Christian, is church for you somewhere you go? Is it something you do? Is it a 501(c)3 corporation? If any of these, then you have been misinformed.

The Greek word translated “church” in Scripture is ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklesia), which comes from two Greek words: ek - which means "out, or out of,” and kaleo, which means "to call." Church literally means “those who are called out,” describing those who have been separated from the world for Christ, as He Himself explains to His disciples in John, “I chose you out of the world” (Jn. 15:19). WE are the Church, the body of Christ.

A building may be where the Church meets, but it is not a “church” - it is just a building. There is nothing special about the building. When we gather there, we gather as the Church. Neither are our activities within such a building “church.” I say again, WE are the Church.

It matters not where we gather, just that we do. Such gatherings may take place in a home (Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:14; Philemon 1:2). And when we gather, it is to separate from the world for a time, just as Jesus occasionally took time away for refreshing, to give God worship, to fellowship, and to exercise the gifts we’ve been given for the edification of the body.

Regardless where we meet, it is WE who are the Church, and we must remember this, because this mindset affects how we live in the world. Are we representing and reflecting Christ as we ought? If not, why not? Is it, perhaps, because we believe that “church” is somewhere we go on Sunday and not who we are? Very likely.

Let us therefore, brethren, never forget who we are in Christ - WE are the Church!

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

Morning, November 1

"The Church in thy house." Philemon 2

Is there a Church in this house? Are parents, children, friends, servants, all members of it? Or are some still unconverted? Let us pause here and let the question go round- Am I a member of the Church in this house? How would father's heart leap for joy, and mother's eyes fill with holy tears if from the eldest to the youngest all were saved! Let us pray for this great mercy until the Lord shall grant it to us. Probably it had been the dearest object of Philemon's desires to have all his household saved; but it was not at first granted him in its fulness. He had a wicked servant, Onesimus, who, having wronged him, ran away from his service. His master's prayers followed him, and at last, as God would have it, Onesimus was led to hear Paul preach; his heart was touched, and he returned to Philemon, not only to be a faithful servant, but a brother beloved, adding another member to the Church in Philemon's house. Is there an unconverted servant or child absent this morning? Make special supplication that such may, on their return to their home, gladden all hearts with good news of what grace has done! Is there one present? Let him partake in the same earnest entreaty.

If there be such a Church in our house, let us order it well, and let all act as in the sight of God. Let us move in the common affairs of life with studied holiness, diligence, kindness, and integrity. More is expected of a Church than of an ordinary household; family worship must, in such a case, be more devout and hearty; internal love must be more warm and unbroken, and external conduct must be more sanctified and Christlike. We need not fear that the smallness of our number will put us out of the list of Churches, for the Holy Spirit has here enrolled a family-church in the inspired book of remembrance. As a Church let us now draw nigh to the great head of the one Church universal, and let us beseech Him to give us grace to shine before men to the glory of His name.

Proverbs
Chapter 15

1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Proverbs
Chapter 14

1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.

25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

28 In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

THIS IS A TRUE ARTICLE, I DECIDED TO WRITE IT UP WHEN THE GOVERNMENT "LOST ILLEGALS". HENCE THE TITLE.

How can the government lose people
that are in the system?

I can't understand why nor how the government can "loose" any information regarding illegals. Here is why. I worked for the state of Illinois, in 2005-2005 I worked in a division of DHS. It was called "All Kids" at the time. It was called many different names, the latest being "obama care". I know that this was at least in one other state as well. I and someone else commented on a post on MeWe. It was going on in the 70's as well. It was an, "insurance" if you remember. BUT it was more than that.

We had 2 floors, of a state building, filing cabinets, banana boxes everywhere. Yes banana boxes lined the hallways. Boxes on top of filing cabinets.

EVERYONE was entered into the system.

The illegals were brought up, by the government. In Illinois, they were GIVEN: Homes, Businesses, Clothing, Phones, Vehicles, Free Insurance, Phones, EVERYTHING. Kicker, I will never forget, a so called "family" of 3, different last names, came across my desk. They were up from the border within 3 days time. They were taken to Chicago, to the Social Security office. They received, along with Everything else, $5,600 a month. It was called "temporary" Social Security.

BUT there was no such thing as "temporary" and Illegals weren't getting anything for free. That is the answer that they would give anyone that tried to find out about it.

I had a friend that I had known from school, she always worked, till she found out that she had MS. Three different times, she went to try to get on disability SS. Was told, no, she could work, the third time, she was in both leg and arm braces. Years later, she was Finally able to get a lousy $300.00 a month.

My ex husband, was a walker (mail carrier) (walked the hills to deliver mail) for the post office in St. Louis. He was going through a lot of pain, had 5 discs rubbing. Bone on bone. He called me and told me that he was told there was no such thing as "temporary" SS. Because at the time, he was going though the post office, and they were NOT willing, as we all know, it is hard to get "workman's comp". So he went to the SS office.

I knew, of people that were AMERICAN'S that were NOT making it on the EXTREMELY low SS, they had paid into.

I tried every way to get transferred into a different department, and wasn't allowed. So on December 5th 2005, I quit.

So, you see, many of you think that the illegals have JUST been coming up in RECENT years, no, but for DECADES.

And, you now see, if you didn't already know that YOU are paying, IF you are on "obama care" and they never did.

The illegals ALSO received the Money for seven years, once started. Which was immediately.

They don't come WALKING up in flip flops, New Clean clothes, New phones, etc. That is all staged.

The only "good thing" that came out of this. I knew what was going on, and can tell everyone, everywhere. I tried then, and no one would listen.....

Are you listening now....

Proverbs
Chapter 13

1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

Prepare for the U.S. Military to Take Back America
https://anonymous8675309.substack.com/p/prepare-for-the-us-military-to-take?publication_id=4281599&post_id=176742089&isFreemail=true&r=1maoyr&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Freedom of conscience? Separation of powers?

https://www.westernjournal.com/senate-republicans-defect-ignore-vance-vote-block-trump-trade-strategy/

#MAHA
When Will the #EPA Start Listening to MAHA and Moms Across America? https://www.themahareport.com/p/when-will-the-epa-start-listening

Some Americans prepare for halt in #SNAP #FoodStamps benefits: 'I’m going to have hungry kids'
About 42 million Americans receive benefits from the federally-funded program. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/americans-prepare-halt-snap-benefits-im-hungry-kids/story?id=126908769

Proverbs
Chapter 5

1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:

4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.

18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

Proverbs
Chapter 3

1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Ruth went into the field of Boaz to pick the gleanings after it had been reaped (Ruth 2:3). She sought the leftovers from those reaping, but what she found was so much more - her redeemer himself. Boaz, for Ruth, was a type of Christ; he represented the one who saves us.

Likewise, we should be going out into our Redeemer’s field, not to reap what is left behind, but to bring in His bounty. Jesus informed His disciples, “lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest” (Jn. 4:35). This He spoke regarding those whose hearts were prepared to receive the gospel, as He continued, “already he who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for life eternal” (Jn. 4:36).

Ruth did not sow, but she received of the harvest, and also received redemption. So too, we who have received redemption should be going out to harvest that which we did not sow (Jn. 4:37-38).

Brethren, are you working to harvest the Lord’s field? Or even to reap the gleanings? If not, why not? Are you ashamed of the gospel? Is it not God’s power for salvation? (Rom. 1:16) Did not God choose “the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21)?

Let us then, as His workers, work to bring in His harvest as He commanded those who would follow (Mt. 28:18-20).

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

Evening, October 25

"She gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech." Ruth 2:3

Her hap was. Yes, it seemed nothing but an accident, but how divinely was it overruled! Ruth had gone forth with her mother's blessing, under the care of her mother's God, to humble but honourable toil, and the providence of God was guiding her every step. Little did she know that amid the sheaves she would find a husband, that he should make her the joint owner of all those broad acres, and that she a poor foreigner should become one of the progenitors of the great Messiah. God is very good to those who trust in Him, and often surprises them with unlooked for blessings. Little do we know what may happen to us tomorrow, but this sweet fact may cheer us, that no good thing shall be withheld. Chance is banished from the faith of Christians, for they see the hand of God in everything. The trivial events of today or tomorrow may involve consequences of the highest importance. O Lord, deal as graciously with Thy servants as Thou didst with Ruth.

How blessed would it be, if, in wandering in the field of meditation tonight, our hap should be to light upon the place where our next Kinsman will reveal Himself to us! O Spirit of God, guide us to Him. We would sooner glean in His field than bear away the whole harvest from any other. O for the footsteps of His flock, which may conduct us to the green pastures where He dwells! This is a weary world when Jesus is away- we could better do without sun and moon that without Him- but how divinely fair all things become in the glory of His presence! Our souls know the virtue which dwells in Jesus, and can never be content without Him. We will wait in prayer this night until our hap shall be to light on a part of the field belonging to Jesus wherein He will manifest Himself to us.

#Democrats Prepare To Loot The Entire Country - What happens when over 42 million #SNAP recipients face a #November blackout? https://www.infowars.com/posts/special-report-democrats-prepare-to-loot-the-entire-country

Brethren, now is not the time to sleep. Jesus exhorted that we should be like men waiting for their master to return from his wedding feast, ready to immediately open the door (Lk. 12:36). We should be on the alert, regardless of what time He may arrive, whether during the day or middle of the night so that we might wait on Him (Lk. 12:37-38).

Yet, when He stepped away to pray in the garden, on that night when He would be taken, His disciples dozed off. Thus He had to warn again that they get up an pray, so that they would not fall into temptation (Lk. 22:46), because the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Mt. 26:41).

Christian, temptation will always be around the next corner. Neither the devil nor the sin that dwells in our flesh sleeps. And as God cautioned Cain, sin waits at the door desiring to master us (Gen. 4:7). When the lost give in and obey it, they become slaves to it (Jn. 8:34). Praise Jesus that He set us free from the body of this death! (Rom. 7:24-25).

We once were slaves, but now are not. Yet we still must battle, because the flesh wars against the spirit (Gal. 5:17). So stay on the alert, do not sleep, but keep watch both over yourself so you do not fall into sin, and to be prepared for the return of our Lord.

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

Evening, October 23

"Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Luke 22:46

When is the Christian most liable to sleep? Is it not when his temporal circumstances are prosperous? Have you not found it so? When you had daily troubles to take to the throne of grace, were you not more wakeful than you are now? Easy roads make sleepy travellers. Another dangerous time is when all goes pleasantly in spiritual matters. Christian went not to sleep when lions were in the way, or when he was wading through the river, or when fighting with Apollyon, but when he had climbed half way up the Hill Difficulty, and came to a delightful arbour, he sat down, and forthwith fell asleep, to his great sorrow and loss. The enchanted ground is a place of balmy breezes, laden with fragrant odours and soft influences, all tending to lull pilgrims to sleep. Remember Bunyan's description: "Then they came to an arbour, warm, and promising much refreshing to the weary pilgrims; for it was finely wrought above head, beautified with greens, and furnished with benches and settles. It had also in it a soft couch, where the weary might lean." "The arbour was called the Slothful's Friend, and was made on purpose to allure, if it might be, some of the pilgrims to take up their rest there when weary." Depend upon it, it is in easy places that men shut their eyes and wander into the dreamy land of forgetfulness. Old Erskine wisely remarked, "I like a roaring devil better than a sleeping devil." There is no temptation half so dangerous as not being tempted. The distressed soul does not sleep; it is after we enter into peaceful confidence and full assurance that we are in danger of slumbering. The disciples fell asleep after they had seen Jesus transfigured on the mountain top. Take heed, joyous Christian, good frames are near neighbours to temptations: be as happy as you will, only be watchful.

Believer, imagine the thoughts that ran through the minds of Christ’s disciples, when He asked, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” (Jn. 6:67). Jesus had just spoken of Himself as the bread of life, saying that His body was true bread and His blood true drink, and the Jews, taking Him literally, were dumbfounded. They could not comprehend how they could possibly eat Jesus flesh and drink His blood. Their eyes were not able to see, nor were there ears able to hear, so they turned and left.

Thus, Jesus questioned His close associates, “do you want to leave too?” But they had eyes to see and ears to hear. Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68).

What a wonderful recognition. It is not, however, simply recognition, but revelation! Jesus explained, again (Jn. 6:65), to His apostles, when many walked away, that this was why He had told them earlier no one could come to Him unless the Father first draws him (Jn. 6:44). He even goes on to say that those who were with Him were with Him, not because they chose Him, but because He chose them (Jn. 6:70).

How humbling a situation! The author of life, the one who came to lay His down as a ransom (Mk. 10:45), chose and opened the eyes of those who walked with Him. Jesus affirms this when He tells Peter that flesh and blood did not reveal to Peter that Jesus is the Son of the living God, but that God Himself revealed it to Peter (Mt. 16:15-17).

No one can receive the gospel unless God first opens their heart. All others have been blinded to the truth of the gospel by the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4), and such natural men can neither receive nor understand the things of God because they do not have His Spirit (1 Cor. 2:14).

Christian, be grateful and humbled that the God who created you did so with a vision to save you and adopt you into His family, calling you a child of God (Eph. 1:3-6). There is no room for boasting or arrogance; for we have nothing that we did not receive (1 Cor. 4:6-7).

Therefore, with humility of mind, remember the condition in which you were when Christ called you, and turn not away from the One who affected your salvation, but instead, preach Him boldly, that others He calls might also come and not be turned away.

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

Morning, October 23

"Will ye also go away?" John 6:67

Many have forsaken Christ, and have walked no more with Him; but what reason have YOU to make a change? Has there been any reason for it in the past? Has not Jesus proved Himself all-sufficient? He appeals to you this morning- "Have I been a wilderness unto you?" When your soul has simply trusted Jesus, have you ever been confounded? Have you not up till now found your Lord to be a compassionate and generous friend to you, and has not simple faith in Him given you all the peace your spirit could desire? Can you so much as dream of a better friend than He has been to you? Then change not the old and tried for new and false. As for the present, can that compel you to leave Christ? When we are hard beset with this world, or with the severer trials within the Church, we find it a most blessed thing to pillow our head upon the bosom of our Saviour. This is the joy we have today that we are saved in Him; and if this joy be satisfying, wherefore should we think of changing? Who barters gold for dross? We will not forswear the sun till we find a better light, nor leave our Lord until a brighter lover shall appear; and, since this can never be, we will hold Him with a grasp immortal, and bind His name as a seal upon our arm. As for the future, can you suggest anything which can arise that shall render it necessary for you to mutiny, or desert the old flag to serve under another captain? We think not. If life be long- He changes not. If we are poor, what better than to have Christ who can make us rich? When we are sick, what more do we want than Jesus to make our bed in our sickness? When we die, is it not written that "neither death, nor life, nor things present, nor things to come, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord!" We say with Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go?"

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Believer, it is natural that we at times stumble. For though we are changed inwardly by the indwelling of God’s Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16; Tit. 3:5), our flesh is still indwelled by sin and wars against the Spirit (Rom. 7:14-24; Gal. 5:16-17). Jesus warned His disciples to be on guard, because the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Mt. 26:41).

Yet despite our imperfection in this life, God still loves us freely. All He asks is that we come to Him with humble hearts. And if we do, He will exalt us at the proper time (1 Pet. 5:6). If we come to Him and confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins, and cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9).

What holds you back brethren? What is keeping you from God’s love which He so freely gives? Remember how much He loves us, so much so that, while we were yet sinners, He sent His Son to die for us (Rom. 5:8). This is why we are able to love Him at all; because He first loved us (1 Jn. 4:19).

Come into His presence today. Pray. Know His love and let that love flow through you to one another, that the world might know that we are Jesus’ disciples (Jn. 13:35).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, October 22

"I will love them freely." Hosea 14:4

This sentence is a body of divinity in miniature. He who understands its meaning is a theologian, and he who can dive into its fulness is a true master in Israel. It is a condensation of the glorious message of salvation which was delivered to us in Christ Jesus our Redeemer. The sense hinges upon the word "freely." This is the glorious, the suitable, the divine way by which love streams from heaven to earth, a spontaneous love flowing forth to those who neither deserved it, purchased it, nor sought after it. It is, indeed, the only way in which God can love such as we are. The text is a death-blow to all sorts of fitness: "I will love them freely." Now, if there were any fitness necessary in us, then He would not love us freely, at least, this would be a mitigation and a drawback to the freeness of it. But it stands, "I will love you freely." We complain, "Lord, my heart is so hard." "I will love you freely." "But I do not feel my need of Christ as I could wish." "I will not love you because you feel your need; I will love you freely." "But I do not feel that softening of spirit which I could desire." Remember, the softening of spirit is not a condition, for there are no conditions; the covenant of grace has no conditionality whatever; so that we without any fitness may venture upon the promise of God which was made to us in Christ Jesus, when He said, "He that believeth on Him is not condemned." It is blessed to know that the grace of God is free to us at all times, without preparation, without fitness, without money, and without price! "I will love them freely." These words invite backsliders to return: indeed, the text was specially written for such- "I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely." Backslider! surely the generosity of the promise will at once break your heart, and you will return, and seek your injured Father's face.

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, October 21

"The love of Christ constraineth us." 2 Corinthians 5:14

How much owest thou unto my Lord? Has He ever done anything for thee? Has He forgiven thy sins? Has He covered thee with a robe of righteousness? Has He set thy feet upon a rock? Has He established thy goings? Has He prepared heaven for thee? Has He prepared thee for heaven? Has He written thy name in His book of life? Has He given thee countless blessings? Has He laid up for thee a store of mercies, which eye hath not seen nor ear heard? Then do something for Jesus worthy of His love. Give not a mere wordy offering to a dying Redeemer. How will you feel when your Master comes, if you have to confess that you did nothing for Him, but kept your love shut up, like a stagnant pool, neither flowing forth to His poor or to His work. Out on such love as that! What do men think of a love which never shows itself in action? Why, they say, "Open rebuke is better than secret love." Who will accept a love so weak that it does not actuate you to a single deed of self-denial, of generosity, of heroism, or zeal! Think how He has loved you, and given Himself for you! Do you know the power of that love? Then let it be like a rushing mighty wind to your soul to sweep out the clouds of your worldliness, and clear away the mists of sin. "For Christ's sake" be this the tongue of fire that shall sit upon you: "for Christ's sake" be this the divine rapture, the heavenly afflatus to bear you aloft from earth, the divine spirit that shall make you bold as lions and swift as eagles in your Lord's service. Love should give wings to the feet of service, and strength to the arms of labour. Fixed on God with a constancy that is not to be shaken, resolute to honour Him with a determination that is not to be turned aside, and pressing on with an ardour never to be wearied, let us manifest the constraints of love to Jesus. May the divine loadstone draw us heavenward towards itself.

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, October 20

"Keep not back." Isaiah 43:6

Although this message was sent to the south, and referred to the seed of Israel, it may profitably be a summons to ourselves. Backward we are naturally to all good things, and it is a lesson of grace to learn to go forward in the ways of God. Reader, are you unconverted, but do you desire to trust in the Lord Jesus? Then keep not back. Love invites you, the promises secure you success, the precious blood prepares the way. Let not sins or fears hinder you, but come to Jesus just as you are. Do you long to pray? Would you pour out your heart before the Lord? Keep not back. The mercy-seat is prepared for such as need mercy; a sinner's cries will prevail with God. You are invited, nay, you are commanded to pray, come therefore with boldness to the throne of grace.

Dear friend, are you already saved? Then keep not back from union with the Lord's people. Neglect not the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. You may be of a timid disposition, but you must strive against it, lest it lead you into disobedience. There is a sweet promise made to those who confess Christ- by no means miss it, lest you come under the condemnation of those who deny Him. If you have talents keep not back from using them. Hoard not your wealth, waste not your time; let not your abilities rust or your influence be unused. Jesus kept not back, imitate Him by being foremost in self-denials and self-sacrifices. Keep not back from close communion with God, from boldly appropriating covenant blessings, from advancing in the divine life, from prying into the precious mysteries of the love of Christ. Neither, beloved friend, be guilty of keeping others back by your coldness, harshness, or suspicions. For Jesus' sake go forward yourself, and encourage others to do the like. Hell and the leaguered bands of superstition and infidelity are forward to the fight. O soldiers of the cross, keep not back.