DAY 93: Simulated Disorder, Perfect Discipline
https://myr2b.substack.com/p/day-93-simulated-disorder-perfect?publication_id=1361476&post_id=174885245&isFreemail=false&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Brethren, David was called a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). Enoch walked with God. In Daniel’s vision, the man who came to him lay his hand upon Daniel’s shoulder and addressed him as “a man greatly beloved,” or “highly esteemed” (Dan. 10:11, 19).

Believer, were the Lord to come to you today, would He say this of you? Are you walking with Him? Seeking after His heart? If not, why not?

What has God promised us? “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (Jas. 4:8).

Christian, you were bought with a price! “you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Pet. 1:18-19). Of all people, you should be a person after God’s own heart. You should be walking with Him. For you are, to Him, “a man greatly beloved,” so much so that, while you were yet a sinner, Christ died for you (Rom. 5:8).

This does not mean a life of ease; we are adopted as sons, and such is never the lot of the son. The son is disciplined by his father (Heb. 12:7-11). Jesus promised we would face tribulation in this life (Jn. 16:33). These trials are meant to further develop and strengthen our faith (Jas. 1:2-4).

Let us then turn to Him in all things, relying on His strength (Isa. 41:10; Phil. 4:13), and walk closely with Him by the Spirit, because He calls us, as He did Daniel, “greatly beloved.”

——————
Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, October 2

"A man greatly beloved." Daniel 10:11

Child of God, do you hesitate to appropriate this title? Ah! has your unbelief made you forget that you are greatly beloved too? Must you not have been greatly beloved, to have been bought with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot? When God smote His only begotten Son for you, what was this but being greatly beloved? You lived in sin, and rioted in it, must you not have been greatly beloved for God to have borne so patiently with you? You were called by grace and led to a Saviour, and made a child of God and an heir of heaven. All this proves, does it not, a very great and superabounding love? Since that time, whether your path has been rough with troubles, or smooth with mercies, it has been full of proofs that you are a man greatly beloved. If the Lord has chastened you, yet not in anger; if He has made you poor, yet in grace you have been rich. The more unworthy you feel yourself to be, the more evidence have you that nothing but unspeakable love could have led the Lord Jesus to save such a soul as yours. The more demerit you feel, the clearer is the display of the abounding love of God in having chosen you, and called you, and made you an heir of bliss. Now, if there be such love between God and us let us live in the influence and sweetness of it, and use the privilege of our position. Do not let us approach our Lord as though we were strangers, or as though He were unwilling to hear us- for we are greatly beloved by our loving Father. "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Come boldly, O believer, for despite the whisperings of Satan and the doubtings of thine own heart, thou art greatly beloved. Meditate on the exceeding greatness and faithfulness of divine love this evening, and so go to thy bed in peace.

Brethren, rejoice in God, for He rejoices in you. When the shepherd finds one of his lost sheep, he rejoices (Lk. 15:6). When the woman who loses a coin finds it, she rejoices (Lk. 15:9). When the estranged son returns home, the father rejoices (Lk .15:32). So it is with our Father in heaven - when one of His comes to Jesus, He rejoices!

Not only this, but He is happy to do us good. Let us not, however, be deceived at what may be the appearance of that “good.” Discipline is good (Heb. 12:7-11). Trials are good (Jas. 1:2-4). And yes, blessings are good!

Remember that our Heavenly Father “causes all things to work together for good to those who love” Him, and “who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28, emphasis mine). Therefore, let us say, as did Job to his wife, “shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity” (Job. 2:10)?

God is good, and He rejoices to do good for those who are His. So much so that He was willing to sacrifice His Son on a cross for us.

Not everything that is good appears good at the moment; but in the end, we will see how all things have worked together to produce good for us and in us, and we, along with God, shall rejoice.

——————
Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 21

"I will rejoice over them to do them good." Jeremiah 32:41

How heart-cheering to the believer is the delight which God has in His saints! We cannot see any reason in ourselves why the Lord should take pleasure in us; we cannot take delight in ourselves, for we often have to groan, being burdened; conscious of our sinfulness, and deploring our unfaithfulness; and we fear that God's people cannot take much delight in us, for they must perceive so much of our imperfections and our follies, that they may rather lament our infirmities than admire our graces. But we love to dwell upon this transcendent truth, this glorious mystery: that as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so does the Lord rejoice over us. We do not read anywhere that God delighteth in the cloud-capped mountains, or the sparkling stars, but we do read that He delighteth in the habitable parts of the earth, and that His delights are with the sons of men. We do not find it written that even angels give His soul delight; nor doth He say, concerning cherubim and seraphim, "Thou shalt be called Hephzibah, for the Lord delighteth in thee"; but He does say all that to poor fallen creatures like ourselves, debased and depraved by sin, but saved, exalted, and glorified by His grace. In what strong language He expresses His delight in His people! Who could have conceived of the eternal One as bursting forth into a song? Yet it is written, "He will rejoice over thee with joy, He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing." As He looked upon the world He had made, He said, "It is very good"; but when He beheld those who are the purchase of Jesus' blood, His own chosen ones, it seemed as if the great heart of the Infinite could restrain itself no longer, but overflowed in divine exclamations of joy. Should not we utter our grateful response to such a marvellous declaration of His love, and sing, "I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation?"

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).

——————
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.

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).
------------

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.

Christian, do you feel compelled to "invite your unbelieving friend to 'church'?" Why so? Does darkness have fellowship with the light? (2 Cor. 6:14) Does an unbeliever have spiritual gifts with which to edify the body? (1 Cor. 12:7) Can one who dines at tables of demons also feast upon the Lord's supper? (1 Cor. 10:21)

When we gather as the Church (we are the Church, we don't go to church), we come together to separate from the world for a time, to refresh, to fellowship, to edify one another. Why then intentionally ask those who are not of Christ into our midst? This is not how the Church operated in the time of the apostles. (Acts 5:13)

Yes, they may end up there by happenstance, but it is not for us to ask them nor to accomodate them. (1 Cor. 14:23-25) Focus instead on serving the body as you have been called, using your gifts to edify the body, growing in fellowship with God and one another, and go out and take the gospel to the lost. Then when the lost receive Christ, let them indeed join our fellowship. (Acts 5:14)

This is the way the apostles worked and taught. This is the example we should follow.
-----------

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, August 18

"Strangers are come into the sanctuaries of the Lord's house." Jeremiah 51:51

In this account the faces of the Lord's people were covered with shame, for it was a terrible thing that men should intrude into the Holy Place reserved for the priests alone. Everywhere about us we see like cause for sorrow. How many ungodly men are now educating with the view of entering into the ministry! What a crying sin is that solemn lie by which our whole population is nominally comprehended in a National Church! How fearful it is that ordinances should be pressed upon the unconverted, and that among the more enlightened churches of our land there should be such laxity of discipline. If the thousands who will read this portion shall all take this matter before the Lord Jesus this day, He will interfere and avert the evil which else will come upon His Church. To adulterate the Church is to pollute a well, to pour water upon fire, to sow a fertile field with stones. May we all have grace to maintain in our own proper way the purity of the Church, as being an assembly of believers, and not a nation, an unsaved community of unconverted men.

Our zeal must, however, begin at home. Let us examine ourselves as to our right to eat at the Lord's table. Let us see to it that we have on our wedding garment, lest we ourselves be intruders in the Lord's sanctuaries. Many are called, but few are chosen; the way is narrow, and the gate is strait. O for grace to come to Jesus aright, with the faith of God's elect. He who smote Uzzah for touching the ark is very jealous of His two ordinances; as a true believer I may approach them freely, as an alien I must not touch them lest I die. Heartsearching is the duty of all who are baptized or come to the Lord's table. "Search me, O God, and know my way, try me and know my heart."

When His disciples asked Him how to pray, Jesus began, "Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be thy name." First and foremost in all things, we are to recognize God's holiness and give Him glory, as do even the angels. His purpose in creating was for His glory. We are told that whatever we do, it should be done to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). In the end, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:11).

This leaves only one question for you today: are you glorifying God?
-------------

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, August 16

"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name." Psalm 29:2

God's glory is the result of His nature and acts. He is glorious in His character, for there is such a store of everything that is holy, and good, and lovely in God, that He must be glorious. The actions which flow from His character are also glorious; but while He intends that they should manifest to His creatures His goodness, and mercy, and justice, He is equally concerned that the glory associated with them should be given only to Himself. Nor is there aught in ourselves in which we may glory; for who maketh us to differ from another? And what have we that we did not receive from the God of all grace? Then how careful ought we to be to walk humbly before the Lord! The moment we glorify ourselves, since there is room for one glory only in the universe, we set ourselves up as rivals to the Most High. Shall the insect of an hour glorify itself against the sun which warmed it into life? Shall the potsherd exalt itself above the man who fashioned it upon the wheel? Shall the dust of the desert strive with the whirlwind? Or the drops of the ocean struggle with the tempest? Give unto the Lord, all ye righteous, give unto the Lord glory and strength; give unto Him the honour that is due unto His name. Yet it is, perhaps, one of the hardest struggles of the Christian life to learn this sentence- "Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thy name be glory." It is a lesson which God is ever teaching us, and teaching us sometimes by most painful discipline. Let a Christian begin to boast, "I can do all things," without adding "through Christ which strengtheneth me," and before long he will have to groan, "I can do nothing," and bemoan himself in the dust. When we do anything for the Lord, and He is pleased to accept of our doings, let us lay our crown at His feet, and exclaim, "Not I, but the grace of God which was with me!"

Firefighter resigned after being disciplined for not stopping his staff saying ‘fireman’
https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/firefighter-resigned-disciplined-fireman/

Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, April 9

"Thy gentleness hath made me great." Psalm 18:35

The words are capable of being translated, "Thy goodness hath made me great." David gratefully ascribed all his greatness not to his own goodness, but the goodness of God. "Thy providence," is another reading; and providence is nothing more than goodness in action. Goodness is the bud of which providence is the flower, or goodness is the seed of which providence is the harvest. Some render it, "Thy help," which is but another word for providence; providence being the firm ally of the saints, aiding them in the service of their Lord. Or again, "Thy humility hath made me great." "Thy condescension" may, perhaps, serve as a comprehensive reading, combining the ideas mentioned, including that of humility. It is God's making Himself little which is the cause of our being made great. We are so little, that if God should manifest His greatness without condescension, we should be trampled under His feet; but God, who must stoop to view the skies, and bow to see what angels do, turns His eye yet lower, and looks to the lowly and contrite, and makes them great. There are yet other readings, as for instance, the Septuagint, which reads, "Thy discipline"- Thy fatherly correction- "hath made me great;" while the Chaldee paraphrase reads, "Thy word hath increased me." Still the idea is the same. David ascribes all his own greatness to the condescending goodness of his Father in heaven. May this sentiment be echoed in our hearts this evening while we cast our crowns at Jesus' feet, and cry, "Thy gentleness hath made me great." How marvellous has been our experience of God's gentleness! How gentle have been His corrections! How gentle His forbearance! How gentle His teachings! How gentle His drawings! Meditate upon this theme, O believer. Let gratitude be awakened; let humility be deepened; let love be quickened ere thou fallest asleep tonight.

Discipline is because of His Love
https://substack.com/inbox/post/153081119?publication_id=3028842&post_id=153081119&isFreemail=true&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true

49ers’ Nick Bosa Could Face Discipline Over Post-Game Display Of MAGA Hat
https://www.oann.com/newsroom/49ers-nick-bosa-could-face-discipline-over-post-game-display-of-maga-hat/

Children Need Discipline!
Proverbs 23:13-14
https://ko-fi.com/post/Children-Need-Discipline-U7U6105SFZ

Wow! Read what his discipline was.

https://notthebee.com/article/progressive-christians-called-cps-and-are-trying-to-get-a-conservative-christians-kid-taken-away-because-he-tweeted-about-disciplining-his-child?utm_source=Not+The+Bee+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=03242024