Running His Way
C. H. Spurgeon
"Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi."-2 Samuel 18:23
RUNNING is not everything, there is much in the way which we select: a swift foot over hill and down dale will not keep pace with a slower traveller upon level ground. How is it with my spiritual journey, am I labouring up the hill of my own works and down into the ravines of my own humiliations and resolutions, or do I run by the plain way of "Believe and live"?
How blessed is it to wait upon the Lord by faith! The soul runs without weariness, and walks without fainting, in the way of believing. Christ Jesus is the way of life, and He is a plain way, a pleasant way, a way suitable for the tottering feet and feeble knees of trembling sinners: am I found in this way, or am I hunting after another track such as priestcraft or metaphysics may promise me?
I read of the way of holiness, that the wayfaring man, though a fool, shall not err therein: have I been delivered from proud reason and been brought as a little child to rest in Jesus' love and blood? If so, by God's grace I shall outrun the strongest runner who chooses any other path. This truth I may remember to my profit in my daily cares and needs. It will be my wisest course to go at once to my God, and not to wander in a roundabout manner to this friend and that.
He knows my wants and can relieve them, to whom should I repair but to Himself by the direct appeal of prayer, and the plain argument of the promise. "Straightforward makes the best runner." I will not parlay with the servants, but hasten to their master.
In reading this passage, it strikes me that if men vie with each other in common matters, and one outruns the other, I ought to be in solemn earnestness so to run that I may obtain. Lord, help me to gird up the loins of my mind, and may I press forward towards the mark for the prize of my high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
God Always Hears
God Always Hears
C. H. Spurgeon
C. H. Spurgeon
My God will hear me. -Micah 7:7
Friends may be unfaithful, but the Lord will not turn away from the gracious soul; on the contrary, He will hear all its desires. The prophet says, "Keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. A man's enemies are the men of his own house." This is a wretched state of affairs; but even in such a case the Best Friend remains true, and we may tell Him all our grief.
Our wisdom is to look unto the Lord and not to quarrel with men or women. If our loving appeals are disregarded by our relatives, let us wait upon the God of our salvation, for He will hear us. He will hear us all the more because of the unkindness and oppression of others, and we shall soon have reason to cry, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy!"
Because God is the living God, He can hear; because He is a loving God, He will hear; because He is our covenant God, He has bound Him-self to hear us. If we can each one speak of Him as "My God," we may with absolute certainty say, "My God will hear me." Come, then, O bleeding heart, and let thy sorrows tell themselves out to the Lord thy God! I will bow the knee in secret and inwardly whisper, "My God will hear me."
Friends may be unfaithful, but the Lord will not turn away from the gracious soul; on the contrary, He will hear all its desires. The prophet says, "Keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. A man's enemies are the men of his own house." This is a wretched state of affairs; but even in such a case the Best Friend remains true, and we may tell Him all our grief.
Our wisdom is to look unto the Lord and not to quarrel with men or women. If our loving appeals are disregarded by our relatives, let us wait upon the God of our salvation, for He will hear us. He will hear us all the more because of the unkindness and oppression of others, and we shall soon have reason to cry, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy!"
Because God is the living God, He can hear; because He is a loving God, He will hear; because He is our covenant God, He has bound Him-self to hear us. If we can each one speak of Him as "My God," we may with absolute certainty say, "My God will hear me." Come, then, O bleeding heart, and let thy sorrows tell themselves out to the Lord thy God! I will bow the knee in secret and inwardly whisper, "My God will hear me."
Monday, January 30, 2012
The Sound of Marching
The Sound of Marching
C. H. Spurgeon
C. H. Spurgeon
"When thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, then thou shalt bestir thyself."—2 Samuel 5:24
THE members of Christ's Church should be very prayerful, always seeking the unction of the Holy One to rest upon their hearts, that the kingdom of Christ may come, and that His "will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven;" but there are times when God seems especially to favour Zion, such seasons ought to be to them like "the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees." We ought then to be doubly prayerful, doubly earnest, wrestling more at the throne than we have been wont to do. Action should then be prompt and vigorous. The tide is flowing—now let us pull manfully for the shore. O for Pentecostal outpourings and Pentecostal labours. Christian, in yourself there are times "when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees."
You have a peculiar power in prayer; the Spirit of God gives you joy and gladness; the Scripture is open to you; the promises are applied; you walk in the light of God's countenance; you have peculiar freedom and liberty in devotion, and more closeness of communion with Christ than was your wont. Now, at such joyous periods when you hear the "sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees," is the time to bestir yourself; now is the time to get rid of any evil habit, while God the Spirit helpeth your infirmities. Spread your sail; but remember what you sometimes sing—
THE members of Christ's Church should be very prayerful, always seeking the unction of the Holy One to rest upon their hearts, that the kingdom of Christ may come, and that His "will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven;" but there are times when God seems especially to favour Zion, such seasons ought to be to them like "the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees." We ought then to be doubly prayerful, doubly earnest, wrestling more at the throne than we have been wont to do. Action should then be prompt and vigorous. The tide is flowing—now let us pull manfully for the shore. O for Pentecostal outpourings and Pentecostal labours. Christian, in yourself there are times "when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees."
You have a peculiar power in prayer; the Spirit of God gives you joy and gladness; the Scripture is open to you; the promises are applied; you walk in the light of God's countenance; you have peculiar freedom and liberty in devotion, and more closeness of communion with Christ than was your wont. Now, at such joyous periods when you hear the "sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees," is the time to bestir yourself; now is the time to get rid of any evil habit, while God the Spirit helpeth your infirmities. Spread your sail; but remember what you sometimes sing—
"I can only spread the sail;
Thou! Thou! must breathe the auspicious gale."
Only be sure you have the sail up. Do not miss the gale for want of preparation for it. Seek help of God, that you may be more earnest in duty when made more strong in faith; that you may be more constant in prayer when you have more liberty at the throne; that you may be more holy in your conversation whilst you live more closely with Christ.
Thou! Thou! must breathe the auspicious gale."
Only be sure you have the sail up. Do not miss the gale for want of preparation for it. Seek help of God, that you may be more earnest in duty when made more strong in faith; that you may be more constant in prayer when you have more liberty at the throne; that you may be more holy in your conversation whilst you live more closely with Christ.
A Heavenly Escort
A Heavenly Escort
C. H. Spurgeon
C. H. Spurgeon
And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest. -Genesis 28:15
Do we need journeying mercies? Here are choice ones—God's presence and preservation, In all places we need both of these, and in all places we shall have them if we go at the call of duty, and not merely according to our own fancy. Why should we look upon removal to another country as a sorrowful necessity when it is laid upon us by the divine will? In all lands the believer is equally a pilgrim and a stranger; and yet in every region the Lord is His dwelling place, even as He has been to His saints in all generations.
We may miss the protection of an earthly monarch, but when God says, "I will keep thee," we are in no real danger. This is a blessed passport for a traveler and a heavenly escort for an emigrant.
Jacob had never left his father's room before; he had been a mother's boy and not an adventurer tike his brother. Yet he went abroad, and God went with him. He had little luggage and no attendants; yet no prince ever journeyed with a nobler bodyguard. Even while he slept in the open field, angels watched over him, and the Lord God spoke to him. If the Lord bids us go, let us say with our Lord Jesus, "Arise, let us go hence."
Do we need journeying mercies? Here are choice ones—God's presence and preservation, In all places we need both of these, and in all places we shall have them if we go at the call of duty, and not merely according to our own fancy. Why should we look upon removal to another country as a sorrowful necessity when it is laid upon us by the divine will? In all lands the believer is equally a pilgrim and a stranger; and yet in every region the Lord is His dwelling place, even as He has been to His saints in all generations.
We may miss the protection of an earthly monarch, but when God says, "I will keep thee," we are in no real danger. This is a blessed passport for a traveler and a heavenly escort for an emigrant.
Jacob had never left his father's room before; he had been a mother's boy and not an adventurer tike his brother. Yet he went abroad, and God went with him. He had little luggage and no attendants; yet no prince ever journeyed with a nobler bodyguard. Even while he slept in the open field, angels watched over him, and the Lord God spoke to him. If the Lord bids us go, let us say with our Lord Jesus, "Arise, let us go hence."
Verses of The Day: Ezra 8:22-23
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Give Thanks!
Jesus Christ - The reason for our Thanksgivings
Timrufus
Timrufus
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
When Jesus is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death, his disciples were all getting drowsy and have fallen asleep. There he said to them, “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” (Matthew 26:40) But our Lord Jesus Christ didn’t have to be sorrowful that day, he said to Peter, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:53)
I believe the Lord Jesus could have given the Word and surely the Father would not have to reject him. (Isaiah 6:8, Philippians 2:5-8) Yet the bible tells us, it was the LORD’s will to crush him and to cause him to suffer. He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities for the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed – made whole!
The apostle Paul had great sorrow and unceasing anguish too in his heart. He was a Hebrew of Hebrews in regard to the law, a Pharisee as for zeal, persecuting the church and as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. So highly regarded before was he, but had now so became a fool for Christ. A spectacle made to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. (1 Corinthians 4:8-10) So weak, so dishonored, yet he considered all these are but garbage for Christ, that he may gain Christ and be found in him (once again). Not having a righteousness of his own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. (Philippians 3:4-6,8)
Today we thank God that in Jesus Christ, there is always a reason for rejoicing and for having this heart of a gratitude, Christ’s death on the cross is God The Father’s way of righteousness that goes before him and He prepares the way for his little ones. (Isaiah 30:32)
Hence, even through life’s most devastating circumstances, the hard pressed Christian man may be crushed but not in despair, abandoned and struck down, but not destroyed. The reason being Jesus Christ, the solid rock our defender, the stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone and Christ is our cornerstone.
For if Christ has not been sorrowful that day and by his sacrificial death brought about the redemption of all mankind, let the Christian man and woman say, we are the first and foremost number one sorrowful man and woman on the surface of the whole earth! For if Christ has never ever need to go to the cross nor has he never ever need to died on the cross, he would not have had to risen after all. (2 Timothy 2:11-13) The Christian’s faith is but a sham!
But we can be grateful today and we give thanks because He has given Jesus Christ - His one and only begotten Son, so now the poor can say that I am rich! and the weak can say that he is strong! because of what The Lord has done for us on the cross. Give Thanks!
Verse For Meditation: Psalm 50:23
Yes Father, we are truly grateful that in Christ Jesus, there is always a reason for being thankful. We are thankful that you have given us your One and only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ so that even through life most devastating circumstances, there is always a reason for our thanksgivings! Through Christ most holy Name, amen and Amen!
When Jesus is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death, his disciples were all getting drowsy and have fallen asleep. There he said to them, “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” (Matthew 26:40) But our Lord Jesus Christ didn’t have to be sorrowful that day, he said to Peter, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:53)
I believe the Lord Jesus could have given the Word and surely the Father would not have to reject him. (Isaiah 6:8, Philippians 2:5-8) Yet the bible tells us, it was the LORD’s will to crush him and to cause him to suffer. He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities for the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed – made whole!
The apostle Paul had great sorrow and unceasing anguish too in his heart. He was a Hebrew of Hebrews in regard to the law, a Pharisee as for zeal, persecuting the church and as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. So highly regarded before was he, but had now so became a fool for Christ. A spectacle made to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. (1 Corinthians 4:8-10) So weak, so dishonored, yet he considered all these are but garbage for Christ, that he may gain Christ and be found in him (once again). Not having a righteousness of his own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. (Philippians 3:4-6,8)
Today we thank God that in Jesus Christ, there is always a reason for rejoicing and for having this heart of a gratitude, Christ’s death on the cross is God The Father’s way of righteousness that goes before him and He prepares the way for his little ones. (Isaiah 30:32)
Hence, even through life’s most devastating circumstances, the hard pressed Christian man may be crushed but not in despair, abandoned and struck down, but not destroyed. The reason being Jesus Christ, the solid rock our defender, the stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone and Christ is our cornerstone.
For if Christ has not been sorrowful that day and by his sacrificial death brought about the redemption of all mankind, let the Christian man and woman say, we are the first and foremost number one sorrowful man and woman on the surface of the whole earth! For if Christ has never ever need to go to the cross nor has he never ever need to died on the cross, he would not have had to risen after all. (2 Timothy 2:11-13) The Christian’s faith is but a sham!
But we can be grateful today and we give thanks because He has given Jesus Christ - His one and only begotten Son, so now the poor can say that I am rich! and the weak can say that he is strong! because of what The Lord has done for us on the cross. Give Thanks!
Verse For Meditation: Psalm 50:23
Yes Father, we are truly grateful that in Christ Jesus, there is always a reason for being thankful. We are thankful that you have given us your One and only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ so that even through life most devastating circumstances, there is always a reason for our thanksgivings! Through Christ most holy Name, amen and Amen!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Well-Driven Nails (Part One)
Well-Driven Nails (Part One)
Help For Today
Wisdom, which I define as skill in everyday living, is one of the greatest needs of every generation. And the writer of Ecclesiastes 12 shares about the words of a wise man being like “well-driven nails”—words that bring perspective, security and life. Over the next three days I’d like to describe three well-driven nails.
Nail Number One: Remember God
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the Nobel Prize-winning author and Russian dissident during the Soviet era, said, “I have spent fifty years working on the history of the Russian Revolution. In the process, I have collected hundreds of personal testimonies, read hundreds of books and contributed eight volumes of my own. But if I were asked today to formulate as concisely as possible the main cause of the ruinous revolution that swallowed up some 60 million of our people, I could not put it more accurately than to repeat: Men have forgotten God.”
These powerful words confirm that when people fail to remember God and do not recognize His presence and authority in their lives, anything goes. They develop spiritual amnesia and are unable to remember what God has done to show Himself faithful and true, not only in their own lives, but also throughout human history. When we forget God, we forget to trust Him. If you want to drive this nail home, I would encourage you to consider three things:
First, learn how to truly worship God. Second, get to know Him by spending time reading the Bible. And third, create a list together of spiritual milestones—divine acts that exemplify something significant He has done in your life or family. When we rehearse what God has done, we not only remember Him, but we also are more likely to trust Him for what we are facing today. Remember your Creator.
Discuss: Recall some of your spiritual milestones together. Write them down where you can return to them again and again, adding more along the way. Pray: Take turns giving thanks to God for who He is and what He has done in your lives and family.
Help For Today
The words of wise men are like goads,and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails. -Ecclesiastes 12:11
Wisdom, which I define as skill in everyday living, is one of the greatest needs of every generation. And the writer of Ecclesiastes 12 shares about the words of a wise man being like “well-driven nails”—words that bring perspective, security and life. Over the next three days I’d like to describe three well-driven nails.
Nail Number One: Remember God
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the Nobel Prize-winning author and Russian dissident during the Soviet era, said, “I have spent fifty years working on the history of the Russian Revolution. In the process, I have collected hundreds of personal testimonies, read hundreds of books and contributed eight volumes of my own. But if I were asked today to formulate as concisely as possible the main cause of the ruinous revolution that swallowed up some 60 million of our people, I could not put it more accurately than to repeat: Men have forgotten God.”
These powerful words confirm that when people fail to remember God and do not recognize His presence and authority in their lives, anything goes. They develop spiritual amnesia and are unable to remember what God has done to show Himself faithful and true, not only in their own lives, but also throughout human history. When we forget God, we forget to trust Him. If you want to drive this nail home, I would encourage you to consider three things:
First, learn how to truly worship God. Second, get to know Him by spending time reading the Bible. And third, create a list together of spiritual milestones—divine acts that exemplify something significant He has done in your life or family. When we rehearse what God has done, we not only remember Him, but we also are more likely to trust Him for what we are facing today. Remember your Creator.
Discuss: Recall some of your spiritual milestones together. Write them down where you can return to them again and again, adding more along the way. Pray: Take turns giving thanks to God for who He is and what He has done in your lives and family.
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