Growth Charles Spurgeon

[turnorburn]

If n its O.k. i thought a Spurgeon devotional thread might be uplifting

Friday, June 20, 2014
This Evening's Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon

"Straightway they forsook their nets, and followed Him."—Mark 1:18.

WHEN they heard the call of Jesus, Simon and Andrew obeyed at once without demur. If we would always, punctually and with resolute zeal, put in practice what we hear upon the spot, or at the first fit occasion, our attendance at the means of grace, and our reading of good books, could not fail to enrich us spiritually. He will not lose his loaf who has taken care at once to eat it, neither can he be deprived of the benefit of the doctrine who has already acted upon it. Most readers and hearers become moved so far as to purpose to amend; but, alas! the proposal is a blossom which has not been knit, and therefore no fruit comes of it; they wait, they waver, and then they forget, till, like the ponds in nights of frost, when the sun shines by day, they are only thawed in time to be frozen again. That fatal to-morrow is blood-red with the murder of fair resolutions; it is the slaughter-house of the innocents. We are very concerned that our little book of "Evening Readings" should not be fruitless, and therefore we pray that readers may not be readers only, but doers, of the word.

The practice of truth is the most profitable reading of it. Should the reader be impressed with any duty while perusing these pages, let him hasten to fulfil it before the holy glow has departed from his soul, and let him leave his nets, and all that he has, sooner than be found rebellious to the Master's call. Do not give place to the devil by delay! Haste while opportunity and quickening are in happy conjunction. Do not be caught in your own nets, but break the meshes of worldliness, and away where glory calls you. Happy is the writer who shall meet with readers resolved to carry out his teachings: his harvest shall be a hundredfold, and his Master shall have great honour. Would to God that such might be our reward upon these brief meditations and hurried hints. Grant it, O Lord, unto thy servant!

http://www.spurgeon.org/morn_eve/this_evening.cgi

tob

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

Cool Site! It's been a long long time since I saw HOLINESS (Set Apart) described so well >> (below)
We first undergo , (a little while after the CALL (above)) >>
Regulated Chastisement
I will correct thee in measure. (Jeremiah 30:11)
To be left uncorrected would be a fatal sign: it would prove that the Lord had said, "He is given unto idols, let him alone." God grant that such may never be our portion! Uninterrupted prosperity is a thing to cause fear and trembling. As many as God tenderly loves He rebukes and chastens: those for whom He has no esteem He allows to fatten themselves without fear, like bullocks for the slaughter. It is in love that our heavenly Father uses the rod upon His children.

Yet see, the correction is in measure": He gives us love without measure but chastisement "in measure." As under the old law no Israelite could receive more than the "forty stripes save one," which ensured careful counting and limited suffering; so is it with each afflicted member of the household of faith-every stroke is counted. It is the measure of wisdom, the measure of sympathy, the measure of love, by which our chastisement is regulated. Far be it from us to rebel against appointments so divine. Lord, if Thou standest by to measure the bitter drops into my cup, it is for me cheerfully to take that cup from Thy hand and drink according to Thy directions, saying, "Thy will be done."


Set Apart


Ye shall be named the priests of the Lord. (Isaiah 61:6)
This literal promise to Israel belongs spiritually to the seed after the Spirit, namely, to all believers. If we live up to our privileges, we shall live unto God so clearly and distinctly that men shall see that we are set apart for holy service and shall name us the priests of the Lord. We may work or trade as others do, and yet we may be solely and wholly the ministering servants of God. Our one occupation shall be to present the perpetual sacrifice of prayer, and praise, and testimony, and self-consecration to the living God by Jesus Christ.

This being our one aim, we may leave distracting concerns to those who have no higher calling. "Let the dead bury their dead." It is written, "Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vine-dressers," They may manage politics, puzzle out financial problems, discuss science, and settle the last new quibbles of criticism; but we will give ourselves unto such service as becomes those who, like the Lord Jesus, are ordained to a perpetual priesthood.

Accepting this honorable promise as involving a sacred duty, let us put on the vestments of holiness and minister before the Lord all day long.

 

[Deborah13]

Cool Site! It's been a long long time since I saw HOLINESS (Set Apart) described so well >> (below)
We first undergo , (a little while after the CALL (above)) >>
Regulated Chastisement
I will correct thee in measure. (Jeremiah 30:11)
To be left uncorrected would be a fatal sign: it would prove that the Lord had said, "He is given unto idols, let him alone." God grant that such may never be our portion! Uninterrupted prosperity is a thing to cause fear and trembling. As many as God tenderly loves He rebukes and chastens: those for whom He has no esteem He allows to fatten themselves without fear, like bullocks for the slaughter. It is in love that our heavenly Father uses the rod upon His children.

Yet see, the correction is in measure": He gives us love without measure but chastisement "in measure." As under the old law no Israelite could receive more than the "forty stripes save one," which ensured careful counting and limited suffering; so is it with each afflicted member of the household of faith-every stroke is counted. It is the measure of wisdom, the measure of sympathy, the measure of love, by which our chastisement is regulated. Far be it from us to rebel against appointments so divine. Lord, if Thou standest by to measure the bitter drops into my cup, it is for me cheerfully to take that cup from Thy hand and drink according to Thy directions, saying, "Thy will be done."


Set Apart


Ye shall be named the priests of the Lord. (Isaiah 61:6)
This literal promise to Israel belongs spiritually to the seed after the Spirit, namely, to all believers. If we live up to our privileges, we shall live unto God so clearly and distinctly that men shall see that we are set apart for holy service and shall name us the priests of the Lord. We may work or trade as others do, and yet we may be solely and wholly the ministering servants of God. Our one occupation shall be to present the perpetual sacrifice of prayer, and praise, and testimony, and self-consecration to the living God by Jesus Christ.

This being our one aim, we may leave distracting concerns to those who have no higher calling. "Let the dead bury their dead." It is written, "Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vine-dressers," They may manage politics, puzzle out financial problems, discuss science, and settle the last new quibbles of criticism; but we will give ourselves unto such service as becomes those who, like the Lord Jesus, are ordained to a perpetual priesthood.

Accepting this honorable promise as involving a sacred duty, let us put on the vestments of holiness and minister before the Lord all day long.

If any of this is quoting Spurgeon, please show what it is and give a link to the quote, so we can read the whole thing in context. Thanks His_nee, appreciate it, Deb

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

the link is in the op, I just went there and read. I don't think there's any 'context' but don't remember --- it's pretty straightforward and means just what it says. If anything, with reading more of the devotionals, it gets further and further from the casual type christianity on this forum, into more devoted and holy living that Yhwh calls all of His children to.

 

[Deborah13]

the link is in the op, I just went there and read. I don't think there's any 'context' but don't remember --- it's pretty straightforward and means just what it says. If anything, with reading more of the devotionals, it gets further and further from the casual type christianity on this forum, into more devoted and holy living that Yhwh calls all of His children to.

Ok, the link in the OP changes every day to a different devotional and I don't see how your post has anything to do with either day's devotional? So I guess I just don't understand you. But I'm OK with that. No worries.

 

[Deborah13]

""The foundation of God standeth sure."—2 Timothy 2:19."

http://www.spurgeon.org/morn_eve/this_evening.cgi

 

[turnorburn]

Lord willing i'm doing the evening devotional, if something comes up your more than welcome to post it..


Saturday, June 21, 2014
This Evening's Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon

"The foundation of God standeth sure."—2 Timothy 2:19.

THE foundation upon which our faith rests is this, that "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them." The great fact on which genuine faith relies is, that "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us," and that "Christ also hath suffered for sin, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God"; "Who Himself bare our sins in His own body on the tree"; "For the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." In one word, the great pillar of the Christian's hope is substitution. The vicarious sacrifice of Christ for the guilty, Christ being made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him, Christ offering up a true and proper expiatory and substitutionary sacrifice in the room, place, and stead of as many as the Father gave Him, who are known to God by name, and are recognized in their own hearts by their trusting in Jesus—this is the cardinal fact of the gospel. If this foundation were removed, what could we do?

But it standeth firm as the throne of God. We know it; we rest on it; we rejoice in it; and our delight is to hold it, to meditate upon it, and to proclaim it, while we desire to be actuated and moved by gratitude for it in every part of our life and conversation. In these days a direct attack is made upon the doctrine of the atonement. Men cannot bear substitution. They gnash their teeth at the thought of the Lamb of God bearing the sin of man. But we, who know by experience the preciousness of this truth, will proclaim it in defiance of them confidently and unceasingly. We will neither dilute it nor change it, nor fritter it away in any shape or fashion. It shall still be Christ, a positive substitute, bearing human guilt and suffering in the stead of men. We cannot, dare not, give it up, for it is our life, and despite every controversy we feel that "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure."

tob

 

[turnorburn]

Something wrong here..

 

[turnorburn]

Say His_nee haven't you heard of Charles Spurgeon?

tob

 

[turnorburn]

His_nee (Jeff) said:

the link is in the op, I just went there and read. I don't think there's any 'context' but don't remember --- it's pretty straightforward and means just what it says. If anything, with reading more of the devotionals, it gets further and further from the casual type christianity on this forum, into more devoted and holy living that Yhwh calls all of His children to.

please explain, this was just supposed to be a devotional "further and further from casual Christianity"

tob

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

Say His_nee haven't you heard of Charles Spurgeon?
tob

His_nee (Jeff) said:
please explain, this was just supposed to be a devotional "further and further from casual Christianity"
tob

yes, i've heard of spurgeon, and read long ago some of his devotionals and very likely his biography or other work by or about him. nothing in the last ten or more years until the last day or so.

the devotionals at the link are good - the ones i've read since you posted.
and they are 'holy' and right and direct in Yhwh's Word. ---- convicting by the holy spirit if someone is sitting on a pew just listening and not doing Yhwh's Word. (pew sitter== casual Christianity) .... i.e.Preaching leading to Godly sorrow for sin and leading to turning to Yhwh(repenting) for life in Christ Jesus and freedom from sin and from the power of sin.

IF i remember right, there were one or more revivals of true Christianity resulting from Spurgeon's Preaching, but it was so long ago I read of Him or what he wrote I honestly don't remember now. (like some of the 'fire and brimstone' preacher's inspired revivals).

also, I don't know(who does?) if 'everything' he wrote or preached was right - so test everything and stay continual in prayer...... both daily scriptural demands.

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

oh, I just re-read the op --- devotionals to be 'uplifting' and so they are --- yet also remember when he preached he preached to get sinners to repent ; to get people to change the way they were living apart from God to living a life honoring God. I think (or thought) that is what Spurgeon was/is known for .

 

[for_his_glory]

The practice of truth is the most profitable reading of it and THE foundation.

These truly are the two key phrases of both devotions as we have to apply the word of God to our everyday life knowing God is the very foundation of of our existence.

 

[turnorburn]

Tuesday, June 24, 2014
This Evening's Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon

"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said . . . Be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods."—Daniel 3:16, 18.

THE narrative of the manly courage and marvellous deliverance of the three holy children, or rather champions, is well calculated to excite in the minds of believers firmness and steadfastness in upholding the truth in the teeth of tyranny and in the very jaws of death. Let young Christians especially learn from their example, both in matters of faith in religion, and matters of uprightness in business, never to sacrifice their consciences. Lose all rather than lose your integrity, and when all else is gone, still hold fast a clear conscience as the rarest jewel which can adorn the bosom of a mortal. Be not guided by the will-o'-the-wisp of policy, but by the pole-star of divine authority. Follow the right at all hazards. When you see no present advantage, walk by faith and not by sight. Do God the honour to trust Him when it comes to matters of loss for the sake of principle. See whether He will be your debtor! See if He doth not even in this life prove His word that "Godliness, with contentment, is great gain," and that they who "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, shall have all these things added unto them."

Should it happen that, in the providence of God, you are a loser by conscience, you shall find that if the Lord pays you not back in the silver of earthly prosperity, He will discharge His promise in the gold of spiritual joy. Remember that a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of that which he possesseth. To wear a guileless spirit, to have a heart void of offence, to have the favour and smile of God, is greater riches than the mines of Ophir could yield, or the traffic of Tyre could win. "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and inward contention therewith." An ounce of heart's-ease is worth a ton of gold.

tob

 

[turnorburn]

Friday, June 27, 2014
This Evening's Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon

"Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called."—1 Corinthians 7:20.

SOME persons have the foolish notion that the only way in which they can live for God is by becoming ministers, missionaries, or Bible women. Alas! how many would be shut out from any opportunity of magnifying the Most High if this were the case. Beloved, it is not office, it is earnestness; it is not position, it is grace which will enable us to glorify God. God is most surely glorified in that cobbler's stall, where the godly worker, as he plies the awl, sings of the Saviour's love, ay, glorified far more than in many a prebendal stall where official religiousness performs its scanty duties. The name of Jesus is glorified by the poor unlearned carter as he drives his horse, and blesses his God, or speaks to his fellow labourer by the roadside, as much as by the popular divine who, throughout the country, like Boanerges, is thundering out the gospel. God is glorified by our serving Him in our proper vocations.

Take care, dear reader, that you do not forsake the path of duty by leaving your occupation, and take care you do not dishonour your profession while in it. Think little of yourselves, but do not think too little of your callings. Every lawful trade may be sanctified by the gospel to noblest ends. Turn to the Bible, and you will find the most menial forms of labour connected either with most daring deeds of faith, or with persons whose lives have been illustrious for holiness. Therefore be not discontented with your calling. Whatever God has made your position, or your work, abide in that, unless you are quite sure that he calls you to something else. Let your first care be to glorify God to the utmost of your power where you are. Fill your present sphere to His praise, and if He needs you in another He will show it you. This evening lay aside vexatious ambition, and embrace peaceful content.

tob

 

[turnorburn]

Monday, July 07, 2014
This Evening's Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon


"When I passed by thee, I said unto thee, Live."—Ezekiel 16:6.

SAVED one, consider gratefully this mandate (of mercy. Note that this fiat of God is majestic. In our text, we perceive a sinner with nothing in him but sin, expecting nothing but wrath; but the eternal Lord passes by in His glory; l He looks. He pauses, and He pronounces the solitary but royal word, "Live." There speaks a God. Who but He could venture thus to deal with life and dispense it with a single syllable? Again, this fiat is manifold. When He saith "Live," it includes many things. Here is judicial life. The sinner is ready to be condemned, but the mighty One saith, "Live," and he rises pardoned and absolved. It is spiritual life. We knew not Jesus—our eyes could not see Christ, our ears could not hear His voice—Jehovah said "Live," and we were quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins. Moreover, it includes glory-life, which is the perfection of spiritual life. "I said unto thee, Live:" and that word rolls on through all the years of time till death comes, and in the midst of the shadows of death, the Lord's voice is still heard, "Live!"

In the morning of the resurrection it is that self-same voice which is echoed by the arch-angel, "Live," and as holy spirits rise to heaven to be blest for ever in the glory of their God, it is in the power of this same word, "Live." Note again, that it is an irresistible mandate. Saul of Tarsus is on the road to Damascus to arrest the saints of the living God. A voice is heard from heaven and a light is seen above the brightness of the sun, and Saul is crying out, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" This mandate is a mandate of free grace. When sinners are saved, it is only and solely because God will do it to magnify His free, unpurchased, unsought grace. Christians, see your position, debtors to grace; show your gratitude by earnest, Christlike lives, and as God has bidden you live, see to it that you live in earnest.

tob