• Believer, does bad news cause you fear or anxiety? Do “evil tidings” bring you dread? Why?

    God says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10).

    We have no reason to fear. On the contrary, we should have peace. For, “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 23:6). We are told to not be anxious, that if we come to God with our requests, and thanksgiving, through prayer and supplication, that God will give us peace that surpasses all comprehension (Phil. 4:6-7).

    Do not fear bad news - instead, let us fear God! In this way, we will be blessed: “How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments” (Ps. 112:1). Do not forget, “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Pr. 9:10).

    There is nothing to fear in this world. No evil can overcome us, because Jesus has already overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). Even those who seek to do us harm should hold no fear for us, as Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mt. 10:28).

    Believer, do not be alarmed at reports of evil. God promises us peace, and if we humble ourselves under His mighty arm, He will exalt us at the proper time; therefore, cast your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you (1 Pet. 5:7).

    ——————-

    Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

    Morning, September 15

    "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings." Psalm 112:7

    Christian, you ought not to dread the arrival of evil tidings; because if you are distressed by them, what do you more than other men? Other men have not your God to fly to; they have never proved His faithfulness as you have done, and it is no wonder if they are bowed down with alarm and cowed with fear: but you profess to be of another spirit; you have been begotten again unto a lively hope, and your heart lives in heaven and not on earthly things; now, if you are seen to be distracted as other men, what is the value of that grace which you profess to have received? Where is the dignity of that new nature which you claim to possess?

    Again, if you should be filled with alarm, as others are, you would, doubtless, be led into the sins so common to others under trying circumstances. The ungodly, when they are overtaken by evil tidings, rebel against God; they murmur, and think that God deals hardly with them. Will you fall into that same sin? Will you provoke the Lord as they do?

    Moreover, unconverted men often run to wrong means in order to escape from difficulties, and you will be sure to do the same if your mind yields to the present pressure. Trust in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Your wisest course is to do as Moses did at the Red Sea, "Stand still and see the salvation of God." For if you give way to fear when you hear of evil tidings, you will be unable to meet the trouble with that calm composure which nerves for duty, and sustains under adversity. How can you glorify God if you play the coward? Saints have often sung God's high praises in the fires, but will your doubting and desponding, as if you had none to help you, magnify the Most High? Then take courage, and relying in sure confidence upon the faithfulness of your covenant God, "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
    Believer, does bad news cause you fear or anxiety? Do “evil tidings” bring you dread? Why? God says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10). We have no reason to fear. On the contrary, we should have peace. For, “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 23:6). We are told to not be anxious, that if we come to God with our requests, and thanksgiving, through prayer and supplication, that God will give us peace that surpasses all comprehension (Phil. 4:6-7). Do not fear bad news - instead, let us fear God! In this way, we will be blessed: “How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments” (Ps. 112:1). Do not forget, “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Pr. 9:10). There is nothing to fear in this world. No evil can overcome us, because Jesus has already overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). Even those who seek to do us harm should hold no fear for us, as Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mt. 10:28). Believer, do not be alarmed at reports of evil. God promises us peace, and if we humble ourselves under His mighty arm, He will exalt us at the proper time; therefore, cast your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you (1 Pet. 5:7). ——————- Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions Morning, September 15 "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings." Psalm 112:7 Christian, you ought not to dread the arrival of evil tidings; because if you are distressed by them, what do you more than other men? Other men have not your God to fly to; they have never proved His faithfulness as you have done, and it is no wonder if they are bowed down with alarm and cowed with fear: but you profess to be of another spirit; you have been begotten again unto a lively hope, and your heart lives in heaven and not on earthly things; now, if you are seen to be distracted as other men, what is the value of that grace which you profess to have received? Where is the dignity of that new nature which you claim to possess? Again, if you should be filled with alarm, as others are, you would, doubtless, be led into the sins so common to others under trying circumstances. The ungodly, when they are overtaken by evil tidings, rebel against God; they murmur, and think that God deals hardly with them. Will you fall into that same sin? Will you provoke the Lord as they do? Moreover, unconverted men often run to wrong means in order to escape from difficulties, and you will be sure to do the same if your mind yields to the present pressure. Trust in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Your wisest course is to do as Moses did at the Red Sea, "Stand still and see the salvation of God." For if you give way to fear when you hear of evil tidings, you will be unable to meet the trouble with that calm composure which nerves for duty, and sustains under adversity. How can you glorify God if you play the coward? Saints have often sung God's high praises in the fires, but will your doubting and desponding, as if you had none to help you, magnify the Most High? Then take courage, and relying in sure confidence upon the faithfulness of your covenant God, "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
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  • Believer, what have you put before God in your life? Is it work? Money? Leisurely pursuits? Even family?

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

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

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

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

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

    ------------
    Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

    Morning, September 12

    "God is jealous." Nahum 1:2

    Your Lord is very jealous of your love, O believer. Did He choose you? He cannot bear that you should choose another. Did He buy you with His own blood? He cannot endure that you should think that you are your own, or that you belong to this world. He loved you with such a love that He would not stop in heaven without you; He would sooner die than you should perish, and He cannot endure that anything should stand between your heart's love and Himself. He is very jealous of your trust. He will not permit you to trust in an arm of flesh. He cannot bear that you should hew out broken cisterns, when the overflowing fountain is always free to you. When we lean upon Him, He is glad, but when we transfer our dependence to another, when we rely upon our own wisdom, or the wisdom of a friend- worst of all, when we trust in any works of our own, He is displeased, and will chasten us that He may bring us to Himself. He is also very jealous of our company. There should be no one with whom we converse so much as with Jesus. To abide in Him only, this is true love; but to commune with the world, to find sufficient solace in our carnal comforts, to prefer even the society of our fellow Christians to secret intercourse with Him, this is grievous to our jealous Lord. He would fain have us abide in Him, and enjoy constant fellowship with Himself; and many of the trials which He sends us are for the purpose of weaning our hearts from the creature, and fixing them more closely upon Himself. Let this jealousy which would keep us near to Christ be also a comfort to us, for if He loves us so much as to care thus about our love we may be sure that He will suffer nothing to harm us, and will protect us from all our enemies. Oh that we may have grace this day to keep our hearts in sacred chastity for our Beloved alone, with sacred jealousy shutting our eyes to all the fascinations of the world!
    Believer, what have you put before God in your life? Is it work? Money? Leisurely pursuits? Even family? God does not want your leftovers - He wants all of you. He must be first. He told the Hebrews when He gave them the ten commandments that they were not to make idols for themselves saying, "for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments" (Ex. 20:5-6). He even claims this as His name further in Exodus when He says to Moses, "you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" (Ex. 34:14). God is jealous for you. He does not want to share you. He commanded, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deut. 6:5; Mt. 22:37 ; Mk. 12:30). We are "God's own possession" to be redeemed (Eph. 1:14). He purchased us by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). We were bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20, 7:23), not to be slaves to men, nor to our own desires, but to be "slaves of righteousness" (Rom. 6:18-19). It was for this purpose that Christ set us free. Dear Christian, having been set free, have you become enslaved once more to the world or the things in it? Take time to meditate today on God's word and consider whether you are giving yourself to Him fully as a faithful servant should. ------------ Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions Morning, September 12 "God is jealous." Nahum 1:2 Your Lord is very jealous of your love, O believer. Did He choose you? He cannot bear that you should choose another. Did He buy you with His own blood? He cannot endure that you should think that you are your own, or that you belong to this world. He loved you with such a love that He would not stop in heaven without you; He would sooner die than you should perish, and He cannot endure that anything should stand between your heart's love and Himself. He is very jealous of your trust. He will not permit you to trust in an arm of flesh. He cannot bear that you should hew out broken cisterns, when the overflowing fountain is always free to you. When we lean upon Him, He is glad, but when we transfer our dependence to another, when we rely upon our own wisdom, or the wisdom of a friend- worst of all, when we trust in any works of our own, He is displeased, and will chasten us that He may bring us to Himself. He is also very jealous of our company. There should be no one with whom we converse so much as with Jesus. To abide in Him only, this is true love; but to commune with the world, to find sufficient solace in our carnal comforts, to prefer even the society of our fellow Christians to secret intercourse with Him, this is grievous to our jealous Lord. He would fain have us abide in Him, and enjoy constant fellowship with Himself; and many of the trials which He sends us are for the purpose of weaning our hearts from the creature, and fixing them more closely upon Himself. Let this jealousy which would keep us near to Christ be also a comfort to us, for if He loves us so much as to care thus about our love we may be sure that He will suffer nothing to harm us, and will protect us from all our enemies. Oh that we may have grace this day to keep our hearts in sacred chastity for our Beloved alone, with sacred jealousy shutting our eyes to all the fascinations of the world!
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  • Believers, pray for President Trump's salvation, safety and wisdom.
    #HelpTheUSA
    Believers, pray for President Trump's salvation, safety and wisdom. #HelpTheUSA
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  • Believer, it is true that God does not tempt us, but He does at times test us. Just as the smith smelts away the dross from silver, so God uses trials to smelt away the dross from our lives. Such is the process of sanctification.

    God would have us holy and wholly devoted to Him. Whether we are encumbered by sin, or our fruitfulness is being choked out by the cares of this world, our testing fortifies our faith and purifies our lives.

    Our faith is more precious than gold, and its testing by fire is to "result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 1:7).

    James tells us to count such trials as joy, because we go through them for our benefit, that we might be "perfect and complete" (Jas. 1:2-4).

    Listen to the words of God given through the prophet Zechariah regarding Israel:

    "'It will come about in all the land,'
    Declares the LORD,
    'That two parts in it will be cut off and perish;
    But the third will be left in it.
    'And I will bring the third part through the fire,
    Refine them as silver is refined,
    And test them as gold is tested.
    They will call on My name,
    And I will answer them;
    I will say, ‘They are My people,’
    And they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’"

    This is how God treats His chosen ones. So in your trials, do not despair. The end result will far outshadow the short-lived difficulty of any testing.
    ------------

    Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

    Evening, September 3

    "The Lord trieth the righteous." Psalm 11:5

    All events are under the control of Providence; consequently all the trials of our outward life are traceable at once to the great First Cause. Out of the golden gate of God's ordinance the armies of trial march forth in array, clad in their iron armour, and armed with weapons of war. All providences are doors to trial. Even our mercies, like roses, have their thorns. Men may be drowned in seas of prosperity as well as in rivers of affliction. Our mountains are not too high, and our valleys are not too low for temptations: trials lurk on all roads. Everywhere, above and beneath, we are beset and surrounded with dangers. Yet no shower falls unpermitted from the threatening cloud; every drop has its order ere it hastens to the earth. The trials which come from God are sent to prove and strengthen our graces, and so at once to illustrate the power of divine grace, to test the genuineness of our virtues, and to add to their energy. Our Lord in His infinite wisdom and superabundant love, sets so high a value upon His people's faith that He will not screen them from those trials by which faith is strengthened. You would never have possessed the precious faith which now supports you if the trial of your faith had not been like unto fire. You are a tree that never would have rooted so well if the wind had not rocked you to and fro, and made you take firm hold upon the precious truths of the covenant grace. Worldly ease is a great foe to faith; it loosens the joints of holy valour, and snaps the sinews of sacred courage. The balloon never rises until the cords are cut; affliction doth this sharp service for believing souls. While the wheat sleeps comfortably in the husk it is useless to man, it must be threshed out of its resting place before its value can be known. Thus it is well that Jehovah trieth the righteous, for it causeth them to grow rich towards God.
    Believer, it is true that God does not tempt us, but He does at times test us. Just as the smith smelts away the dross from silver, so God uses trials to smelt away the dross from our lives. Such is the process of sanctification. God would have us holy and wholly devoted to Him. Whether we are encumbered by sin, or our fruitfulness is being choked out by the cares of this world, our testing fortifies our faith and purifies our lives. Our faith is more precious than gold, and its testing by fire is to "result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 1:7). James tells us to count such trials as joy, because we go through them for our benefit, that we might be "perfect and complete" (Jas. 1:2-4). Listen to the words of God given through the prophet Zechariah regarding Israel: "'It will come about in all the land,' Declares the LORD, 'That two parts in it will be cut off and perish; But the third will be left in it. 'And I will bring the third part through the fire, Refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ And they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’" This is how God treats His chosen ones. So in your trials, do not despair. The end result will far outshadow the short-lived difficulty of any testing. ------------ Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions Evening, September 3 "The Lord trieth the righteous." Psalm 11:5 All events are under the control of Providence; consequently all the trials of our outward life are traceable at once to the great First Cause. Out of the golden gate of God's ordinance the armies of trial march forth in array, clad in their iron armour, and armed with weapons of war. All providences are doors to trial. Even our mercies, like roses, have their thorns. Men may be drowned in seas of prosperity as well as in rivers of affliction. Our mountains are not too high, and our valleys are not too low for temptations: trials lurk on all roads. Everywhere, above and beneath, we are beset and surrounded with dangers. Yet no shower falls unpermitted from the threatening cloud; every drop has its order ere it hastens to the earth. The trials which come from God are sent to prove and strengthen our graces, and so at once to illustrate the power of divine grace, to test the genuineness of our virtues, and to add to their energy. Our Lord in His infinite wisdom and superabundant love, sets so high a value upon His people's faith that He will not screen them from those trials by which faith is strengthened. You would never have possessed the precious faith which now supports you if the trial of your faith had not been like unto fire. You are a tree that never would have rooted so well if the wind had not rocked you to and fro, and made you take firm hold upon the precious truths of the covenant grace. Worldly ease is a great foe to faith; it loosens the joints of holy valour, and snaps the sinews of sacred courage. The balloon never rises until the cords are cut; affliction doth this sharp service for believing souls. While the wheat sleeps comfortably in the husk it is useless to man, it must be threshed out of its resting place before its value can be known. Thus it is well that Jehovah trieth the righteous, for it causeth them to grow rich towards God.
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  • Believer, do you trust God fully, at all times? How often do we rely upon our own intellect, emotion, resources, anything but Him? Has He not promised always to provide our needs? (Mt. 6:25-33) Is He a man that He should lie, or a son of man that He should repent? (Num. 23:19)

    We are told instead to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Pro. 3:5-6) Such simple advice, but at times, so difficult to follow. Yet we know that He will not fail in His purpose; thus we need to remember to cling to Him, not this world which will pass away.
    ---------

    Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

    Evening, September 1

    "Trust in Him at all times." Psalm 62:8

    Faith is as much the rule of temporal as of spiritual life; we ought to have faith in God for our earthly affairs as well as for our heavenly business. It is only as we learn to trust in God for the supply of all our daily need that we shall live above the world. We are not to be idle, that would show we did not trust in God, who worketh hitherto, but in the devil, who is the father of idleness. We are not to be imprudent or rash; that were to trust chance, and not the living God, who is a God of economy and order. Acting in all prudence and uprightness, we are to rely simply and entirely upon the Lord at all times.

    Let me commend to you a life of trust in God in temporal things. Trusting in God, you will not be compelled to mourn because you have used sinful means to grow rich. Serve God with integrity, and if you achieve no success, at least no sin will lie upon your conscience. Trusting God, you will not be guilty of self-contradiction. He who trusts in craft, sails this way today, and that way the next, like a vessel tossed about by the fickle wind; but he that trusteth in the Lord is like a vessel propelled by steam, she cuts through the waves, defies the wind, and makes one bright silvery straightforward track to her destined haven. Be you a man with living principles within; never bow to the varying customs of worldly wisdom. Walk in your path of integrity with steadfast steps, and show that you are invincibly strong in the strength which confidence in God alone can confer. Thus you will be delivered from carking care, you will not be troubled with evil tidings, your heart will be fixed, trusting in the Lord. How pleasant to float along the stream of providence! There is no more blessed way of living than a life of dependence upon a covenant-keeping God. We have no care, for He careth for us; we have no troubles, because we cast our burdens upon the Lord.
    Believer, do you trust God fully, at all times? How often do we rely upon our own intellect, emotion, resources, anything but Him? Has He not promised always to provide our needs? (Mt. 6:25-33) Is He a man that He should lie, or a son of man that He should repent? (Num. 23:19) We are told instead to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Pro. 3:5-6) Such simple advice, but at times, so difficult to follow. Yet we know that He will not fail in His purpose; thus we need to remember to cling to Him, not this world which will pass away. --------- Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions Evening, September 1 "Trust in Him at all times." Psalm 62:8 Faith is as much the rule of temporal as of spiritual life; we ought to have faith in God for our earthly affairs as well as for our heavenly business. It is only as we learn to trust in God for the supply of all our daily need that we shall live above the world. We are not to be idle, that would show we did not trust in God, who worketh hitherto, but in the devil, who is the father of idleness. We are not to be imprudent or rash; that were to trust chance, and not the living God, who is a God of economy and order. Acting in all prudence and uprightness, we are to rely simply and entirely upon the Lord at all times. Let me commend to you a life of trust in God in temporal things. Trusting in God, you will not be compelled to mourn because you have used sinful means to grow rich. Serve God with integrity, and if you achieve no success, at least no sin will lie upon your conscience. Trusting God, you will not be guilty of self-contradiction. He who trusts in craft, sails this way today, and that way the next, like a vessel tossed about by the fickle wind; but he that trusteth in the Lord is like a vessel propelled by steam, she cuts through the waves, defies the wind, and makes one bright silvery straightforward track to her destined haven. Be you a man with living principles within; never bow to the varying customs of worldly wisdom. Walk in your path of integrity with steadfast steps, and show that you are invincibly strong in the strength which confidence in God alone can confer. Thus you will be delivered from carking care, you will not be troubled with evil tidings, your heart will be fixed, trusting in the Lord. How pleasant to float along the stream of providence! There is no more blessed way of living than a life of dependence upon a covenant-keeping God. We have no care, for He careth for us; we have no troubles, because we cast our burdens upon the Lord.
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  • Oh, Christian, what a marvelous thought to know that, while here, we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16) to know the will of the Lord, and that hereafter, He will receive us into His glory.

    Is there anything more comforting than knowing we can rely on the counsel of God (His revealed word) to help us through our daily lives? Shall we not find joy in our eternal destination?

    Then let us live not as citizens of this world, but as strangers in a strange land, wanderers whose citizenship is in heaven above, and reflect His glory for all to see!
    ----------

    Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

    Morning, September 1

    "Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." Psalm 73:24

    The Psalmist felt his need of divine guidance. He had justbeen discovering the foolishness of his own heart, and lest he should be constantly led astray by it, he resolved that God's counsel should henceforth guide him. A sense of our own folly is a great step towards being wise, when it leads us to rely on the wisdom of the Lord. The blind man leans on his friend's arm and reaches home in safety, and so would we give ourselves up implicitly to divine guidance, nothing doubting; assured that though we cannot see, it is always safe to trust the All-seeing God. "Thou shalt", is a blessed expression of confidence. He was sure that the Lord would not decline the condescending task. There is a word for thee, O believer; rest thou in it. Be assured that thy God will be thy counsellor and friend; He shall guide thee; He will direct all thy ways. In His written Word thou hast this assurance in part fulfilled, for holy Scripture is His counsel to thee. Happy are we to have God's Word always to guide us! What were the mariner without his compass? And what were the Christian without the Bible? This is the unerring chart, the map in which every shoal is described, and all the channels from the quicksands of destruction to the haven of salvation mapped and marked by one who knows all the way. Blessed be Thou, O God, that we may trust Thee to guide us now, and guide us even to the end! After this guidance through life, the Psalmist anticipates a divine reception at last- "and afterward receive me to glory." What a thought for thee, believer! God Himself will receive thee to glory- thee! Wandering, erring, straying, yet He will bring thee safe at last to glory! This is thy portion; live on it this day, and if perplexities should surround thee, go in the strength of this text straight to the throne.
    Oh, Christian, what a marvelous thought to know that, while here, we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16) to know the will of the Lord, and that hereafter, He will receive us into His glory. Is there anything more comforting than knowing we can rely on the counsel of God (His revealed word) to help us through our daily lives? Shall we not find joy in our eternal destination? Then let us live not as citizens of this world, but as strangers in a strange land, wanderers whose citizenship is in heaven above, and reflect His glory for all to see! ---------- Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions Morning, September 1 "Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." Psalm 73:24 The Psalmist felt his need of divine guidance. He had justbeen discovering the foolishness of his own heart, and lest he should be constantly led astray by it, he resolved that God's counsel should henceforth guide him. A sense of our own folly is a great step towards being wise, when it leads us to rely on the wisdom of the Lord. The blind man leans on his friend's arm and reaches home in safety, and so would we give ourselves up implicitly to divine guidance, nothing doubting; assured that though we cannot see, it is always safe to trust the All-seeing God. "Thou shalt", is a blessed expression of confidence. He was sure that the Lord would not decline the condescending task. There is a word for thee, O believer; rest thou in it. Be assured that thy God will be thy counsellor and friend; He shall guide thee; He will direct all thy ways. In His written Word thou hast this assurance in part fulfilled, for holy Scripture is His counsel to thee. Happy are we to have God's Word always to guide us! What were the mariner without his compass? And what were the Christian without the Bible? This is the unerring chart, the map in which every shoal is described, and all the channels from the quicksands of destruction to the haven of salvation mapped and marked by one who knows all the way. Blessed be Thou, O God, that we may trust Thee to guide us now, and guide us even to the end! After this guidance through life, the Psalmist anticipates a divine reception at last- "and afterward receive me to glory." What a thought for thee, believer! God Himself will receive thee to glory- thee! Wandering, erring, straying, yet He will bring thee safe at last to glory! This is thy portion; live on it this day, and if perplexities should surround thee, go in the strength of this text straight to the throne.
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  • While I draw this fleeting breath,
    When mine eyes shall close in death,
    When I rise to worlds unknown,
    And behold Thee on Thy throne,
    Rock of Ages, cleft for me...
    Let me hide myself in Thee.
    #Hymns #WednesdayWisdom
    While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death, When I rise to worlds unknown, And behold Thee on Thy throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me... Let me hide myself in Thee. #Hymns #WednesdayWisdom
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  • Matthew 7:12
    Therefore, in all things, whatever you want people to do for you, so do for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
    #WednesdayWisdom
    Matthew 7:12 Therefore, in all things, whatever you want people to do for you, so do for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. #WednesdayWisdom
    Bullseye
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    0 Commentarios 0 Acciones 611 Views
  • The most basic civil right is the right to be born.
    #WednesdayWisdom
    The most basic civil right is the right to be born. #WednesdayWisdom
    0 Commentarios 0 Acciones 272 Views
  • Psalm 21:11
    Though they intended evil against You
    And devised a scheme,
    They will not succeed.
    #WednesdayWisdom
    Psalm 21:11 Though they intended evil against You And devised a scheme, They will not succeed. #WednesdayWisdom
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  • The New Testament speaks a lot of riches, and riches in this world often become the focus of false teachers. The riches of which the Scriptures speak with regard to Christ and His followers, however, are not the silver and gold to which so many cling and in which too many put their hope.

    God's patience, tolerance, and kindness toward us are considered "riches" (Rom. 2:4). He has made known the riches of His glory to and through those who have been called (Rom. 9:23). Paul calls salvation itself "riches" (Rom. 10:12-13).

    So many passages speak of the riches bestowed upon believers by God:
    - the wisdom and knowledge of God (Rom. 11:33)
    - His grace (Eph. 1:7)
    - we are the riches of His inheritance (Eph. 1:18)
    - His grace in kindness (Eph. 2:7)
    - being strengthened by the power through His Spirit (Eph. 3:16)
    - from His riches, He supplies all our needs (not wants) (Phil. 4:19)
    - Christ in us, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27)

    Christian, don't be deceived or derailed by the riches of this world. Do not fix your hope on them (1 Tim. 6:17), for you will "fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction" (1 Tim. 6:9).

    God is rich toward us in Christ, and these are the riches we should seek after and long for.
    ---------

    Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

    Evening, August 22

    "The unsearchable riches of Christ." Ephesians 3:8

    My Master has riches beyond the count of arithmetic, the measurement of reason, the dream of imagination, or the eloquence of words. They are unsearchable! You may look, and study, and weigh, but Jesus is a greater Saviour than you think Him to be when your thoughts are at the greatest. My Lord is more ready to pardon than you to sin, more able to forgive than you to transgress. My Master is more willing to supply your wants than you are to confess them. Never tolerate low thoughts of my Lord Jesus. When you put the crown on His head, you will only crown Him with silver when He deserves gold. My Master has riches of happiness to bestow upon you now. He can make you to lie down in green pastures, and lead you beside still waters. There is no music like the music of His pipe, when He is the Shepherd and you are the sheep, and you lie down at His feet. There is no love like His, neither earth nor heaven can match it. To know Christ and to be found in Him- oh! this is life, this is joy, this is marrow and fatness, wine on the lees well refined. My Master does not treat His servants churlishly; He gives to them as a king giveth to a king; He gives them two heavens- a heaven below in serving Him here, and a heaven above in delighting in Him for ever. His unsearchable riches will be best known in eternity. He will give you on the way to heaven all you need; your place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks, your bread shall be given you, and your waters shall be sure; but it is there, THERE, where you shall hear the song of them that triumph, the shout of them that feast, and shall have a face-to-face view of the glorious and beloved One. The unsearchable riches of Christ! This is the tune for the minstrels of earth, and the song for the harpers of heaven. Lord, teach us more and more of Jesus, and we will tell out the good news to others.
    The New Testament speaks a lot of riches, and riches in this world often become the focus of false teachers. The riches of which the Scriptures speak with regard to Christ and His followers, however, are not the silver and gold to which so many cling and in which too many put their hope. God's patience, tolerance, and kindness toward us are considered "riches" (Rom. 2:4). He has made known the riches of His glory to and through those who have been called (Rom. 9:23). Paul calls salvation itself "riches" (Rom. 10:12-13). So many passages speak of the riches bestowed upon believers by God: - the wisdom and knowledge of God (Rom. 11:33) - His grace (Eph. 1:7) - we are the riches of His inheritance (Eph. 1:18) - His grace in kindness (Eph. 2:7) - being strengthened by the power through His Spirit (Eph. 3:16) - from His riches, He supplies all our needs (not wants) (Phil. 4:19) - Christ in us, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27) Christian, don't be deceived or derailed by the riches of this world. Do not fix your hope on them (1 Tim. 6:17), for you will "fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction" (1 Tim. 6:9). God is rich toward us in Christ, and these are the riches we should seek after and long for. --------- Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions Evening, August 22 "The unsearchable riches of Christ." Ephesians 3:8 My Master has riches beyond the count of arithmetic, the measurement of reason, the dream of imagination, or the eloquence of words. They are unsearchable! You may look, and study, and weigh, but Jesus is a greater Saviour than you think Him to be when your thoughts are at the greatest. My Lord is more ready to pardon than you to sin, more able to forgive than you to transgress. My Master is more willing to supply your wants than you are to confess them. Never tolerate low thoughts of my Lord Jesus. When you put the crown on His head, you will only crown Him with silver when He deserves gold. My Master has riches of happiness to bestow upon you now. He can make you to lie down in green pastures, and lead you beside still waters. There is no music like the music of His pipe, when He is the Shepherd and you are the sheep, and you lie down at His feet. There is no love like His, neither earth nor heaven can match it. To know Christ and to be found in Him- oh! this is life, this is joy, this is marrow and fatness, wine on the lees well refined. My Master does not treat His servants churlishly; He gives to them as a king giveth to a king; He gives them two heavens- a heaven below in serving Him here, and a heaven above in delighting in Him for ever. His unsearchable riches will be best known in eternity. He will give you on the way to heaven all you need; your place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks, your bread shall be given you, and your waters shall be sure; but it is there, THERE, where you shall hear the song of them that triumph, the shout of them that feast, and shall have a face-to-face view of the glorious and beloved One. The unsearchable riches of Christ! This is the tune for the minstrels of earth, and the song for the harpers of heaven. Lord, teach us more and more of Jesus, and we will tell out the good news to others.
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  • Are you planting the seed of God's word? Are you watering? Do you feel that you're lacking what is necessary to perform these tasks? Do not lose hope; let your countenance not fall. We each have our job to do, as Paul wrote:

    "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor." - 1 Corinthians 3:6-8

    God provides seed for the sower (2 Corinthians 9:10), and the one who waters will be watered (Proverbs 11:25).

    We need only trust in, and rely on, God. God's harvest does not depend on us - we are merely workers in the field. Knowing this is why Paul was able to write that:

    "when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

    Do not shrink from doing the Lord's work. He will provide what is necessary, and He will water the seed within you as well so that you too will grow.
    -----------

    Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

    Morning, August 21

    "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25

    We are here taught the great lesson, that to get, we must give; that to accumulate, we must scatter; that to make ourselves happy, we must make others happy; and that in order to become spiritually vigorous, we must seek the spiritual good of others. In watering others, we are ourselves watered. How? Our efforts to be useful, bring out our powers for usefulness. We have latent talents and dormant faculties, which are brought to light by exercise. Our strength for labour is hidden even from ourselves, until we venture forth to fight the Lord's battles, or to climb the mountains of difficulty. We do not know what tender sympathies we possess until we try to dry the widow's tears, and soothe the orphan's grief. We often find in attempting to teach others, that we gain instruction for ourselves. Oh, what gracious lessons some of us have learned at sick beds! We went to teach the Scriptures, we came away blushing that we knew so little of them. In our converse with poor saints, we are taught the way of God more perfectly for ourselves and get a deeper insight into divine truth. So that watering others makes us humble. We discover how much grace there is where we had not looked for it; and how much the poor saint may outstrip us in knowledge. Our own comfort is also increased by our working for others. We endeavour to cheer them, and the consolation gladdens our own heart. Like the two men in the snow; one chafed the other's limbs to keep him from dying, and in so doing kept his own blood in circulation, and saved his own life. The poor widow of Sarepta gave from her scanty store a supply for the prophet's wants, and from that day she never again knew what want was. Give then, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and running over.
    Are you planting the seed of God's word? Are you watering? Do you feel that you're lacking what is necessary to perform these tasks? Do not lose hope; let your countenance not fall. We each have our job to do, as Paul wrote: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor." - 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 God provides seed for the sower (2 Corinthians 9:10), and the one who waters will be watered (Proverbs 11:25). We need only trust in, and rely on, God. God's harvest does not depend on us - we are merely workers in the field. Knowing this is why Paul was able to write that: "when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Do not shrink from doing the Lord's work. He will provide what is necessary, and He will water the seed within you as well so that you too will grow. ----------- Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions Morning, August 21 "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25 We are here taught the great lesson, that to get, we must give; that to accumulate, we must scatter; that to make ourselves happy, we must make others happy; and that in order to become spiritually vigorous, we must seek the spiritual good of others. In watering others, we are ourselves watered. How? Our efforts to be useful, bring out our powers for usefulness. We have latent talents and dormant faculties, which are brought to light by exercise. Our strength for labour is hidden even from ourselves, until we venture forth to fight the Lord's battles, or to climb the mountains of difficulty. We do not know what tender sympathies we possess until we try to dry the widow's tears, and soothe the orphan's grief. We often find in attempting to teach others, that we gain instruction for ourselves. Oh, what gracious lessons some of us have learned at sick beds! We went to teach the Scriptures, we came away blushing that we knew so little of them. In our converse with poor saints, we are taught the way of God more perfectly for ourselves and get a deeper insight into divine truth. So that watering others makes us humble. We discover how much grace there is where we had not looked for it; and how much the poor saint may outstrip us in knowledge. Our own comfort is also increased by our working for others. We endeavour to cheer them, and the consolation gladdens our own heart. Like the two men in the snow; one chafed the other's limbs to keep him from dying, and in so doing kept his own blood in circulation, and saved his own life. The poor widow of Sarepta gave from her scanty store a supply for the prophet's wants, and from that day she never again knew what want was. Give then, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and running over.
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  • Many today have become enrapt in "contemporary Christian" music which, though may at times be emotionally stirring or make you want to dance and clap, is more often than not shallow, devoid of substance, overly-repetitive, and in many instances, theologically erroneous, and very man-centered. Yet God Himself blessed us with the Psalms that are so rich, so edifying, so full of Himself, and many of which were meant to be sung. The great hymn writers of old followed in David's and the other psalmists' footsteps, penning profound poetry of true praise to God. Let us look to the psalmists who wrote from experience and by inspiration as example for the praises we sing. They will build us up in Him as we do according to Scripture letting "the word of Christ richly dwell within [us], with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in [our] hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16) and "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with [our hearts] to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19).
    -----------

    Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

    Morning, August 20

    "The sweet psalmist of Israel." 2 Samuel 23:1

    Among all the saints whose lives are recorded in Holy Writ, David possesses an experience of the most striking, varied, and instructive character. In his history we meet with trials and temptations not to be discovered, as a whole, in other saints of ancient times, and hence he is all the more suggestive a type of our Lord. David knew the trials of all ranks and conditions of men. Kings have their troubles, and David wore a crown: the peasant has his cares, and David handled a shepherd's crook: the wanderer has many hardships, and David abode in the caves of Engedi: the captain has his difficulties, and David found the sons of Zeruiah too hard for him. The psalmist was also tried in his friends, his counsellor Ahithophel forsook him, "He that eateth bread with me, hath lifted up his heel against me." His worst foes were they of his own household: his children were his greatest affliction. The temptations of poverty and wealth, of honour and reproach, of health and weakness, all tried their power upon him. He had temptations from without to disturb his peace, and from within to mar his joy. David no sooner escaped from one trial than he fell into another; no sooner emerged from one season of despondency and alarm, than he was again brought into the lowest depths, and all God's waves and billows rolled over him. It is probably from this cause that David's psalms are so universally the delight of experienced Christians. Whatever our frame of mind, whether ecstasy or depression, David has exactly described our emotions. He was an able master of the human heart, because he had been tutored in the best of all schools- the school of heart-felt, personal experience. As we are instructed in the same school, as we grow matured in grace and in years, we increasingly appreciate David's psalms, and find them to be "green pastures." My soul, let David's experience cheer and counsel thee this day.
    Many today have become enrapt in "contemporary Christian" music which, though may at times be emotionally stirring or make you want to dance and clap, is more often than not shallow, devoid of substance, overly-repetitive, and in many instances, theologically erroneous, and very man-centered. Yet God Himself blessed us with the Psalms that are so rich, so edifying, so full of Himself, and many of which were meant to be sung. The great hymn writers of old followed in David's and the other psalmists' footsteps, penning profound poetry of true praise to God. Let us look to the psalmists who wrote from experience and by inspiration as example for the praises we sing. They will build us up in Him as we do according to Scripture letting "the word of Christ richly dwell within [us], with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in [our] hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16) and "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with [our hearts] to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19). ----------- Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions Morning, August 20 "The sweet psalmist of Israel." 2 Samuel 23:1 Among all the saints whose lives are recorded in Holy Writ, David possesses an experience of the most striking, varied, and instructive character. In his history we meet with trials and temptations not to be discovered, as a whole, in other saints of ancient times, and hence he is all the more suggestive a type of our Lord. David knew the trials of all ranks and conditions of men. Kings have their troubles, and David wore a crown: the peasant has his cares, and David handled a shepherd's crook: the wanderer has many hardships, and David abode in the caves of Engedi: the captain has his difficulties, and David found the sons of Zeruiah too hard for him. The psalmist was also tried in his friends, his counsellor Ahithophel forsook him, "He that eateth bread with me, hath lifted up his heel against me." His worst foes were they of his own household: his children were his greatest affliction. The temptations of poverty and wealth, of honour and reproach, of health and weakness, all tried their power upon him. He had temptations from without to disturb his peace, and from within to mar his joy. David no sooner escaped from one trial than he fell into another; no sooner emerged from one season of despondency and alarm, than he was again brought into the lowest depths, and all God's waves and billows rolled over him. It is probably from this cause that David's psalms are so universally the delight of experienced Christians. Whatever our frame of mind, whether ecstasy or depression, David has exactly described our emotions. He was an able master of the human heart, because he had been tutored in the best of all schools- the school of heart-felt, personal experience. As we are instructed in the same school, as we grow matured in grace and in years, we increasingly appreciate David's psalms, and find them to be "green pastures." My soul, let David's experience cheer and counsel thee this day.
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  • Romans 10:14
    How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
    #WednesdayWisdom
    Romans 10:14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? #WednesdayWisdom
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  • Luke 6:27-28
    But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who disparage you.
    #WednesdayWisdom
    Luke 6:27-28 But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who disparage you. #WednesdayWisdom
    0 Commentarios 0 Acciones 901 Views
  • Believers, pray for the President. He recently made a comment about trying to get to heaven by doing some good works and saving people's lives. Pray that he would hear and understand the Gospel, and he would accept that he can only be saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
    #WednesdayWisdom
    Believers, pray for the President. He recently made a comment about trying to get to heaven by doing some good works and saving people's lives. Pray that he would hear and understand the Gospel, and he would accept that he can only be saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). #WednesdayWisdom
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  • Believer, are you suffering through some type of physical ailment? Know that, as mentioned this morning God shows mercy. Though we all eventually get there, not all illness ends in death. Unfortunately, illness is part and parcel of living in a fallen world, and though we may ask, God does not always take it from us; physical healing is not, as many teach, promised nor guaranteed in this life, and failure to receive healing does not imply a lack of faith.

    Timothy, who was like a son to Paul, suffered stomach issues and "frequent ailments." Yet instead of miraculously healing him or telling Timothy to claim His healing, Paul instructed him to stop drinking only water and drink some wine (1 Timothy 5:23).

    Paul himself struggled with an "thorn in his side" (some say spiritual, but there is indication in context and elsewhere that he suffered physically), and though He asked God three times to take it from him, God told Paul that His grace was sufficient. Paul recognized this as God allowing his suffering to keep him humble (2 Cor. 12:7-10). He understood that our continued faith, despite our physical weakness, shows forth God's strength and glory.

    Illness (and even death) can also be the result of sharing in the Lord's supper in "an unworthy manner," forgetting to sit in judgement over ourselves so that we will not face greater judgement (1 Cor. 11:23-32).

    Whatever the case, whatever the illness, whatever the cause, whether healed or not, if we are true to the faith, the end result will be God's glory.

    Will you, like Paul, stand firm in your faith and glorify God in your weakness?
    ------------

    Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

    Evening, August 17

    "This sickness is not unto death." John 11:4

    From our Lord's words we learn that there is a limit to sickness. Here is an "unto" within which its ultimate end is restrained, and beyond which it cannot go. Lazarus might pass through death, but death was not to be the ultimatum of his sickness. In all sickness, the Lord saith to the waves of pain, "Hitherto shall ye go, but no further." His fixed purpose is not the destruction, but the instruction of His people. Wisdom hangs up the thermometer at the furnace mouth, and regulates the heat.

    1. The limit is encouragingly comprehensive. The God of providence has limited the time, manner, intensity, repetition, and effects of all our sicknesses; each throb is decreed, each sleepless hour predestinated, each relapse ordained, each depression of spirit foreknown, and each sanctifying result eternally purposed. Nothing great or small escapes the ordaining hand of Him who numbers the hairs of our head.

    2. This limit is wisely adjusted to our strength, to the end designed, and to the grace apportioned. Affliction comes not at haphazard- the weight of every stroke of the rod is accurately measured. He who made no mistakes in balancing the clouds and meting out the heavens, commits no errors in measuring out the ingredients which compose the medicine of souls. We cannot suffer too much nor be relieved too late.

    3. The limit is tenderly appointed. The knife of the heavenly Surgeon never cuts deeper than is absolutely necessary. "He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." A mother's heart cries, "Spare my child"; but no mother is more compassionate than our gracious God. When we consider how hard-mouthed we are, it is a wonder that we are not driven with a sharper bit. The thought is full of consolation, that He who has fixed the bounds of our habitation, has also fixed the bounds of our tribulation.
    Believer, are you suffering through some type of physical ailment? Know that, as mentioned this morning God shows mercy. Though we all eventually get there, not all illness ends in death. Unfortunately, illness is part and parcel of living in a fallen world, and though we may ask, God does not always take it from us; physical healing is not, as many teach, promised nor guaranteed in this life, and failure to receive healing does not imply a lack of faith. Timothy, who was like a son to Paul, suffered stomach issues and "frequent ailments." Yet instead of miraculously healing him or telling Timothy to claim His healing, Paul instructed him to stop drinking only water and drink some wine (1 Timothy 5:23). Paul himself struggled with an "thorn in his side" (some say spiritual, but there is indication in context and elsewhere that he suffered physically), and though He asked God three times to take it from him, God told Paul that His grace was sufficient. Paul recognized this as God allowing his suffering to keep him humble (2 Cor. 12:7-10). He understood that our continued faith, despite our physical weakness, shows forth God's strength and glory. Illness (and even death) can also be the result of sharing in the Lord's supper in "an unworthy manner," forgetting to sit in judgement over ourselves so that we will not face greater judgement (1 Cor. 11:23-32). Whatever the case, whatever the illness, whatever the cause, whether healed or not, if we are true to the faith, the end result will be God's glory. Will you, like Paul, stand firm in your faith and glorify God in your weakness? ------------ Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions Evening, August 17 "This sickness is not unto death." John 11:4 From our Lord's words we learn that there is a limit to sickness. Here is an "unto" within which its ultimate end is restrained, and beyond which it cannot go. Lazarus might pass through death, but death was not to be the ultimatum of his sickness. In all sickness, the Lord saith to the waves of pain, "Hitherto shall ye go, but no further." His fixed purpose is not the destruction, but the instruction of His people. Wisdom hangs up the thermometer at the furnace mouth, and regulates the heat. 1. The limit is encouragingly comprehensive. The God of providence has limited the time, manner, intensity, repetition, and effects of all our sicknesses; each throb is decreed, each sleepless hour predestinated, each relapse ordained, each depression of spirit foreknown, and each sanctifying result eternally purposed. Nothing great or small escapes the ordaining hand of Him who numbers the hairs of our head. 2. This limit is wisely adjusted to our strength, to the end designed, and to the grace apportioned. Affliction comes not at haphazard- the weight of every stroke of the rod is accurately measured. He who made no mistakes in balancing the clouds and meting out the heavens, commits no errors in measuring out the ingredients which compose the medicine of souls. We cannot suffer too much nor be relieved too late. 3. The limit is tenderly appointed. The knife of the heavenly Surgeon never cuts deeper than is absolutely necessary. "He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." A mother's heart cries, "Spare my child"; but no mother is more compassionate than our gracious God. When we consider how hard-mouthed we are, it is a wonder that we are not driven with a sharper bit. The thought is full of consolation, that He who has fixed the bounds of our habitation, has also fixed the bounds of our tribulation.
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  • Christian, are you setting aside time each day to spend with God in prayer and meditating on His word? Or do you fritter away your free moments with trivial tasks and meaningless minutiae? Set aside a few moments alone to commune with God, as even Jesus did. The benefits you will reap are immeasurable!
    -----------

    Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

    Morning, August 15

    "Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide." Genesis 24:63

    Very admirable was his occupation. If those who spend so many hours in idle company, light reading, and useless pastimes, could learn wisdom, they would find more profitable society and more interesting engagements in meditation than in the vanities which now have such charms for them. We should all know more, live nearer to God, and grow in grace, if we were more alone. Meditation chews the cud and extracts the real nutriment from the mental food gathered elsewhere. When Jesus is the theme, meditation is sweet indeed. Isaac found Rebecca while engaged in private musings; many others have found their best beloved there.

    Very admirable was the choice of place. In the field we have a study hung round with texts for thought. From the cedar to the hyssop, from the soaring eagle down to the chirping grasshopper, from the blue expanse of heaven to a drop of dew, all things are full of teaching, and when the eye is divinely opened, that teaching flashes upon the mind far more vividly than from written books. Our little rooms are neither so healthy, so suggestive, so agreeable, or so inspiring as the fields. Let us count nothing common or unclean, but feel that all created things point to their Maker, and the field will at once be hallowed.

    Very admirable was the season. The season of sunset as it draws a veil over the day, befits that repose of the soul when earthborn cares yield to the joys of heavenly communion. The glory of the setting sun excites our wonder, and the solemnity of approaching night awakens our awe. If the business of this day will permit it, it will be well, dear reader, if you can spare an hour to walk in the field at eventide, but if not, the Lord is in the town too, and will meet with thee in thy chamber or in the crowded street. Let thy heart go forth to meet Him.
    Christian, are you setting aside time each day to spend with God in prayer and meditating on His word? Or do you fritter away your free moments with trivial tasks and meaningless minutiae? Set aside a few moments alone to commune with God, as even Jesus did. The benefits you will reap are immeasurable! ----------- Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions Morning, August 15 "Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide." Genesis 24:63 Very admirable was his occupation. If those who spend so many hours in idle company, light reading, and useless pastimes, could learn wisdom, they would find more profitable society and more interesting engagements in meditation than in the vanities which now have such charms for them. We should all know more, live nearer to God, and grow in grace, if we were more alone. Meditation chews the cud and extracts the real nutriment from the mental food gathered elsewhere. When Jesus is the theme, meditation is sweet indeed. Isaac found Rebecca while engaged in private musings; many others have found their best beloved there. Very admirable was the choice of place. In the field we have a study hung round with texts for thought. From the cedar to the hyssop, from the soaring eagle down to the chirping grasshopper, from the blue expanse of heaven to a drop of dew, all things are full of teaching, and when the eye is divinely opened, that teaching flashes upon the mind far more vividly than from written books. Our little rooms are neither so healthy, so suggestive, so agreeable, or so inspiring as the fields. Let us count nothing common or unclean, but feel that all created things point to their Maker, and the field will at once be hallowed. Very admirable was the season. The season of sunset as it draws a veil over the day, befits that repose of the soul when earthborn cares yield to the joys of heavenly communion. The glory of the setting sun excites our wonder, and the solemnity of approaching night awakens our awe. If the business of this day will permit it, it will be well, dear reader, if you can spare an hour to walk in the field at eventide, but if not, the Lord is in the town too, and will meet with thee in thy chamber or in the crowded street. Let thy heart go forth to meet Him.
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  • The modern church is so weak because it does not prioritize the study of the Word of God.
    #WednesdayWisdom
    The modern church is so weak because it does not prioritize the study of the Word of God. #WednesdayWisdom
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  • The church that can't worship must be entertained. And leaders who can't lead a church to worship must provide the entertainment.
    ~AW Tozer
    #WednesdayWisdom
    The church that can't worship must be entertained. And leaders who can't lead a church to worship must provide the entertainment. ~AW Tozer #WednesdayWisdom
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  • God stands in no need of our strength or wisdom, but of our ignorance, of our weakness; let us but give these to Him, and He can make use of us in winning souls.
    ~Dwight L. Moody
    #TuesdayTidbit
    God stands in no need of our strength or wisdom, but of our ignorance, of our weakness; let us but give these to Him, and He can make use of us in winning souls. ~Dwight L. Moody #TuesdayTidbit
    Boom
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    0 Commentarios 0 Acciones 783 Views
  • The latest disagreement on Twitter is whether the death penalty is biblical. The person who thinks that it is not is obviously not a Bible student.
    #WednesdayWisdom
    The latest disagreement on Twitter is whether the death penalty is biblical. The person who thinks that it is not is obviously not a Bible student. #WednesdayWisdom
    Bullseye
    1
    0 Commentarios 0 Acciones 1457 Views
  • Theatrics in the pulpit betray the preacher’s lack of confidence in the sufficiency of scripture.
    ~HB Charles, Jr.
    #WednesdayWisdom
    Theatrics in the pulpit betray the preacher’s lack of confidence in the sufficiency of scripture. ~HB Charles, Jr. #WednesdayWisdom
    0 Commentarios 0 Acciones 787 Views


  • Whisperwing, the Spirit of Night Blooms

    Long ago, when the Earth was young and the stars were still learning to dance, there lived a guardian spirit named Whisperwing, a sacred night butterfly born of moonlight and flower dreams. Her wings shimmered with the glow of dusk, painted in deep blues and violets—colors only seen in the quietest part of night.

    Whisperwing was created by Lunoma, the Moon Maiden, to carry messages between the spirit world and the dreams of the living. She fluttered through midnight meadows and across sleeping forests, her wings stirring wind that whispered secrets into flowers, guiding lost souls home.

    Every petal she touched would bloom with sacred light, and every shadow she passed through would remember her path. The stars watched her in awe, calling her "The Silent Flame", for she burned with no fire, but illuminated hearts.

    It was said that if you saw Whisperwing in your dreams, your soul was being chosen—for healing, for transformation, or for a journey. Elders taught that when the crescent moon rose high and the air smelled of wild lavender, you must leave a bowl of water and flowers by your door. If Whisperwing passed, the petals would float, and a new path would open in your life by morning.

    To this day, her legend lives on. Many Native dreamweavers still embroider her wings onto their blankets and sing to her under starlit skies:

    "Fly, Whisperwing, through sky and root,
    Bearer of truth on violet flute.
    Where moonlight dances, there you roam,
    Guide our spirit gently home."

    And so she flies—forever between the veil of night and bloom, unseen, yet always felt.

    #nativeamericanwisdom
    Whisperwing, the Spirit of Night Blooms Long ago, when the Earth was young and the stars were still learning to dance, there lived a guardian spirit named Whisperwing, a sacred night butterfly born of moonlight and flower dreams. Her wings shimmered with the glow of dusk, painted in deep blues and violets—colors only seen in the quietest part of night. Whisperwing was created by Lunoma, the Moon Maiden, to carry messages between the spirit world and the dreams of the living. She fluttered through midnight meadows and across sleeping forests, her wings stirring wind that whispered secrets into flowers, guiding lost souls home. Every petal she touched would bloom with sacred light, and every shadow she passed through would remember her path. The stars watched her in awe, calling her "The Silent Flame", for she burned with no fire, but illuminated hearts. It was said that if you saw Whisperwing in your dreams, your soul was being chosen—for healing, for transformation, or for a journey. Elders taught that when the crescent moon rose high and the air smelled of wild lavender, you must leave a bowl of water and flowers by your door. If Whisperwing passed, the petals would float, and a new path would open in your life by morning. To this day, her legend lives on. Many Native dreamweavers still embroider her wings onto their blankets and sing to her under starlit skies: "Fly, Whisperwing, through sky and root, Bearer of truth on violet flute. Where moonlight dances, there you roam, Guide our spirit gently home." And so she flies—forever between the veil of night and bloom, unseen, yet always felt. #nativeamericanwisdom
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