Beloved, in our salvation, God has made us to be “partakers of Christ” (Heb. 3:14). We have “escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust” (2 Pet. 1:4), and have received “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3).

We have been regenerated, renewed (Tit. 3:5) and are new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17) with new hearts (Ezek. 36:26), and His Spirit dwells in us (1 Cor. 3:16). By this, we can be said to be “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4). This is not to say that we have become gods, but that we have become God’s.

By His indwelling Spirit, we have been set free from our former enslavement to sin (Rom 6:6) and were purchased by the blood of the Lamb to become slaves of righteousness (Rom. 6:18).

Let us not continue in our former ways, but walk in the Spirit so that we will not carry out the desires of the flesh (Gal. 5:16). For if we are partakers of the divine, then surely we should reflect His divinity to the world around us. And if we walk by the Spirit, we will do so as we bear the fruit of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control” (Gal. 5:22).

Therefore brethren, remain in Jesus, and let His words abide in you that you might bear such fruit (Jn. 15:4), proving to be His disciples (Jn. 15:8), and that God may be glorified (Mt. 5:16; Rom. 6:20).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 16

"Partakers of the divine nature." 2 Peter 1:4

To be a partaker of the divine nature is not, of course, to become God. That cannot be. The essence of Deity is not to be participated in by the creature. Between the creature and the Creator there must ever be a gulf fixed in respect of essence; but as the first man Adam was made in the image of God, so we, by the renewal of the Holy Spirit, are in a yet diviner sense made in the image of the Most High, and are partakers of the divine nature. We are, by grace, made like God. "God is love"; we become love- "He that loveth is born of God." God is truth; we become true, and we love that which is true: God is good, and He makes us good by His grace, so that we become the pure in heart who shall see God. Moreover, we become partakers of the divine nature in even a higher sense than this- in fact, in as lofty a sense as can be conceived, short of our being absolutely divine. Do we not become members of the body of the divine person of Christ? Yes, the same blood which flows in the head flows in the hand: and the same life which quickens Christ quickens His people, for "Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." Nay, as if this were not enough, we are married unto Christ. He hath betrothed us unto Himself in righteousness and in faithfulness, and he who is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Oh! marvellous mystery! we look into it, but who shall understand it? One with Jesus- so one with Him that the branch is not more one with the vine than we are a part of the Lord, our Saviour, and our Redeemer! While we rejoice in this, let us remember that those who are made partakers of the divine nature will manifest their high and holy relationship in their intercourse with others, and make it evident by their daily walk and conversation that they have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. O for more divine holiness of life!

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/114/heb.13.20-21.NKJV
Prayer for all of God’s people that follow me here or see this.

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).

——————-

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."

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, do you bring your sin before God, confessing and seeking forgiveness? Are you not so grieved by your sin that you seek to lay your heart bare before God?

What does Scripture tell us? That “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).

None of us is without sin. For “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Do not lie to yourself and to God. If you say you have no sin, you are self-deceived (1 Jn. 1:8), and not only this, but you make God a liar and show that His word is not in you (1 Jn. 1:10).

Let us not be like the Pharisees, seeing ourselves as more important and more pious than we are (Lk. 18:11-12). Let us not think more highly of ourselves than we ought, but with sobriety of judgement, be humbled and think others more important (Rom. 12:3; Phil. 2:3-4). And in that contemplation, let us recognize our own sin where it lies.

Let us cry out like David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Ps. 139:23). Let us as James exhorted, “confess [our] sins to one another, and pray for one another so that [we] may be healed” (Jas. 5:16).

This is the call of those who are set apart. This is the duty of the body of Christ. This is required if we are to have true fellowship with God.

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 14

"I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." Psalm 32:5

David's grief for sin was bitter. Its effects were visible upon his outward frame: "his bones waxed old"; "his moisture was turned into the drought of summer." No remedy could he find, until he made a full confession before the throne of the heavenly grace. He tells us that for a time he kept silence, and his heart became more and more filled with grief: like a mountain tarn whose outlet is blocked up, his soul was swollen with torrents of sorrow. He fashioned excuses; he endeavoured to divert his thoughts, but it was all to no purpose; like a festering sore his anguish gathered, and as he would not use the lancet of confession, his spirit was full of torment, and knew no rest. At last it came to this, that he must return unto his God in humble penitence, or die outright; so he hastened to the mercy-seat, and there unrolled the volume of his iniquities before the all-seeing One, acknowledging all the evil of his ways in language such as you read in the fifty-first and other penitential Psalms. Having done this, a work so simple and yet so difficult to pride, he received at once the token of divine forgiveness; the bones which had been broken were made to rejoice, and he came forth from his closet to sing the blessedness of the man whose transgression is forgiven. See the value of a grace-wrought confession of sin! It is to be prized above all price, for in every case where there is a genuine, gracious confession, mercy is freely given, not because the repentance and confession deserve mercy, but for Christ's sake. Blessed be God, there is always healing for the broken heart; the fountain is ever flowing to cleanse us from our sins. Truly, O Lord, Thou art a God "ready to pardon!" Therefore will we acknowledge our iniquities.

Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika, weeps over his casket in emotional photos: ‘You have no idea’
https://nypost.com/2025/09/13/us-news/charlie-kirks-widow-erika-weeps-over-his-casket-in-emotional-photos/

Secret Service Agent FINDS OUT after his SHOCKING post on Charlie Kirk's DEATH! FAFO!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_3L-L8C7YE

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.

I just had a thought about Charlie Kirk's platform, called "Turning Point USA." We are now at a major turning point in America because of his death.

While I feel for this father, my position remains the same: bring back the death penalty across all 50 states, and in cases like this, make it public.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/charlie-kirk-assassin-tyler-robinson-threatened-kill-himself/

Believer, what have you put before God in your life? Is it work? Money? Leisurely pursuits? Even family?

God does not want your leftovers - He wants all of you. He must be first. He told the Hebrews when He gave them the ten commandments that they were not to make idols for themselves saying, "for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments" (Ex. 20:5-6).

He even claims this as His name further in Exodus when He says to Moses, "you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" (Ex. 34:14).

God is jealous for you. He does not want to share you. He commanded, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deut. 6:5; Mt. 22:37 ; Mk. 12:30).

We are "God's own possession" to be redeemed (Eph. 1:14). He purchased us by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). We were bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20, 7:23), not to be slaves to men, nor to our own desires, but to be "slaves of righteousness" (Rom. 6:18-19). It was for this purpose that Christ set us free.

Dear Christian, having been set free, have you become enslaved once more to the world or the things in it? Take time to meditate today on God's word and consider whether you are giving yourself to Him fully as a faithful servant should.

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 12

"God is jealous." Nahum 1:2

Your Lord is very jealous of your love, O believer. Did He choose you? He cannot bear that you should choose another. Did He buy you with His own blood? He cannot endure that you should think that you are your own, or that you belong to this world. He loved you with such a love that He would not stop in heaven without you; He would sooner die than you should perish, and He cannot endure that anything should stand between your heart's love and Himself. He is very jealous of your trust. He will not permit you to trust in an arm of flesh. He cannot bear that you should hew out broken cisterns, when the overflowing fountain is always free to you. When we lean upon Him, He is glad, but when we transfer our dependence to another, when we rely upon our own wisdom, or the wisdom of a friend- worst of all, when we trust in any works of our own, He is displeased, and will chasten us that He may bring us to Himself. He is also very jealous of our company. There should be no one with whom we converse so much as with Jesus. To abide in Him only, this is true love; but to commune with the world, to find sufficient solace in our carnal comforts, to prefer even the society of our fellow Christians to secret intercourse with Him, this is grievous to our jealous Lord. He would fain have us abide in Him, and enjoy constant fellowship with Himself; and many of the trials which He sends us are for the purpose of weaning our hearts from the creature, and fixing them more closely upon Himself. Let this jealousy which would keep us near to Christ be also a comfort to us, for if He loves us so much as to care thus about our love we may be sure that He will suffer nothing to harm us, and will protect us from all our enemies. Oh that we may have grace this day to keep our hearts in sacred chastity for our Beloved alone, with sacred jealousy shutting our eyes to all the fascinations of the world!

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.

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).

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.

Charlie Kirk being shot dead is an example of demonic left wing fanaticism at work. Leftist fanaticism is a religion of itself and a satantic one at that. I see the looks of disdain from far leftists every week at the Staunton Va Farmers Market where I have done evangelistic ministry, and l do nothing political there. All literature l pass out is strictly gospel material, not a shred of it political. Imagine the opposition l would get if l mixed politics with it. It is time government officials oppose far leftism as strong as they have opposed white supremacist movements

Brethren, how blessed is it to be called of God? Some despise this aspect of God's sovereignty, but Scripture makes this undeniable: "And He went up on the mountain and *summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him." Jesus called those He wanted.

But does not God call all? Nowhere does Scripture say so. Jesus did say, "many are called, but few are chosen" (Mt. 22:14), but that is "many," not all.

Christian, does this not humble you? Do you not recognize that you contribute nothing to your salvation other than the sin that made it necessary (Rom. 3:23; Rom; 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5)?

Before receiving Jesus, we too all stood under condemnation, as all who sin are under condemnation.

We all "formerly walked according to the course of this world" (Eph. 2:2). We all "formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest" (Eph. 2:3). But thanks be to God that "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved" (Eph. 1:4-6).

Did He do this because of anything special in us? Does God choose us because of what we have done? What does Scripture say? "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved....having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will" (Eph. 1:4-6,11).

Christ says to His disciples, "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).

Where then is boasting? It has no place in the life of the believer. What do we have that we have earned? That which we received we did not deserve. This knowledge should be truly humbling.

Christian, remember you have been called, you have been chosen, and having been so, let us "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which [we] have been called" (Eph. 4:1).

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 10

"And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him." Mark 3:13

Here was sovereignty. Impatient spirits may fret and fume, because they are not called to the highest places in the ministry; but reader be it thine to rejoice that Jesus calleth whom He wills. If He shall leave me to be a doorkeeper in His house, I will cheerfully bless Him for His grace in permitting me to do anything in His service. The call of Christ's servants comes from above. Jesus stands on the mountain, evermore above the world in holiness, earnestness, love and power. Those whom He calls must go up the mountain to Him, they must seek to rise to His level by living in constant communion with Him. They may not be able to mount to classic honours, or attain scholastic eminence, but they must like Moses go up into the mount of God and have familiar intercourse with the unseen God, or they will never be fitted to proclaim the gospel of peace. Jesus went apart to hold high fellowship with the Father, and we must enter into the same divine companionship if we would bless our fellowmen. No wonder that the apostles were clothed with power when they came down fresh from the mountain where Jesus was. This morning we must endeavour to ascend the mount of communion, that there we may be ordained to the lifework for which we are set apart. Let us not see the face of man today till we have seen Jesus. Time spent with Him is laid out at blessed interest. We too shall cast out devils and work wonders if we go down into the world girded with that divine energy which Christ alone can give. It is of no use going to the Lord's battle till we are armed with heavenly weapons. We must see Jesus, this is essential. At the mercy-seat we will linger till He shall manifest Himself unto us as He doth not unto the world, and until we can truthfully say, "We were with Him in the Holy Mount."

Believer, can you even imagine what it will be like when we enter into glory, clothed in white raiment that was washed so in the blood of the Lamb? To be in God's presence, behold His awesome glory, and to sing with the other creatures:

“HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME" (Rev. 4:8).

Neither eye has seen nor mind conceived the glory that awaits us in our new home. What we do know is that there will be no need of a sun, because the glory of God will illuminate all (Rev. 21:23), there will be no night (Rev. 21:25), there will be no pain, no weeping, no more corruption.

Oh how marvelous the thought! Shall we dawdle here, or work to speed His coming? Let us pray with the Apostle John, "Come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22, 20), that we might put aside this earthly tent and enter into His glorious presence!

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 9

"And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment." Revelation 4:4

These representatives of the saints in heaven are said to be around the throne. In the passage in Canticles, where Solomon sings of the King sitting at his table, some render it "a round table." >From this, some expositors, I think, without straining the text, have said, "There is an equality among the saints." That idea is conveyed by the equal nearness of the four and twenty elders. The condition of glorified spirits in heaven is that of nearness to Christ, clear vision of His glory, constant access to His court, and familiar fellowship with His person: nor is there any difference in this respect between one saint and another, but all the people of God, apostles, martyrs, ministers, or private and obscure Christians, shall all be seated near the throne, where they shall for ever gaze upon their exalted Lord, and be satisfied with His love. They shall all be near to Christ, all ravished with His love, all eating and drinking at the same table with Him, all equally beloved as His favourites and friends even if not all equally rewarded as servants.

Let believers on earth imitate the saints in heaven in their nearness to Christ. Let us on earth be as the elders are in heaven, sitting around the throne. May Christ be the object of our thoughts, the centre of our lives. How can we endure to live at such a distance from our Beloved? Lord Jesu, draw us nearer to Thyself. Say unto us, "Abide in Me, and I in you"; and permit us to sing, "His left hand is under my head, and His right hand doth embrace me."
O lift me higher, nearer Thee,
And as I rise more pure and meet,
O let my soul's humility
Make me lie lower at Thy feet;
Less trusting self, the more I prove
The blessed comfort of Thy love.