2:18

Since the first hour in which goodness came into conflict with evil, it has never ceased to be true in spiritual experience, that Satan hinders us. From all points of the compass, all along the line of battle, in the vanguard and in the rear, at the dawn of day and in the midnight hour, Satan hinders us. If we toil in the field, he seeks to break the ploughshare; if we build the wall, he labours to cast down the stones; if we would serve God in suffering or in conflict- everywhere Satan hinders us. He hinders us when we are first coming to Jesus Christ. Fierce conflicts we had with Satan when we first looked to the cross and lived. Now that we are saved, he endeavours to hinder the completeness of our personal character. You may be congratulating yourself, "I have hitherto walked consistently; no man can challenge my integrity." Beware of boasting, for your virtue will yet be tried; Satan will direct his engines against that very virtue for which you are the most famous. If you have been hitherto a firm believer, your faith will ere long be attacked; if you have been meek as Moses, expect to be tempted to speak unadvisedly with your lips. The birds will peck at your ripest fruit, and the wild boar will dash his tusks at your choicest vines. Satan is sure to hinder us when we are earnest in prayer. He checks our importunity, and weakens our faith in order that, if possible, we may miss the blessing. Nor is Satan less vigilant in obstructing Christian effort. There was never a revival of religion without a revival of his opposition. As soon as Ezra and Nehemiah begin to labour, Sanballat and Tobiah are stirred up to hinder them. What then? We are not alarmed because Satan hindereth us, for it is a proof that we are on the Lord's side, and are doing the Lord's work, and in His strength we shall win the victory, and triumph over our adversary.

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, August 6

"Watchman, what of the night?" Isaiah 21:11

What enemies are abroad? Errors are a numerous horde, and new ones appear every hour: against what heresy am I to be on my guard? Sins creep from their lurking places when the darkness reigns; I must myself mount the watch-tower, and watch unto prayer. Our heavenly Protector foresees all the attacks which are about to be made upon us, and when as yet the evil designed us is but in the desire of Satan, He prays for us that our faith fail not, when we are sifted as wheat. Continue O gracious Watchman, to forewarn us of our foes, and for Zion's sake hold not thy peace.

"Watchman, what of the night?" What weather is coming for the Church? Are the clouds lowering, or is it all clear and fair overhead? We must care for the Church of God with anxious love; and now that Popery and infidelity are both threatening, let us observe the signs of the times and prepare for conflict.

"Watchman, what of the night?" What stars are visible?What precious promises suit our present case? You sound the alarm, give us the consolation also. Christ, the polestar, is ever fixed in His place, and all the stars are secure in the right hand of their Lord.

But watchman, when comes the morning? The Bridegroom tarries. Are there no signs of His coming forth as the Sun of Righteousness? Has not the morning star arisen as the pledge of day? When will the day dawn, and the shadows flee away? O Jesus, if Thou come not in person to Thy waiting Church this day, yet come in Spirit to my sighing heart, and make it sing for joy.

"Now all the earth is bright and glad
With the fresh morn;
But all my heart is cold, and dark and sad:
Sun of the soul, let me behold Thy dawn!
Come, Jesus, Lord,
O quickly come, according to Thy word."

Sheena Goodyear - This plant peacefully houses warring ant species by giving them their own apartments:

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/plant-ant-apartments-1.7585758

#Fiji #Ants #Squamellaria #Epiphyte #Tubers #Symbiosis #Compartmentalization #Conflict #BehavioralScience #Entomology #AnimalBiology #PlantBiology #Biology

A very interesting article.

Biblical Israel vs. Modern Israel: A Christian Guide to the Conflict
https://thetruthaboutcancerofficial.substack.com/p/biblical-israel-vs-modern-israel?publication_id=2309986&post_id=166429486&isFreemail=true&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Trump at NATO Summit to Push ‘Historic’ 5 Percent Spending Goal Amid Global Conflicts
https://www.ntd.com/trump-at-nato-summit-to-push-historic-5-percent-spending-goal-amid-global-conflicts_1075299.html?utm_source=ntddailynoe

I don't spend this day grilling hot dogs, or pounding drinks. I'm not going out on the lake, or inviting people over. I don't think about why we were there, or even the morality behind any conflict. I remember my mates, and the things we went through. I remember the good and the bad. I give thanks for surviving, and remember those who didn't. They mattered. They gave, more than me. We all get to live because of their sacrifices. Here's to you, lads! I will remember!

Have you ever wondered, "why doesn't God just bring believers home?" or "why, when Jesus came to save us, did He leave us in this world?" We are here as His proxies, to spread His gospel, to make disciples, to show forth His glory. He told us we will have trials, but He also told us we should take heart, because He had already overcome the world (John 16:33). We are not alone; He is with us as He promised (Matthew 28:20), and He asked the Father to keep us from evil (John 17:15). While we are yet here, let us stand strong in His word, and the Spirit He gave us, that we might accomplish our mission of glorifying Him. When the time is right, He will take us home.

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, May 2

"I pray not that Thou shouldst take them out of the world." John 17:15

It is a sweet and blessed event which will occur to all believers in God's own time- the going home to be with Jesus. In a few more years the Lord's soldiers, who are now fighting "the good fight of faith" will have done with conflict, and have entered into the joy of their Lord. But although Christ prays that His people may eventually be with Him where He is, He does not ask that they may be taken at once away from this world to heaven. He wishes them to stay here. Yet how frequently does the wearied pilgrim put up the prayer, "O that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away and be at rest;" but Christ does not pray like that, He leaves us in His Father's hands, until, like shocks of corn fully ripe, we shall each be gathered into our Master's garner. Jesus does not plead for our instant removal by death, for to abide in the flesh is needful for others if not profitable for ourselves. He asks that we may be kept from evil, but He never asks for us to be admitted to the inheritance in glory till we are of full age. Christians often want to die when they have any trouble. Ask them why, and they tell you, "Because we would be with the Lord." We fear it is not so much because they are longing to be with the Lord, as because they desire to get rid of their troubles; else they would feel the same wish to die at other times when not under the pressure of trial. They want to go home, not so much for the Saviour's company, as to be at rest. Now it is quite right to desire to depart if we can do it in the same spirit that Paul did, because to be with Christ is far better, but the wish to escape from trouble is a selfish one. Rather let your care and wish be to glorify God by your life here as long as He pleases, even though it be in the midst of toil, and conflict, and suffering, and leave Him to say when "it is enough."

True, very well written article, thank you, Rick.


The Discussion: Part 2
As Long As Conflict Pays, It Won't End
https://www.rickelkin.com/p/the-discussion-part-2?publication_id=2827123&post_id=161709441&isFreemail=true&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Phillips 66 says activist investor pushing major changes has a conflict of interest with Citgo bid
https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/energy/phillips-66-claims-activist-investor-pushing-major-changes-has-conflict

If Calvary is a place of which you have never heard, it is time. Calvary is the hill on which was planted the cross upon which Jesus Christ died for your sins. Yes, you have sins. No, your "good works" cannot balance them. God's standard is perfection and only One has ever lived up to it - Jesus. He gave His life, His sinless life of perfect obedience, so that you in your disobedience could be reconciled to God. Turn to Him. Have faith in Him. Receive Him and know peace with God that can come only through Him.

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, April 10

"The place which is called Calvary." Luke 23:33

The hill of comfort is the hill of Calvary; the house of consolation is built with the wood of the cross; the temple of heavenly blessing is founded upon the riven rock- riven by the spear which pierced His side. No scene in sacred history ever gladdens the soul like Calvary's tragedy.

"Is it not strange, the darkest hour
That ever dawned on sinful earth,
Should touch the heart with softer power,
For comfort, than an angel's mirth?
That to the Cross the mourner's eye should turn,
Sooner than where the stars of Bethlehem burn?"

Light springs from the midday-midnight of Golgotha, and every herb of the field blooms sweetly beneath the shadow of the once accursed tree. In that place of thirst, grace hath dug a fountain which ever gusheth with waters pure as crystal, each drop capable of alleviating the woes of mankind. You who have had your seasons of conflict, will confess that it was not at Olivet that you ever found comfort, not on the hill of Sinai, nor on Tabor; but Gethsemane, Gabbatha, and Golgotha have been a means of comfort to you. The bitter herbs of Gethsemane have often taken away the bitters of your life; the scourge of Gabbatha has often scourged away your cares, and the groans of Calvary yields us comfort rare and rich. We never should have known Christ's love in all its heights and depths if He had not died; nor could we guess the Father's deep affection if He had not given His Son to die. The common mercies we enjoy all sing of love, just as the sea-shell, when we put it to our ears, whispers of the deep sea whence it came; but if we desire to hear the ocean itself, we must not look at everyday blessings, but at the transactions of the crucifixion. He who would know love, let him retire to Calvary and see the Man of sorrows die.

This is Huge BIGGLEY!

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/03/boom-laura-loomer-uncovers-enormous-taxpayer-funded-conflict/

Cognitive Dissonance & mRNA Vaccines | What Is Cognitive Dissonance? Mental discomfort that occurs when someone holds conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes + What Are mRNA Vaccines?
https://rumble.com/v6dlsl7-cognitive-dissonance-and-mrna-vaccines-what-is-cognitive-dissonance.html

The purpose of our uniformed military is to be prepared for war and then to fight and WIN the damn wars they are sent to fight in (and not participate in endless bullshit conflicts that only serve to benefit the political establishment and their cohorts in the M-I complex). Yes, the military serves other purposes, but those who have allowed this DEI utter nonsense into the ranks of our fighting forces to “feminize” a class of people who we recruit and then train to be warriors should be shown the door immediately.
https://x.com/GenFlynn/status/1854195434262339617

Public opinion must be controlled – France’s top general The conflict with Russia proves that public opinion must be controlled, Army Chief of Staff Pierre Schill has said

WHAT A HORRIFIC ATTITUDE OF CONTEMPT FOR THE TRUTH

https://www.rt.com/news/599387-french-general-ukraine-crisis-lessons-learned/