Christian, are you following Jesus? This is, ostensibly, the meaning of the term “Christian” - one who follows Christ. This is what the Lord said His followers, His sheep, would do: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (Jn. 10:27).

What does this mean to you? What does it look like?

For one, it means you will be “fishers of men” (Mt. 4:19). We must preach the gospel in our work to spread God’s kingdom and draw in those who are His.

It also means we will deny ourselves and take up our crosses (Mt. 10:38; Mt. 16:24). It may even mean giving up our possessions (Mt. 19:21).

In many cases, it will mean suffering, often for nothing other than believing in Him. He “suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21). The world will hate us (Jn. 15:18-19), but we will be blessed when we are hated, insulted, ostracized, and scorned as evil for His sake (Lk. 16:22).

As the old song goes, no one promised you a rose garden. As a matter of fact, Jesus said to His follower that “in the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). While we may have times of ease, our faith grows most, and character is most evident, in our trials (Jas. 1:2-4) and when we endure suffering for doing what is right (1 Pet. 2:20).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 18

"And they follow me." John 10:27

We should follow our Lord as unhesitatingly as sheep follow their shepherd, for He has a right to lead us wherever He pleases. We are not our own, we are bought with a price- let us recognize the rights of the redeeming blood. The soldier follows his captain, the servant obeys his master, much more must we follow our Redeemer, to whom we are a purchased possession. We are not true to our profession of being Christians, if we question the bidding of our Leader and Commander. Submission is our duty, cavilling is our folly. Often might our Lord say to us as to Peter, "What is that to thee? Follow thou Me." Wherever Jesus may lead us, He goes before us. If we know not where we go, we know with whom we go. With such a companion, who will dread the perils of the road? The journey may be long, but His everlasting arms will carry us to the end. The presence of Jesus is the assurance of eternal salvation, because He lives, we shall live also. We should follow Christ in simplicity and faith, because the paths in which He leads us all end in glory and immortality. It is true they may not be smooth paths- they may be covered with sharp flinty trials, but they lead to the "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant." Let us put full trust in our Leader, since we know that, come prosperity or adversity, sickness or health, popularity or contempt, His purpose shall be worked out, and that purpose shall be pure, unmingled good to every heir of mercy. We shall find it sweet to go up the bleak side of the hill with Christ; and when rain and snow blow into our faces, His dear love will make us far more blest than those who sit at home and warm their hands at the world's fire. To the top of Amana, to the dens of lions, or to the hills of leopards, we will follow our Beloved. Precious Jesus, draw us, and we will run after Thee.

“The Ruse is Over,” a new anthem for the left
(to the tune of “The Song is Over,” by The Who)

The ruse is over
It’s all behind me
I should have known it
The truth would find me

The echo chamber
It is collapsing
I’ve been exposed now
There’s no relapsing

I'll scream my loss to the wide open spaces
I'll scream my hate out to the infinite sea
I'll scream my blindness to the sky high mountains
I'll scream my loss to just me, to just me…
I’ll scream my loss to the wide open spaces
I’ll scream my hate out to the infinite sea
I'll scream my blindness to the sky high mountains
I'll scream my loss to just me, to just me

When I doxxed you it was fun
Claimed that you were the evil one
I wanted you to be destroyed
But now I find myself unemployed

I sowed division
Signaled my virtue
But now you see it
I want to hurt you

I'll scream my loss to the wide open spaces
I'll scream my hate out to the infinite sea
I'll scream my blindness to the sky high mountains
I'll scream my loss to just me, to just me…
I’ll scream my loss to the wide open spaces
I’ll scream my hate out to the infinite sea
I'll scream my blindness to the sky high mountains
I'll scream my loss to just me, to just me

I called you fascists
Was just projection
My hate’s uncovered
I’ve no protection

The ruse is over
The ruse is over
I thought I had the moral high ground
But now you know it was all just a lie

Brethren, are you living your life according to the desires of your flesh? Are we not told to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16)?

You have been made a new creation; the old has passed away (2 Cor. 5:17). Why then would you return to living by the flesh? Jesus warned that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mt. 26:41). Paul understood this and tells us that “the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please” (Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:14-25).

Let us then turn to the one who strengthens us (Isa. 41:10; Phil. 4:13), and walk in the Spirit by Whom we are indwelt (1 Cor. 3:16), with whom God sealed us as a deposit, the seal of our salvation (Eph. 1:13-14), and in so doing, let the fruit He bears through us, “ove, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22) be made evident to all.

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 18

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:25

The two most important things in our holy religion are the life of faith and the walk of faith. He who shall rightly understand these is not far from being a master in experimental theology, for they are vital points to a Christian. You will never find true faith unattended by true godliness; on the other hand, you will never discover a truly holy life which has not for its root a living faith upon the righteousness of Christ. Woe unto those who seek after the one without the other! There are some who cultivate faith and forget holiness; these may be very high in orthodoxy, but they shall be very deep in condemnation, for they hold the truth in unrighteousness; and there are others who have strained after holiness of life, but have denied the faith, like the Pharisees of old, of whom the Master said, they were "whitewashed sepulchres." We must have faith, for this is the foundation; we must have holiness of life, for this is the superstructure. Of what service is the mere foundation of a building to a man in the day of tempest? Can he hide himself therein? He wants a house to cover him, as well as a foundation for that house. Even so we need the superstructure of spiritual life if we would have comfort in the day of doubt. But seek not a holy life without faith, for that would be to erect a house which can afford no permanent shelter, because it has no foundation on a rock. Let faith and life be put together, and, like the two abutments of an arch, they will make our piety enduring. Like light and heat streaming from the same sun, they are alike full of blessing. Like the two pillars of the temple, they are for glory and for beauty. They are two streams from the fountain of grace; two lamps lit with holy fire; two olive trees watered by heavenly care. O Lord, give us this day life within, and it will reveal itself without to Thy glory.

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).

——————
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!

Psalms
Chapter 69

1 (To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David.) Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.

2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.

3 I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.

4 They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

5 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.

6 Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.

7 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.

8 I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.

9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

10 When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.

11 I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.

12 They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.

13 But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.

14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

15 Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

16 Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

17 And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.

18 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.

19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.

21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

22 Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.

23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.

24 Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.

25 Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.

26 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.

27 Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness.

28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

29 But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.

30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

31 This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.

32 The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.

33 For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.

34 Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.

35 For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.

36 The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.

The dems didn't like that Charlie was always telling the TRUTH nor did they like the fact that he was a Christian man. Think About That.


How the Left's Blatant Pro-Criminal Platform Has Led to the Downfall of Democrat-Run Big Cities
https://rumble.com/v6yerpe-how-the-lefts-blatant-pro-criminal-platform-has-led-to-the-downfall-of-demo.html

Charlie Kirk Reveals the Dark Truth About Islam: It's Totalitarianism Masked as a Religion
https://rumble.com/v6yerns-charlie-kirk-reveals-the-dark-truth-about-islam-its-totalitarianism-masked-.html

<iframe src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115198314285832423/embed" class="truthsocial-embed truthsocial-video" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

We read often of Jesus leaving the crowds, of seeking solitude, and at times it happened. But how often did He move on, yet throngs followed behind?

When He got into a boat with His disciples, leaving a crowd to cross the sea, other boats followed and went with Him. People followed wherever He went. It wasn't because He was attractive in any way, for Scripture tells us, "He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him" (Isa. 53:2).

People often followed because of His miracles, though some because of His teaching. As His closest disciples said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God" (Jn. 6:68-69).

Brethren, why are you following Jesus? Is it because you are seeking His miracles, what He can do for you? Or do you follow because of who He is, and because of what He has done for you?

No miracle can compare to that of being made a new creation in Him (2 Cor. 5:17). No sign can ever do more for you than God replacing your heart of stone with a heart of flesh (Ezek. 36:26) and His granting His Spirit to live within us (Ezek. 36:27; 1 Cor. 2:12; 1 Cor. 3:16).

When we are with Him, as the disciples were in the boat, and as were those who followed in other boats, He will calm our storms (Mk. 4:37-39) and give us peace (Isa. 26:3), a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:6-7).

Follow Him, believer, and do so for who He is - the way, the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6), and know that we will reach our final destination unscathed with Him (Jn. 5:24).

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 14

"There were also with Him other little ships." Mark 4:36

Jesus was the Lord High Admiral of the sea that night, and His presence preserved the whole convoy. It is well to sail with Jesus, even though it be in a little ship. When we sail in Christ's company, we may not make sure of fair weather, for great storms may toss the vessel which carries the Lord Himself, and we must not expect to find the sea less boisterous around our little boat. If we go with Jesus we must be content to fare as He fares; and when the waves are rough to Him, they will be rough to us. It is by tempest and tossing that we shall come to land, as He did before us. When the storm swept over Galilee's dark lake all faces gathered blackness, and all hearts dreaded shipwreck.

When all creature help was useless, the slumbering Saviour arose, and with a word, transformed the riot of the tempest into the deep quiet of a calm; then were the little vessels at rest as well as that which carried the Lord. Jesus is the star of the sea; and though there be sorrow upon the sea, when Jesus is on it there is joy too. May our hearts make Jesus their anchor, their rudder, their lighthouse, their life-boat, and their harbour. His Church is the Admiral's flagship, let us attend her movements, and cheer her officers with our presence. He Himself is the great attraction; let us follow ever in His wake, mark His signals, steer by His chart, and never fear while He is within hail. Not one ship in the convoy shall suffer wreck; the great Commodore will steer every barque in safety to the desired haven. By faith we will slip our cable for another day's cruise, and sail forth with Jesus into a sea of tribulation. Winds and waves will not spare us, but they all obey Him; and, therefore, whatever squalls may occur without, faith shall feel a blessed calm within. He is ever in the centre of the weather-beaten company: let us rejoice in Him. His vessel has reached the haven, and so shall ours.

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.

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.

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."

This is what the MSM does not want us to see. They only show what appeared to be him hitting her and knocking her hat off. Perhaps they are hiding the truth so it will cause reasonable doubt when it goes to court? https://x.com/i/status/1965503767945904287

This is not a shock to me.
The Kirk Cameron Show
"The Shocking Truth About Public Schools"
https://youtu.be/PFuTFSRr4Gs?si=CEtnNpVOqS2yunT4

As much as we may wish to understand all things, God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isa. 55:9). When Job questioned Him, God put Job in his place with a series of questions that showed Job just how little He knew. God essentially told Job that trying to explain Himself to Job would be like Einstein trying to explain himself to a cockroach - it would be a completely futile endeavor.

There are many things we will never understand this side of heaven. Ours isn't always to understand, but to trust. So set aside your desire to know all the reasons, to understand why things happen, to comprehend every purpose.

It will suffice us to know two things:
1) God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28)

2) This creation exists for God's glory, and the end of all things will be His glorification.

Christian, don't get lost in the "whys" of this life; instead, focus on giving God glory as you were created to do.
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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, September 5

"Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea?" Job 38:16

Some things in nature must remain a mystery to the most intelligent and enterprising investigators. Human knowledge has bounds beyond which it cannot pass. Universal knowledge is for God alone. If this be so in the things which are seen and temporal, I may rest assured that it is even more so in matters spiritual and eternal. Why, then, have I been torturing my brain with speculations as to destiny and will, fixed fate, and human responsibility? These deep and dark truths I am no more able to comprehend than to find out the depth which coucheth beneath, from which old ocean draws her watery stores. Why am I so curious to know the reason of my Lord's providences, the motive of His actions, the design of His visitations? Shall I ever be able to clasp the sun in my fist, and hold the universe in my palm? Yet these are as a drop of a bucket compared with the Lord my God. Let me not strive to understand the infinite, but spend my strength in love. What I cannot gain by intellect I can possess by affection, and let that suffice me. I cannot penetrate the heart of the sea, but I can enjoy the healthful breezes which sweep over its bosom, and I can sail over its blue waves with propitious winds. If I could enter the springs of the sea, the feat would serve no useful purpose either to myself or to others, it would not save the sinking bark, or give back the drowned mariner to his weeping wife and children; neither would my solving deep mysteries avail me a single whit, for the least love to God, and the simplest act of obedience to Him, are better than the profoundest knowledge. My Lord, I leave the infinite to Thee, and pray Thee to put far from me such a love for the tree of knowledge as might keep me from the tree of life.

Good Riddance Hamas & Their Jew-Hating Cadres
https://slantedright2.blogspot.com/2025/09/good-riddance-hamas-their-jew-hating.html

SUMMARY: … The Antisemites and the brainwashed (Hamas/Pseudo-Palestinian Propaganda) have been all in that the Israeli government has perpetrated a genocide against Arabs (calling themselves Palestinians) in Gaza. … Which apparently is okay with the Mockingbird Leftist MSM because the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led genocide against Jews inside Israel was largely ignored or blamed on Israel. …Palestinian Propagandist claim genocide, BUT ACTUAL FACTS PAINT A DIFFERENT PICTURE…MORE TRUTH TO READ!
#HamasTerrorists #PromisedLand #ProIsrael

Christian, do you lament all that is happening in the world around you? Are you tormented daily by the sin and corruption that surrounds us, as was Lot (2 Pet. 2:7-8)?

Bear in mind that we are called to remain in this world until it, like Sodom and Gomorrah, faces its final destruction. Jesus prayed to the Father, "I do not ask You to take [Christians] out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one" (Jn. 17:15).

He Himself tells us that the world will hate us, and that "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you" (Jn. 15:18-19).

We are not of this world, and we are not to be conformed to it (Rom. 12:2), but we are to stand out, to shine His light, to be those who want peace (Ps. 120:6-7), to live as strangers on earth as did those of times past who were great in faith (Heb. 11:13).

Let us remember that we seek a better "country" (Heb. 11:16), and our true home is not here, but in heaven, as citizens of God's kingdom. And God will keep us, give us strength (Isa. 41:10), give us peace that surpasses all comprehension, and protect our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7).
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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 5

"Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar." Psalm 120:5

As a Christian you have to live in the midst of an ungodly world, and it is of little use for you to cry "Woe is me." Jesus did not pray that you should be taken out of the world, and what He did not pray for, you need not desire. Better far in the Lord's strength to meet the difficulty, and glorify Him in it. The enemy is ever on the watch to detect inconsistency in your conduct; be therefore very holy. Remember that the eyes of all are upon you, and that more is expected from you than from other men. Strive to give no occasion for blame. Let your goodness be the only fault they can discover in you. Like Daniel, compel them to say of you, "We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God." Seek to be useful as well as consistent. Perhaps you think, "If I were in a more favourable position I might serve the Lord's cause, but I cannot do any good where I am"; but the worse the people are among whom you live, the more need have they of your exertions; if they be crooked, the more necessity that you should set them straight; and if they be perverse, the more need have you to turn their proud hearts to the truth. Where should the physician be but where there are many sick? Where is honour to be won by the soldier but in the hottest fire of the battle? And when weary of the strife and sin that meets you on every hand, consider that all the saints have endured the same trial. They were not carried on beds of down to heaven, and you must not expect to travel more easily than they. They had to hazard their lives unto the death in the high places of the field, and you will not be crowned till you also have endured hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Therefore, "stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."