SPURGEON AND BIBLE THOUGHTS ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015
~**~**~
EVENING BY SPURGEON ON JANUARY 09, 2015
---
Evening
"Serve the Lord with gladness."
Psalm 100:2
Delight in divine service is a token of acceptance. Those who serve God with a sad countenance, because they do what is unpleasant to them, are not serving him at all; they bring the form of homage, but the life is absent. Our God requires no slaves to grace his throne; he is the Lord of the empire of love, and would have his servants dressed in the livery of joy. The angels of God serve him with songs, not with groans; a murmur or a sigh would be a mutiny in their ranks. That obedience which is not voluntary is disobedience, for the Lord looketh at the heart, and if he seeth that we serve him from force, and not because we love him, he will reject our offering. Service coupled with cheerfulness is heart-service, and therefore true. Take away joyful willingness from the Christian, and you have removed the test of his sincerity. If a man be driven to battle, he is no patriot; but he who marches into the fray with flashing eye and beaming face, singing, "It is sweet for one's country to die," proves himself to be sincere in his patriotism. Cheerfulness is the support of our strength; in the joy of the Lord are we strong. It acts as the remover of difficulties. It is to our service what oil is to the wheels of a railway carriage. Without oil the axle soon grows hot, and accidents occur; and if there be not a holy cheerfulness to oil our wheels, our spirits will be clogged with weariness. The man who is cheerful in his service of God, proves that obedience is his element; he can sing,
"Make me to walk in thy commands,
'Tis a delightful road."
Reader, let us put this question--do you serve the Lord with gladness? Let us show to the people of the world, who think our religion to be slavery, that it is to us a delight and a joy! Let our gladness proclaim that we serve a good Master.
-- By Charles Spurgeon
-- Public Domain
---
Psalm 100:2 New King James Version (NKJV)
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
---
Psalm 100 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
A psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
3 Acknowledge that Yahweh is God.
He made us, and we are His —
His people, the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
5 For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal;
His faithfulness endures through all generations.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
~**~**~
MORNING AND EVENING BY CHARLES SPURGEON FOR JANUARY 10, 2015
---
Morning
"There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."
2 Timothy 4:8
Doubting one! thou hast often said, "I fear I shall never enter heaven." Fear not! all the people of God shall enter there. I love the quaint saying of a dying man, who exclaimed, "I have no fear of going home; I have sent all before me; God's finger is on the latch of my door, and I am ready for him to enter." "But," said one, "are you not afraid lest you should miss your inheritance?" "Nay," said he, "nay; there is one crown in heaven which the angel Gabriel could not wear, it will fit no head but mine. There is one throne in heaven which Paul the apostle could not fill; it was made for me, and I shall have it." O Christian, what a joyous thought! thy portion is secure; "there remaineth a rest." "But cannot I forfeit it?" No, it is entailed. If I be a child of God I shall not lose it. It is mine as securely as if I were there. Come with me, believer, and let us sit upon the top of Nebo, and view the goodly land, even Canaan. Seest thou that little river of death glistening in the sunlight, and across it dost thou see the pinnacles of the eternal city? Dost thou mark the pleasant country, and all its joyous inhabitants? Know, then, that if thou couldst fly across thou wouldst see written upon one of its many mansions, "This remaineth for such a one; preserved for him only. He shall be caught up to dwell forever with God." Poor doubting one, see the fair inheritance; it is thine. If thou believest in the Lord Jesus, if thou hast repented of sin, if thou hast been renewed in heart, thou art one of the Lord's people, and there is a place reserved for thee, a crown laid up for thee, a harp specially provided for thee. No one else shall have thy portion, it is reserved in heaven for thee, and thou shalt have it ere long, for there shall be no vacant thrones in glory when all the chosen are gathered in.
-- By Charles Spurgeon (Public Domain)
---
Evening
"In my flesh shall I see God."
Job 19:26
Mark the subject of Job's devout anticipation "I shall see God." He does not say, "I shall see the saints"--though doubtless that will be untold felicity--but, "I shall see God." It is not--"I shall see the pearly gates, I shall behold the walls of jasper, I shall gaze upon the crowns of gold," but "I shall see God." This is the sum and substance of heaven, this is the joyful hope of all believers. It is their delight to see him now in the ordinances by faith. They love to behold him in communion and in prayer; but there in heaven they shall have an open and unclouded vision, and thus seeing "him as he is," shall be made completely like him. Likeness to God--what can we wish for more? And a sight of God--what can we desire better? Some read the passage, "Yet, I shall see God in my flesh," and find here an allusion to Christ, as the "Word made flesh," and that glorious beholding of him which shall be the splendour of the latter days. Whether so or not it is certain that Christ shall be the object of our eternal vision; nor shall we ever want any joy beyond that of seeing him. Think not that this will be a narrow sphere for the mind to dwell in. It is but one source of delight, but that source is infinite. All his attributes shall be subjects for contemplation, and as he is infinite under each aspect, there is no fear of exhaustion. His works, his gifts, his love to us, and his glory in all his purposes, and in all his actions, these shall make a theme which will be ever new. The patriarch looked forward to this sight of God as a personal enjoyment. "Whom mine eye shall behold, and not another." Take realizing views of heaven's bliss; think what it will be to you. "Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty." All earthly brightness fades and darkens as we gaze upon it, but here is a brightness which can never dim, a glory which can never fade--"I shall see God."
-- By Charles Spurgeon (Public Domain)
---
2 Timothy 4:7-8 New Living Translation (NLT)
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Friday, January 9, 2015
SPURGEON, THE BIBLE, AND FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2015
SPURGEON, THE BIBLE, AND FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2015
~**~**~
MORNING AND EVENING BY CHARLES SPURGEON FOR JANUARY 09, 2015
---
Morning
"I will be their God."
Jeremiah 31:33
Christian! here is all thou canst require. To make thee happy thou wantest something that shall satisfy thee; and is not this enough? If thou canst pour this promise into thy cup, wilt thou not say, with David, "My cup runneth over; I have more than heart can wish"? When this is fulfilled, "I am thy God", art thou not possessor of all things? Desire is insatiable as death, but he who filleth all in all can fill it. The capacity of our wishes who can measure? But the immeasurable wealth of God can more than overflow it. I ask thee if thou art not complete when God is thine? Dost thou want anything but God? Is not his all-sufficiency enough to satisfy thee if all else should fail? But thou wantest more than quiet satisfaction; thou desirest rapturous delight. Come, soul, here is music fit for heaven in this thy portion, for God is the Maker of Heaven. Not all the music blown from sweet instruments, or drawn from living strings, can yield such melody as this sweet promise, "I will be their God." Here is a deep sea of bliss, a shoreless ocean of delight; come, bathe thy spirit in it; swim an age, and thou shalt find no shore; dive throughout eternity, and thou shalt find no bottom. "I will be their God." If this do not make thine eyes sparkle, and thy heart beat high with bliss, then assuredly thy soul is not in a healthy state. But thou wantest more than present delights--thou cravest something concerning which thou mayest exercise hope; and what more canst thou hope for than the fulfilment of this great promise, "I will be their God"? This is the masterpiece of all the promises; its enjoyment makes a heaven below, and will make a heaven above. Dwell in the light of thy Lord, and let thy soul be always ravished with his love. Get out the marrow and fatness which this portion yields thee. Live up to thy privileges, and rejoice with unspeakable joy.
-- By Charles Spurgeon
---
Evening
"Serve the Lord with gladness."
Psalm 100:2
Delight in divine service is a token of acceptance. Those who serve God with a sad countenance, because they do what is unpleasant to them, are not serving him at all; they bring the form of homage, but the life is absent. Our God requires no slaves to grace his throne; he is the Lord of the empire of love, and would have his servants dressed in the livery of joy. The angels of God serve him with songs, not with groans; a murmur or a sigh would be a mutiny in their ranks. That obedience which is not voluntary is disobedience, for the Lord looketh at the heart, and if he seeth that we serve him from force, and not because we love him, he will reject our offering. Service coupled with cheerfulness is heart-service, and therefore true. Take away joyful willingness from the Christian, and you have removed the test of his sincerity. If a man be driven to battle, he is no patriot; but he who marches into the fray with flashing eye and beaming face, singing, "It is sweet for one's country to die," proves himself to be sincere in his patriotism. Cheerfulness is the support of our strength; in the joy of the Lord are we strong. It acts as the remover of difficulties. It is to our service what oil is to the wheels of a railway carriage. Without oil the axle soon grows hot, and accidents occur; and if there be not a holy cheerfulness to oil our wheels, our spirits will be clogged with weariness. The man who is cheerful in his service of God, proves that obedience is his element; he can sing,
"Make me to walk in thy commands,
'Tis a delightful road."
Reader, let us put this question--do you serve the Lord with gladness? Let us show to the people of the world, who think our religion to be slavery, that it is to us a delight and a joy! Let our gladness proclaim that we serve a good Master.
-- By Charles Spurgeon
~*~*~
MY THOUGHTS OF MORNING BY SPURGEON
647 a.m.
Verse is:
---
Jeremiah 31:33 New King James Version (NKJV)
33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
---
Jeremiah 31:33 New Living Translation (NLT)
33 "But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days," says the Lord. "I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
Jeremiah 31:33 Expanded Bible (EXB)
33 "This is the ·agreement [covenant; treaty] I will ·make [L cut]
with the ·people [L house] of Israel ·at that time [L after those days]," says the Lord:
"I will put my ·teachings [laws; instructions] in their ·minds [L innards]
and write them on their hearts [Joel 2:28–29].
I will be their God,
and they will be my people [Ex. 6:6–8].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
Jeremiah 31:33 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
33 "Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days"—the Lord's declaration. "I will put My teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.i
---
658 a.m.
He is my God. I am His.
This plus Jesus equals nothing is more important.
He is my God. No one and nothing else. How does my life reflect this? How do I live this every moment?
~*~*~
HE IS MY GOD
He is my God.
Whenever my mind or actions wander, I am not focusing on Him.
He is all I need.
How do I live this each moment?
~*~*~
CROSS-REFERENCES OF JEREMIAH 31:33:
---
Hebrews 8:10 New Living Translation (NLT)
10 But this is the new covenant I will make
with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their minds,
and I will write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
Exodus 15:11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
11 "Who is like You among the gods, O Lord?
Who is like You, majestic in holiness,
Awesome in praises, working wonders?
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
---
1 Kings 8:22-23 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the entire congregation of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven. 23 He said:
Lord God of Israel,
there is no God like You
in heaven above or on earth below,
keeping the gracious covenant
with Your servants who walk before You
with their whole heart.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
---
Exodus 15:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 Lord, who is like You among the gods?
Who is like You, glorious in holiness,
revered with praises, performing wonders?
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
---
THERE ARE NONE LIKE YOU
Lord, you say:
I am Your God.
No one is like Me.
---
Exodus 15:11 Expanded Bible (EXB)
11 "·Are there any gods like you [Who is like you among the gods], Lord?
There are no gods [Who is…?] like you.
You are ·wonderfully holy [splendid/majestic in holiness],
amazingly powerful [awesome in power],
a worker of miracles [doing wonders].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
Exodus 15:11 Expanded Bible (EXB)
11 "·Are there any gods like you [Who is like you among the gods], Lord?
There are no gods [Who is…?] like you.
You are ·wonderfully holy [splendid/majestic in holiness],
amazingly powerful [awesome in power],
a worker of miracles [doing wonders].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
A CHAIN OF EVENTS OF THOUGHTS
MORNING by Spurgeon this morning
Leads to
Jeremiah 31:33
Leads to
Exodus 15:11
... I'm going to focus on Exodus 15:11 (EXB) today.
There is no one and nothing like God.
Period.
I should focus on the ALL-powerful, ALL-knowing, EVER-present God at all times. He deserves nothing less.
And, He is not like any other god. For, when I do, He will bless me and my life. He will love me and will guide me. He will bring me love, peace, joy, etc.
What other God does this?
All other gods judge and do not bring love, peace, joy, etc.
My God does not need me to defend His honor. He can, and does, stand on His own.
His Word never changes.
Other gods' religious texts change and do not remain the same.
My God depends on no man.
Other gods do.
My God says to love your enemy and turn the other cheek. And, belief alone is all I need to go to heaven.
Other gods say to brutally murder and commit suicide in order to go to their heaven.
The false trinity of me, myself, and I cannot save me or give me eternal life. The false trinity is not all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present.
There is no god like my God.
---
Exodus 15:11 Expanded Bible (EXB)
11 "·Are there any gods like you [Who is like you among the gods], Lord?
There are no gods [Who is…?] like you.
You are ·wonderfully holy [splendid/majestic in holiness],
amazingly powerful [awesome in power],
a worker of miracles [doing wonders].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
948 a.m.
No god compares to my God.
No one compares to my God.
Nothing compares to my God.
How much do I believe this and know it?
How much do I live as though this was true--and do so unfaltering, with absolute and unshakable confidence?
---
Nehemiah 8:10 New Living Translation (NLT)
10 And Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
Did you catch that?
"For the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
Nehemiah 8:10 ends in an exclamation mark.
My joy, give to me by God alone--not by people, things, or circumstances-- IS my STRENGTH.
Wow. Wonder of wonders (as my mom says).
How do I live this?
What other god offers this?
---
THINK OF ALL THE RELIGIONS AND SPIRITUALITIES OF THIS WORLD
Think of all of the world's religions, spiritualities, and beliefs.
Whose god is like my God?
No one.
The others ask for death and/or need defending.
The other gods do not talk about loving your enemy.
The others do not offer unconditional love and joy.
The other gods did not die for their people.
The other gods do not offer heaven and eternal life through belief alone. Nor do they offer this because of unconditional love.
My God would never say to murder women or children or civilians.
My God would never say to commit suicide on His behalf.
My God can stand just fine on His own--and can do so without my help.
No other god gives their people joy--which is far more than happiness.
No other god offers blessings to their people. A blessing is a gift of unmerited favor--meaning I do not deserve one of His blessings. But, He blesses me immeasurably anyway.
I do not have to work for God's blessings. I just need to believe.
There is none like my God.
My God loves me even though I make mistakes all day long. And, He forgives me because I believe in Him and turn to Him and His Word.
My God only asks of me belief. That is it. That is the bottom line. I do not have to die by commit suicide or be killed by someone to go to heaven.
My God is love and He wants me to love even my enemy.
No. There is no god like my God.
Thank God.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~**~**~
MORNING AND EVENING BY CHARLES SPURGEON FOR JANUARY 09, 2015
---
Morning
"I will be their God."
Jeremiah 31:33
Christian! here is all thou canst require. To make thee happy thou wantest something that shall satisfy thee; and is not this enough? If thou canst pour this promise into thy cup, wilt thou not say, with David, "My cup runneth over; I have more than heart can wish"? When this is fulfilled, "I am thy God", art thou not possessor of all things? Desire is insatiable as death, but he who filleth all in all can fill it. The capacity of our wishes who can measure? But the immeasurable wealth of God can more than overflow it. I ask thee if thou art not complete when God is thine? Dost thou want anything but God? Is not his all-sufficiency enough to satisfy thee if all else should fail? But thou wantest more than quiet satisfaction; thou desirest rapturous delight. Come, soul, here is music fit for heaven in this thy portion, for God is the Maker of Heaven. Not all the music blown from sweet instruments, or drawn from living strings, can yield such melody as this sweet promise, "I will be their God." Here is a deep sea of bliss, a shoreless ocean of delight; come, bathe thy spirit in it; swim an age, and thou shalt find no shore; dive throughout eternity, and thou shalt find no bottom. "I will be their God." If this do not make thine eyes sparkle, and thy heart beat high with bliss, then assuredly thy soul is not in a healthy state. But thou wantest more than present delights--thou cravest something concerning which thou mayest exercise hope; and what more canst thou hope for than the fulfilment of this great promise, "I will be their God"? This is the masterpiece of all the promises; its enjoyment makes a heaven below, and will make a heaven above. Dwell in the light of thy Lord, and let thy soul be always ravished with his love. Get out the marrow and fatness which this portion yields thee. Live up to thy privileges, and rejoice with unspeakable joy.
-- By Charles Spurgeon
---
Evening
"Serve the Lord with gladness."
Psalm 100:2
Delight in divine service is a token of acceptance. Those who serve God with a sad countenance, because they do what is unpleasant to them, are not serving him at all; they bring the form of homage, but the life is absent. Our God requires no slaves to grace his throne; he is the Lord of the empire of love, and would have his servants dressed in the livery of joy. The angels of God serve him with songs, not with groans; a murmur or a sigh would be a mutiny in their ranks. That obedience which is not voluntary is disobedience, for the Lord looketh at the heart, and if he seeth that we serve him from force, and not because we love him, he will reject our offering. Service coupled with cheerfulness is heart-service, and therefore true. Take away joyful willingness from the Christian, and you have removed the test of his sincerity. If a man be driven to battle, he is no patriot; but he who marches into the fray with flashing eye and beaming face, singing, "It is sweet for one's country to die," proves himself to be sincere in his patriotism. Cheerfulness is the support of our strength; in the joy of the Lord are we strong. It acts as the remover of difficulties. It is to our service what oil is to the wheels of a railway carriage. Without oil the axle soon grows hot, and accidents occur; and if there be not a holy cheerfulness to oil our wheels, our spirits will be clogged with weariness. The man who is cheerful in his service of God, proves that obedience is his element; he can sing,
"Make me to walk in thy commands,
'Tis a delightful road."
Reader, let us put this question--do you serve the Lord with gladness? Let us show to the people of the world, who think our religion to be slavery, that it is to us a delight and a joy! Let our gladness proclaim that we serve a good Master.
-- By Charles Spurgeon
~*~*~
MY THOUGHTS OF MORNING BY SPURGEON
647 a.m.
Verse is:
---
Jeremiah 31:33 New King James Version (NKJV)
33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
---
Jeremiah 31:33 New Living Translation (NLT)
33 "But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days," says the Lord. "I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
Jeremiah 31:33 Expanded Bible (EXB)
33 "This is the ·agreement [covenant; treaty] I will ·make [L cut]
with the ·people [L house] of Israel ·at that time [L after those days]," says the Lord:
"I will put my ·teachings [laws; instructions] in their ·minds [L innards]
and write them on their hearts [Joel 2:28–29].
I will be their God,
and they will be my people [Ex. 6:6–8].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
Jeremiah 31:33 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
33 "Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days"—the Lord's declaration. "I will put My teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.i
---
658 a.m.
He is my God. I am His.
This plus Jesus equals nothing is more important.
He is my God. No one and nothing else. How does my life reflect this? How do I live this every moment?
~*~*~
HE IS MY GOD
He is my God.
Whenever my mind or actions wander, I am not focusing on Him.
He is all I need.
How do I live this each moment?
~*~*~
CROSS-REFERENCES OF JEREMIAH 31:33:
---
Hebrews 8:10 New Living Translation (NLT)
10 But this is the new covenant I will make
with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their minds,
and I will write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
Exodus 15:11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
11 "Who is like You among the gods, O Lord?
Who is like You, majestic in holiness,
Awesome in praises, working wonders?
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
---
1 Kings 8:22-23 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the entire congregation of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven. 23 He said:
Lord God of Israel,
there is no God like You
in heaven above or on earth below,
keeping the gracious covenant
with Your servants who walk before You
with their whole heart.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
---
Exodus 15:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 Lord, who is like You among the gods?
Who is like You, glorious in holiness,
revered with praises, performing wonders?
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
---
THERE ARE NONE LIKE YOU
Lord, you say:
I am Your God.
No one is like Me.
---
Exodus 15:11 Expanded Bible (EXB)
11 "·Are there any gods like you [Who is like you among the gods], Lord?
There are no gods [Who is…?] like you.
You are ·wonderfully holy [splendid/majestic in holiness],
amazingly powerful [awesome in power],
a worker of miracles [doing wonders].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
Exodus 15:11 Expanded Bible (EXB)
11 "·Are there any gods like you [Who is like you among the gods], Lord?
There are no gods [Who is…?] like you.
You are ·wonderfully holy [splendid/majestic in holiness],
amazingly powerful [awesome in power],
a worker of miracles [doing wonders].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
A CHAIN OF EVENTS OF THOUGHTS
MORNING by Spurgeon this morning
Leads to
Jeremiah 31:33
Leads to
Exodus 15:11
... I'm going to focus on Exodus 15:11 (EXB) today.
There is no one and nothing like God.
Period.
I should focus on the ALL-powerful, ALL-knowing, EVER-present God at all times. He deserves nothing less.
And, He is not like any other god. For, when I do, He will bless me and my life. He will love me and will guide me. He will bring me love, peace, joy, etc.
What other God does this?
All other gods judge and do not bring love, peace, joy, etc.
My God does not need me to defend His honor. He can, and does, stand on His own.
His Word never changes.
Other gods' religious texts change and do not remain the same.
My God depends on no man.
Other gods do.
My God says to love your enemy and turn the other cheek. And, belief alone is all I need to go to heaven.
Other gods say to brutally murder and commit suicide in order to go to their heaven.
The false trinity of me, myself, and I cannot save me or give me eternal life. The false trinity is not all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present.
There is no god like my God.
---
Exodus 15:11 Expanded Bible (EXB)
11 "·Are there any gods like you [Who is like you among the gods], Lord?
There are no gods [Who is…?] like you.
You are ·wonderfully holy [splendid/majestic in holiness],
amazingly powerful [awesome in power],
a worker of miracles [doing wonders].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
948 a.m.
No god compares to my God.
No one compares to my God.
Nothing compares to my God.
How much do I believe this and know it?
How much do I live as though this was true--and do so unfaltering, with absolute and unshakable confidence?
---
Nehemiah 8:10 New Living Translation (NLT)
10 And Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
Did you catch that?
"For the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
Nehemiah 8:10 ends in an exclamation mark.
My joy, give to me by God alone--not by people, things, or circumstances-- IS my STRENGTH.
Wow. Wonder of wonders (as my mom says).
How do I live this?
What other god offers this?
---
THINK OF ALL THE RELIGIONS AND SPIRITUALITIES OF THIS WORLD
Think of all of the world's religions, spiritualities, and beliefs.
Whose god is like my God?
No one.
The others ask for death and/or need defending.
The other gods do not talk about loving your enemy.
The others do not offer unconditional love and joy.
The other gods did not die for their people.
The other gods do not offer heaven and eternal life through belief alone. Nor do they offer this because of unconditional love.
My God would never say to murder women or children or civilians.
My God would never say to commit suicide on His behalf.
My God can stand just fine on His own--and can do so without my help.
No other god gives their people joy--which is far more than happiness.
No other god offers blessings to their people. A blessing is a gift of unmerited favor--meaning I do not deserve one of His blessings. But, He blesses me immeasurably anyway.
I do not have to work for God's blessings. I just need to believe.
There is none like my God.
My God loves me even though I make mistakes all day long. And, He forgives me because I believe in Him and turn to Him and His Word.
My God only asks of me belief. That is it. That is the bottom line. I do not have to die by commit suicide or be killed by someone to go to heaven.
My God is love and He wants me to love even my enemy.
No. There is no god like my God.
Thank God.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Thursday, January 8, 2015
SPURGEON AND BIBLE THOUGHTS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07-08, 2015
SPURGEON AND BIBLE THOUGHTS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07-08, 2015
~**~**~
JANUARY 07, 2015, WEDNESDAY, 345 P.M.: BIBLE READING
Bible Reading: Genesis 14:17-Genesis 18:28.
My key verse is:
---
Genesis 15:6 New Living Translation (NLT)
6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
Genesis 15:6 Expanded Bible (EXB)
6 Abram ·believed [put his trust/faith in] the Lord. And the Lord ·accepted Abram's faith, and that faith made him right with God [T counted/credited it as righteousness; Rom. 4:3, 9, 22; Gal. 3:6; James 2:23].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
Believe. This is the focus of the Bible reading today from my perspective. Believe in Jesus. Live Christ today and in every moment.
---
QUESTION FOR ME TO PONDER
How am I living, each and every moment, Jesus?
---
"EVENING" BY SPURGEON
He loves me fiercely and loyally.
Do I know this and live it?
---
MORNING BY SPURGEON FOR JANUARY 07, 2015
This devotional is one I could read every day for the rest of my life--and probably should. I surely need it. The verse that goes with it, once again, is:
---
Philippians 1:21 New Living Translation (NLT)
21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
There is a cross-reference which adds more meaning and depth to the verse (and vice versa):
---
Galatians 2:20 New Living Translation (NLT)
20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
Wow.
Speechless after reading that verse. Then, read the two together and it packs a punch and is rich.
I want to live these verses. Really live them. Let me stress this.
How can I live every moment for Jesus Christ? This needs to be the question I focus on at all times.
~**~**~
I woke in the middle of the night and read some Spurgeon and he said my motto of every moment of every day, my one word should be: Christ.
Talk about profound truth.
Is any other one word more important?
Jesus.
Any questions?
~**~**~
SPURGEON AND BIBLE THOUGHTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 08, 2015, THURSDAY
---
MORNING AND EVENING BY CHARLES SPURGEON:
Original Source:
https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/
Morning
"The iniquity of the holy things."
Exodus 28:38
What a veil is lifted up by these words, and what a disclosure is made! It will be humbling and profitable for us to pause awhile and see this sad sight. The iniquities of our public worship, its hypocrisy, formality, lukewarmness, irreverence, wandering of heart and forgetfulness of God, what a full measure have we there! Our work for the Lord, its emulation, selfishness, carelessness, slackness, unbelief, what a mass of defilement is there! Our private devotions, their laxity, coldness, neglect, sleepiness, and vanity, what a mountain of dead earth is there! If we looked more carefully we should find this iniquity to be far greater than appears at first sight. Dr. Payson, writing to his brother, says, "My parish, as well as my heart, very much resembles the garden of the sluggard; and what is worse, I find that very many of my desires for the melioration of both, proceed either from pride or vanity or indolence. I look at the weeds which overspread my garden, and breathe out an earnest wish that they were eradicated. But why? What prompts the wish? It may be that I may walk out and say to myself, In what fine order is my garden kept!' This is pride. Or, it may be that my neighbours may look over the wall and say, How finely your garden flourishes!' This is vanity. Or I may wish for the destruction of the weeds, because I am weary of pulling them up. This is indolence." So that even our desires after holiness may be polluted by ill motives. Under the greenest sods worms hide themselves; we need not look long to discover them. How cheering is the thought, that when the High Priest bore the iniquity of the holy things he wore upon his brow the words, "Holiness to the Lord:" and even so while Jesus bears our sin, he presents before his Father's face not our unholiness, but his own holiness. O for grace to view our great High Priest by the eye of faith!
-- By Charles Spurgeon
---
Evening
"Thy love is better than wine."
Song of Solomon 1:2
Nothing gives the believer so much joy as fellowship with Christ. He has enjoyment as others have in the common mercies of life, he can be glad both in God's gifts and God's works; but in all these separately, yea, and in all of them added together, he doth not find such substantial delight as in the matchless person of his Lord Jesus. He has wine which no vineyard on earth ever yielded; he has bread which all the corn-fields of Egypt could never bring forth. Where can such sweetness be found as we have tasted in communion with our Beloved? In our esteem, the joys of earth are little better than husks for swine compared with Jesus, the heavenly manna. We would rather have one mouthful of Christ's love, and a sip of his fellowship, than a whole world full of carnal delights. What is the chaff to the wheat? What is the sparkling paste to the true diamond? What is a dream to the glorious reality? What is time's mirth, in its best trim, compared to our Lord Jesus in his most despised estate? If you know anything of the inner life, you will confess that our highest, purest, and most enduring joys must be the fruit of the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. No spring yields such sweet water as that well of God which was digged with the soldier's spear. All earthly bliss is of the earth earthy, but the comforts of Christ's presence are like himself, heavenly. We can review our communion with Jesus, and find no regrets of emptiness therein; there are no dregs in this wine, no dead flies in this ointment. The joy of the Lord is solid and enduring. Vanity hath not looked upon it, but discretion and prudence testify that it abideth the test of years, and is in time and in eternity worthy to be called "the only true delight." For nourishment, consolation, exhilaration, and refreshment, no wine can rival the love of Jesus. Let us drink to the full this evening.
-- By Charles Spurgeon
~*~*~
LOOKING AT "MORNING" BY CHARLES H. SPURGEON
1239 p.m.
The key verse Spurgeon used here was:
---
Exodus 28:38 King James Version (KJV)
38 And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.
King James Version (KJV)
by Public Domain
---
What a relief it is how Jesus is the one, not Aaron, who bore my sin so I could be, and am, forgiven. I can go directly to God myself because of this.
A cross-reference is:
---
Colossians 2:13-14 New Living Translation (NLT)
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
I am forgiven.
Jesus died on that cross for me and my sins before I was even born. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present. So, He died knowing how much of a lowly sinner I am and how much I deserve the death on the cross, not Him. He knew all about me as He died and still allowed me to be born and live.
Talk about undeserving.
Talk about humbling.
---
Colossians 2:13-14 Expanded Bible (EXB)
13 When you were ·spiritually dead [L dead] ·because of [or in] your sins and ·because you were not free from the power [L in the uncircumcision] of your ·sinful self [sinful nature; flesh], God made you alive with Christ, and he forgave all our ·sins [transgressions]. 14 He ·canceled [wiped out; erased] the ·record [certificate] of debt, ·which listed all the rules we failed to follow [L with its decrees that were against us; C the record of sins revealed through the OT law; Eph. 2:15]. He ·took it away [set it aside; destroyed it] and nailed it to the cross.
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
I am forgiven, my debt and wrongdoings have been paid and forgotten. My sins aren't even seen. I am covered like a blanket by Grace. My shame of my errors is covered.
---
Isaiah 1:18 King James Version (KJV)
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
King James Version (KJV)
by Public Domain
~*~*~
BIBLE READING FOR JANUARY 08, 2015
Genesis 18:28-24:20
Key verses are: Genesis 21:2 and 24:1.
---
Genesis 21:2 New King James Version (NKJV)
2 For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
---
God always has perfect timing.
---
Genesis 24:1 New King James Version (NKJV)
24 Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
---
God has surely blessed me in all things.
---
SPURGEON: EVENING OF JANUARY 08, 2015
Read both MORNING AND EVENING again.
Both are devotionals to read over and over and soak them in, plus yesterday morning.
I will not diminish them with words, but... Blessings.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~**~**~
JANUARY 07, 2015, WEDNESDAY, 345 P.M.: BIBLE READING
Bible Reading: Genesis 14:17-Genesis 18:28.
My key verse is:
---
Genesis 15:6 New Living Translation (NLT)
6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
Genesis 15:6 Expanded Bible (EXB)
6 Abram ·believed [put his trust/faith in] the Lord. And the Lord ·accepted Abram's faith, and that faith made him right with God [T counted/credited it as righteousness; Rom. 4:3, 9, 22; Gal. 3:6; James 2:23].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
Believe. This is the focus of the Bible reading today from my perspective. Believe in Jesus. Live Christ today and in every moment.
---
QUESTION FOR ME TO PONDER
How am I living, each and every moment, Jesus?
---
"EVENING" BY SPURGEON
He loves me fiercely and loyally.
Do I know this and live it?
---
MORNING BY SPURGEON FOR JANUARY 07, 2015
This devotional is one I could read every day for the rest of my life--and probably should. I surely need it. The verse that goes with it, once again, is:
---
Philippians 1:21 New Living Translation (NLT)
21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
There is a cross-reference which adds more meaning and depth to the verse (and vice versa):
---
Galatians 2:20 New Living Translation (NLT)
20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
Wow.
Speechless after reading that verse. Then, read the two together and it packs a punch and is rich.
I want to live these verses. Really live them. Let me stress this.
How can I live every moment for Jesus Christ? This needs to be the question I focus on at all times.
~**~**~
I woke in the middle of the night and read some Spurgeon and he said my motto of every moment of every day, my one word should be: Christ.
Talk about profound truth.
Is any other one word more important?
Jesus.
Any questions?
~**~**~
SPURGEON AND BIBLE THOUGHTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 08, 2015, THURSDAY
---
MORNING AND EVENING BY CHARLES SPURGEON:
Original Source:
https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/
Morning
"The iniquity of the holy things."
Exodus 28:38
What a veil is lifted up by these words, and what a disclosure is made! It will be humbling and profitable for us to pause awhile and see this sad sight. The iniquities of our public worship, its hypocrisy, formality, lukewarmness, irreverence, wandering of heart and forgetfulness of God, what a full measure have we there! Our work for the Lord, its emulation, selfishness, carelessness, slackness, unbelief, what a mass of defilement is there! Our private devotions, their laxity, coldness, neglect, sleepiness, and vanity, what a mountain of dead earth is there! If we looked more carefully we should find this iniquity to be far greater than appears at first sight. Dr. Payson, writing to his brother, says, "My parish, as well as my heart, very much resembles the garden of the sluggard; and what is worse, I find that very many of my desires for the melioration of both, proceed either from pride or vanity or indolence. I look at the weeds which overspread my garden, and breathe out an earnest wish that they were eradicated. But why? What prompts the wish? It may be that I may walk out and say to myself, In what fine order is my garden kept!' This is pride. Or, it may be that my neighbours may look over the wall and say, How finely your garden flourishes!' This is vanity. Or I may wish for the destruction of the weeds, because I am weary of pulling them up. This is indolence." So that even our desires after holiness may be polluted by ill motives. Under the greenest sods worms hide themselves; we need not look long to discover them. How cheering is the thought, that when the High Priest bore the iniquity of the holy things he wore upon his brow the words, "Holiness to the Lord:" and even so while Jesus bears our sin, he presents before his Father's face not our unholiness, but his own holiness. O for grace to view our great High Priest by the eye of faith!
-- By Charles Spurgeon
---
Evening
"Thy love is better than wine."
Song of Solomon 1:2
Nothing gives the believer so much joy as fellowship with Christ. He has enjoyment as others have in the common mercies of life, he can be glad both in God's gifts and God's works; but in all these separately, yea, and in all of them added together, he doth not find such substantial delight as in the matchless person of his Lord Jesus. He has wine which no vineyard on earth ever yielded; he has bread which all the corn-fields of Egypt could never bring forth. Where can such sweetness be found as we have tasted in communion with our Beloved? In our esteem, the joys of earth are little better than husks for swine compared with Jesus, the heavenly manna. We would rather have one mouthful of Christ's love, and a sip of his fellowship, than a whole world full of carnal delights. What is the chaff to the wheat? What is the sparkling paste to the true diamond? What is a dream to the glorious reality? What is time's mirth, in its best trim, compared to our Lord Jesus in his most despised estate? If you know anything of the inner life, you will confess that our highest, purest, and most enduring joys must be the fruit of the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. No spring yields such sweet water as that well of God which was digged with the soldier's spear. All earthly bliss is of the earth earthy, but the comforts of Christ's presence are like himself, heavenly. We can review our communion with Jesus, and find no regrets of emptiness therein; there are no dregs in this wine, no dead flies in this ointment. The joy of the Lord is solid and enduring. Vanity hath not looked upon it, but discretion and prudence testify that it abideth the test of years, and is in time and in eternity worthy to be called "the only true delight." For nourishment, consolation, exhilaration, and refreshment, no wine can rival the love of Jesus. Let us drink to the full this evening.
-- By Charles Spurgeon
~*~*~
LOOKING AT "MORNING" BY CHARLES H. SPURGEON
1239 p.m.
The key verse Spurgeon used here was:
---
Exodus 28:38 King James Version (KJV)
38 And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.
King James Version (KJV)
by Public Domain
---
What a relief it is how Jesus is the one, not Aaron, who bore my sin so I could be, and am, forgiven. I can go directly to God myself because of this.
A cross-reference is:
---
Colossians 2:13-14 New Living Translation (NLT)
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
I am forgiven.
Jesus died on that cross for me and my sins before I was even born. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present. So, He died knowing how much of a lowly sinner I am and how much I deserve the death on the cross, not Him. He knew all about me as He died and still allowed me to be born and live.
Talk about undeserving.
Talk about humbling.
---
Colossians 2:13-14 Expanded Bible (EXB)
13 When you were ·spiritually dead [L dead] ·because of [or in] your sins and ·because you were not free from the power [L in the uncircumcision] of your ·sinful self [sinful nature; flesh], God made you alive with Christ, and he forgave all our ·sins [transgressions]. 14 He ·canceled [wiped out; erased] the ·record [certificate] of debt, ·which listed all the rules we failed to follow [L with its decrees that were against us; C the record of sins revealed through the OT law; Eph. 2:15]. He ·took it away [set it aside; destroyed it] and nailed it to the cross.
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
I am forgiven, my debt and wrongdoings have been paid and forgotten. My sins aren't even seen. I am covered like a blanket by Grace. My shame of my errors is covered.
---
Isaiah 1:18 King James Version (KJV)
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
King James Version (KJV)
by Public Domain
~*~*~
BIBLE READING FOR JANUARY 08, 2015
Genesis 18:28-24:20
Key verses are: Genesis 21:2 and 24:1.
---
Genesis 21:2 New King James Version (NKJV)
2 For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
---
God always has perfect timing.
---
Genesis 24:1 New King James Version (NKJV)
24 Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
---
God has surely blessed me in all things.
---
SPURGEON: EVENING OF JANUARY 08, 2015
Read both MORNING AND EVENING again.
Both are devotionals to read over and over and soak them in, plus yesterday morning.
I will not diminish them with words, but... Blessings.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
SPURGEON THOUGHTS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2015
SPURGEON THOUGHTS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2015
~*~*~
CHARLES SPURGEON MORNING AND EVENING:
A DEVOTIONAL FOR JANUARY 07
---
Morning
"For me to live is Christ."
Philippians 1:21
The believer did not always live to Christ. He began to do so when God the Holy Spirit convinced him of sin, and when by grace he was brought to see the dying Saviour making a propitiation for his guilt. From the moment of the new and celestial birth the man begins to live to Christ. Jesus is to believers the one pearl of great price, for whom we are willing to part with all that we have. He has so completely won our love, that it beats alone for him; to his glory we would live, and in defence of his gospel we would die; he is the pattern of our life, and the model after which we would sculpture our character. Paul's words mean more than most men think; they imply that the aim and end of his life was Christ--nay, his life itself was Jesus. In the words of an ancient saint, he did eat, and drink, and sleep eternal life. Jesus was his very breath, the soul of his soul, the heart of his heart, the life of his life. Can you say, as a professing Christian, that you live up to this idea? Can you honestly say that for you to live is Christ? Your business--are you doing it for Christ? Is it not done for self- aggrandizement and for family advantage? Do you ask, "Is that a mean reason?" For the Christian it is. He professes to live for Christ; how can he live for another object without committing a spiritual adultery? Many there are who carry out this principle in some measure; but who is there that dare say that he hath lived wholly for Christ as the apostle did? Yet, this alone is the true life of a Christian--its source, its sustenance, its fashion, its end, all gathered up in one word--Christ Jesus. Lord, accept me; I here present myself, praying to live only in thee and to thee. Let me be as the bullock which stands between the plough and the altar, to work or to be sacrificed; and let my motto be, "Ready for either."
-- By Charles Spurgeon
---
Evening
"My sister, my spouse."
Song of Solomon 4:12
Observe the sweet titles with which the heavenly Solomon with intense affection addresses his bride the church. "My sister, one near to me by ties of nature, partaker of the same sympathies. My spouse, nearest and dearest, united to me by the tenderest bands of love; my sweet companion, part of my own self. My sister, by my Incarnation, which makes me bone of thy bone and flesh of thy flesh; my spouse, by heavenly betrothal, in which I have espoused thee unto myself in righteousness. My sister, whom I knew of old, and over whom I watched from her earliest infancy; my spouse, taken from among the daughters, embraced by arms of love, and affianced unto me forever. See how true it is that our royal Kinsman is not ashamed of us, for he dwells with manifest delight upon this two-fold relationship. We have the word "my" twice in our version; as if Christ dwelt with rapture on his possession of his Church. "His delights were with the sons of men," because those sons of men were his own chosen ones. He, the Shepherd, sought the sheep, because they were his sheep; he has gone about "to seek and to save that which was lost," because that which was lost was his long before it was lost to itself or lost to him. The church is the exclusive portion of her Lord; none else may claim a partnership, or pretend to share her love. Jesus, thy church delights to have it so! Let every believing soul drink solace out of these wells. Soul! Christ is near to thee in ties of relationship; Christ is dear to thee in bonds of marriage union, and thou art dear to him; behold he grasps both of thy hands with both his own, saying, "My sister, my spouse." Mark the two sacred holdfasts by which thy Lord gets such a double hold of thee that he neither can nor will ever let thee go. Be not, O beloved, slow to return the hallowed flame of his love.
-- By Charles Spurgeon
---
Original source:
https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/
~*~*~
THOUGHTS ON "MORNING" BY SPURGEON
858 a.m.
---
QUESTIONS I ASK MYSELF
How am I living my life, all of it, for Jesus Christ?
How am I living this moment, and every moment, for Him?
Am I?
How can I live for Jesus Christ in this moment?
And the next?
---
Now, I will answer them and ponder them.
~*~*~
NEWS
Death is all around.
My cat, Kara, has breast and lung cancer. And, she is also elderly.
My beagle, Zack, turns 15 in a couple of weeks.
I have a grandmother who is getting up there in years.
A blogger I read is dying from cancer.
Death is all around.
Our days are numbered.
We all could die--snap of my fingers--now.
This is news this morning... The headline reads:
"At least 12 dead in Islamist terror attack at satirical French publication | Fox News"
And the original source is:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/01/07/shooting-reported-at-office-satirical-french-newspaper/
This is where Spurgeon this MORNING and Apostle Paul help. Death is all around. But, Jesus Christ is life.
~*~*~
A LACK OF FOCUS
1011 a.m.
My one word for 2015 is "Focus." I frown. Shake my hear as I realize how small minded, unfocused, all-over-the-place I am in my mind. Already, I am proving how unfocused I am. It's Day 7 and I don't think I have made any improvement whatsoever.
How have I applied "Focus" to my life so far in 2015? I am not sure I have.
I am already thinking about focusing on this blog, not on my RYP Journaling blog. But, I will post a daily prompt and daily journaling thought. So, I stopped focusing on one thing to exchange it for another. Is this for God's glory? Is this His will and not mine? I am not sure at this point.
Lord, guide the small-minded, death deserving sinner that I am.
I read MORNING by Spurgeon today about living for Jesus Christ. I had to do some household chores, get ready, etc. I did them and just sat down to journal and focus on the Word of God and on Spurgeon when it hit me. I did not think of Jesus or the Bible once as I did all of that.
Sigh.
I do not like how shallow I am at times. Lord, forgive me and my small, unfocused mind. Teach me to focus on You alone and on Your Word.
Now that I have acknowledged my inadequacies, and how I did not focus on living for Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, my Rock and Redeemer, my King and Friend, I am going to try again.
---
HOW AM I (OR MIGHT I BE) FOCUSED?
1019 a.m.
I say how unfocused I have been in 2015, which is quite true. However, I also have had moments of absolute clarity of focus and a single minded focus. The problem is how those are short lived. (Lord, show me how to change this and to focus all the time on You and the Bible. Teach me. Guide me.)
The moments of clear focus have been how I have been led by You to read the Bible through, cover to cover, the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation in 2015. Also, with how I am to focus on Reverend Charles H. Spurgeon, particularly his MORNING AND EVENING devotional. Hence, I feel led to read nothing but the Bible and the writings of Spurgeon this year.
---
MAYBE LEAD A SPURGEON BIBLE STUDY ONE DAY?
Then, as I did the household chores, something came to me: "Stacy, you're moving. You will look for a new church home when you do. You want to be fed, and need to be fed, but what about doing a study (or studies) on Spurgeon? What about taking a group of ladies through MORNING AND EVENING over the course of a year? And, what about his other writings? Do you know of any such study in the Church? In any church? Alas, I do not.
Questions that come to mind: How could it last a year and why would anyone want to do it for a year? And, is there enough material to do for a year?
Answers: The problem with the church today is I think we are either trying to do too much in Bible study, aren't doing nearly enough, aren't doing it at all, or it's extremely quick and shallow and dumbed down and watered down to the point there is little to no substance and then we wonder why people are leaving the churches and are not going to church.
Also, because of this Bible reading and study method, whatever it is we do nowadays, we are not left changed or transformed. We are not set apart as a church, or as Christians, form the rest of the world. We have succumbed to the world, afraid to rock the boat, or are too lazy to do so. Our Bible readings and studies reflect this. The fact our churches are not open from sun-up to a few hours past sundown prove this is the case. Our churches should be open, and a hub of activity from six in the morning or so to ten o'clock at night, with no lull in-between.
So, what about doing a Spurgeon study, who had over ten thousand go hear him speak on several occasions, from 1853 to 1892?
I think I'm in.
Bible reading cover to cover in a year + writings of Spurgeon = a recipe for a different kind of faith that will surely stand out in this 2015 world.
---
MY WRITING
I keep trying to write and be published. Over and over. And, I haven't been successful. I have been all over the place and haven't been focused.
So, other than a daily journaling prompt and thought on my RYP Journaling blog, I think I'm going to stop writing. I think I will stop claiming to be a writer for a bit.
Stop. No. that's not it. Scratch that. Let me get more specific and straight to the point. Rather...
I am going to focus on the Bible and the writings of Spurgeon this year. This is my focus. This is how I want to live. This is what I want to write and journal. Period. End of story. The end. What comes from it, come what may. It will be all of God, not of me. To Him be the glory forever and ever.
I will journal and write about how I am trying to live a focused, set apart life that is different than this world and all of its standards (or lack thereof).
I will focus on being in Him and in the Word.
I will focus on living a faith like Spurgeon from that late 1800s in today's 2015 world.
---
It's time for me to re-read MORNING by Spurgeon for January 07 (1054 a.m.). So, I will be right back.
Well, I didn't read any of the devotional yet, for I wanted to look at this verse first, in my more modern version of the Bible, and in an older version. And, far more importantly, in the version Spurgeon read. And, version that could help expand on understanding of the verse.
---
Philippians 1:21 New Living Translation (NLT)
21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
Philippians 1:21 New King James Version (NKJV)
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
---
Philippians 1:21 King James Version (KJV)
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
King James Version (KJV)
by Public Domain
---
Philippians 1:21 Expanded Bible (EXB)
21 [For] To me ·the only important thing about living [to live] is Christ, and ·dying would be profit for me [to die is gain/profit].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
Spurgeon read from the KING JAMES VERSION of the Holy Bible. Sometimes it can be the most difficult to read and understand. After all the English then is not the English used today--and there is a big difference even today between the English's English and American English. Nevertheless, I think in this instance, the King James Version the best and easiest to grasp.
Life is Jesus Christ.
Living is living a life in Him, for Him, of Him, by Him, with Him, etc. This is life.
Death is gain, for I will then be with Him for eternity. That being said, I live for eternity today, through living Christ today--not tomorrow. It's living Him alone. I have eternal life in Him now and this is how I am to live today. This is living life at its best and fullest.
To live is Christ.
---
WAITING
1240 p.m.
I have found that life is full of time in the waiting room--waiting for something to happen, for time to pass, for a certain date, and/or for an answer.
This is true with me right now as my husband and I wait for things to line up for us to purchase a house and move across the country to our final destination in Wyoming. We are waiting for those answers, for things to happen, and far more importantly for God's direction. After all, everything is in HIS timing. Thank God. For, His timing is perfect--just as His plans are also perfect.
As we are in this waiting room, we wait. But, it does not mean we are just passive. Although, there is room for that as well. All of life takes both being and doing--often times at the same time. This is the best spiritual life, the combination of being and doing at the same time, in tandem.
As we wait, interest rates keep dropping. For well over two months now, they have been lower than my dad has ever seen. And, today, it just dropped to a percentage we never thought we would see: three percent, with paying down some points. Three percent. to You be the glory, Lord!
If we would have proceeded in our timing, we would have paid around three point seven-five percent. The waiting room is always the best place to be. For, God is working in, around, and through everyone and everything regarding the situation. We are out of His way, if we are in the waiting room.
So, what so we do while we are in the waiting room and are waiting for something or someone? We cling to Jesus Christ and the Word of God, the Bible. Period. That's it. This is everything.
What do we do if we are not in the waiting room? The same thing.
We are to live Christ. Jesus Christ.
---
COLD
117 p.m.
Hang on. I am practically shivering. Let me go grab some coffee and warm up.
126 p.m.
We are going through a cold snap here in the Tidewater area of Virginia. Brrr! The humid cold is a killer, if you ask me. I like the cold. But, I have discovered after moving here how there is a major difference between the dry Midwest cold the humid cold here. right now, the real feel temp is 20 degrees and it will reach you deep in your bones.
Now, let me focus on Jesus, not on the cold.
---
MY NEW DEVOTIONAL
128 p.m.
On January 01, in the morning, I started reading Charles Spurgeon's MORNING AND EVENING in an email sent to me and I even purchased the e-book and an audiobook therefore. Then, I decided to buy myself a copy I could hold in my hands--as I go through this monumental year (with moving, buying our first and last home as a married couple and the house we want to die in, and my husband starts his new job). So, I bought one online and had it sent to my house.
I finally got it yesterday in the late afternoon--and it's beautiful. It's a medium brown leatherette and isn't too big or too small. The same goes with the font.
So far, I've highlighted and taken notes on three pages (both of yesterday's and this morning's devotionals) and am finding the size perfect and am finding it rewarding to be able to look at it throughout the day and hold it in my hand. It makes it more real, meaningful, and delightful to read and apply to my life.
This morning's devotional has been speaking a great deal to me and I am glad to have time to think on it and start to implement it in my life.
I am noticing a trend with Spurgeon's writings, though, and it isn't just in the MORNING AND EVENING devotional. The trend is this: I might as well underline and highlight every word he writes. Every words he wrote and/or uttered packs a powerful punch and are surely meant to get your attention--in a very good way.
I will read the evening version in a few minutes. First, I want to tell you about the other thing I am expecting to receive today that I ordered online.
---
WAITING TO RECEIVE MY NEW BIBLE
138 p.m.
I decided I also want a Bible to hold in my hands, interact with, and enjoy each day, like the MORNING AND EVENING devotional by Spurgeon. After all, I want to read the Bible all the way through this year, cover to cover, Genesis to Revelation. It's in an effort, like with MORNING AND EVENING, to mark this monumental year. It's meant to make a memory and make me live as intentionally as possible.
So, like yesterday, I play the waiting game as I twiddle my thumbs and grow antsy waiting--wondering when I will hear the doorbell ring so I can go running to the door, peak out the door, see if the truck is there. If it is, I open the door, view the package, open the storm door, holler "Thank you," to the back running away from me, heading to the truck, getting a wave in response, and then I grab the package. I will then carry it to the counter to open, and Sinan Orange Maine Coon cat will appear and will undoubtedly help me open the package as he grows excited for the empty box, which he thinks I bought just for him, after he offers the new item a good sniff, mind you. I ask him if it meets with his approval and know it does when he turns to the box, which I set on the floor at that point. I give him until the next morning to play with the empty box. If it is a better size, or is in better shape than his last box, I get rid of the old box. If not, I get rid of the new box.
I then open the new book and put my name and the date on the front page and then look at the rest of the book.
This is my habit and tradition, along with the cat's. It's been years in the making. When we move, the tradition will continue, just in a new house, and in a new kitchen. In which, he will try to tell me he has a new massive basement we could fill with boxes, for he wouldn't mind, he would say. (Uh-no.)
So, here I sit, imagining the moment with the new Bible.
Silly, maybe?
No. It isn't.
I want to wear out this Bible I use it so much. I want to do the same with the MORNING AND EVENING. I want to be forced to put it on the shelf before either one completely fall apart.
I want my Spurgeon 2015 journal to turn into a Spurgeon 2015, 2016, 2017, etc. blog journal.
Want to live a late 1800's faith. Pure. Simple. Not of this modern world. After all, Spurgeon, to me, is like the Christian equivalent of Shakespeare. His writing is beautiful and carries deep meaning. Moreover, I am forced to think as I read his writing.
So, couple my daily Bible reading with the writings of Spurgeon and this year should be a year to remember. That is a guarantee, provided I focus.
Now, I will start my going to the front door, opening it, looking down to see if they just didn't ring the door, stare at the empty front porch with disappointment, head back to the study and wait routine.
Sigh.
Can't wait!
---
MY NEW BIBLE
225 p.m.
My Bible just got here! Let me check it out for a few minutes.
---
SO FAR WITH MY NEW BIBLE
255 p.m.
It's the "WOMEN'S SANCTUARY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE NLT."
It's purdy (pretty) with its teal and brown ink.
The daily devotional readings to read the Bible in a year are set up in days, not dates or numbers. So, it's taken me a bit to figure out how or where to start. I decided that since today is Wednesday, I will start with the second Wednesday of the Bible and of the reading year. And, I have read up to here this year anyway.
I've read the first devotional reading and I need to admit my mouth gaped open when I read it.
It's about waiting.
Hah! That's already what I wrote about earlier today! God is so good.
God's waiting room is part of His plan in my life at times. This includes right now as we wait to buy a house, close up the chapter here in Virginia, move to Wyoming, and start life anew there.
The devotional Bible then reminds me of something very important for me to remember and live: The Bible is full of direction to help me live a life of Christ today.
---
Today's Bible Reading: Genesis 14:17-Genesis 18:28.
---
I will write more about today's subjects in the next blog post.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~
CHARLES SPURGEON MORNING AND EVENING:
A DEVOTIONAL FOR JANUARY 07
---
Morning
"For me to live is Christ."
Philippians 1:21
The believer did not always live to Christ. He began to do so when God the Holy Spirit convinced him of sin, and when by grace he was brought to see the dying Saviour making a propitiation for his guilt. From the moment of the new and celestial birth the man begins to live to Christ. Jesus is to believers the one pearl of great price, for whom we are willing to part with all that we have. He has so completely won our love, that it beats alone for him; to his glory we would live, and in defence of his gospel we would die; he is the pattern of our life, and the model after which we would sculpture our character. Paul's words mean more than most men think; they imply that the aim and end of his life was Christ--nay, his life itself was Jesus. In the words of an ancient saint, he did eat, and drink, and sleep eternal life. Jesus was his very breath, the soul of his soul, the heart of his heart, the life of his life. Can you say, as a professing Christian, that you live up to this idea? Can you honestly say that for you to live is Christ? Your business--are you doing it for Christ? Is it not done for self- aggrandizement and for family advantage? Do you ask, "Is that a mean reason?" For the Christian it is. He professes to live for Christ; how can he live for another object without committing a spiritual adultery? Many there are who carry out this principle in some measure; but who is there that dare say that he hath lived wholly for Christ as the apostle did? Yet, this alone is the true life of a Christian--its source, its sustenance, its fashion, its end, all gathered up in one word--Christ Jesus. Lord, accept me; I here present myself, praying to live only in thee and to thee. Let me be as the bullock which stands between the plough and the altar, to work or to be sacrificed; and let my motto be, "Ready for either."
-- By Charles Spurgeon
---
Evening
"My sister, my spouse."
Song of Solomon 4:12
Observe the sweet titles with which the heavenly Solomon with intense affection addresses his bride the church. "My sister, one near to me by ties of nature, partaker of the same sympathies. My spouse, nearest and dearest, united to me by the tenderest bands of love; my sweet companion, part of my own self. My sister, by my Incarnation, which makes me bone of thy bone and flesh of thy flesh; my spouse, by heavenly betrothal, in which I have espoused thee unto myself in righteousness. My sister, whom I knew of old, and over whom I watched from her earliest infancy; my spouse, taken from among the daughters, embraced by arms of love, and affianced unto me forever. See how true it is that our royal Kinsman is not ashamed of us, for he dwells with manifest delight upon this two-fold relationship. We have the word "my" twice in our version; as if Christ dwelt with rapture on his possession of his Church. "His delights were with the sons of men," because those sons of men were his own chosen ones. He, the Shepherd, sought the sheep, because they were his sheep; he has gone about "to seek and to save that which was lost," because that which was lost was his long before it was lost to itself or lost to him. The church is the exclusive portion of her Lord; none else may claim a partnership, or pretend to share her love. Jesus, thy church delights to have it so! Let every believing soul drink solace out of these wells. Soul! Christ is near to thee in ties of relationship; Christ is dear to thee in bonds of marriage union, and thou art dear to him; behold he grasps both of thy hands with both his own, saying, "My sister, my spouse." Mark the two sacred holdfasts by which thy Lord gets such a double hold of thee that he neither can nor will ever let thee go. Be not, O beloved, slow to return the hallowed flame of his love.
-- By Charles Spurgeon
---
Original source:
https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/
~*~*~
THOUGHTS ON "MORNING" BY SPURGEON
858 a.m.
---
QUESTIONS I ASK MYSELF
How am I living my life, all of it, for Jesus Christ?
How am I living this moment, and every moment, for Him?
Am I?
How can I live for Jesus Christ in this moment?
And the next?
---
Now, I will answer them and ponder them.
~*~*~
NEWS
Death is all around.
My cat, Kara, has breast and lung cancer. And, she is also elderly.
My beagle, Zack, turns 15 in a couple of weeks.
I have a grandmother who is getting up there in years.
A blogger I read is dying from cancer.
Death is all around.
Our days are numbered.
We all could die--snap of my fingers--now.
This is news this morning... The headline reads:
"At least 12 dead in Islamist terror attack at satirical French publication | Fox News"
And the original source is:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/01/07/shooting-reported-at-office-satirical-french-newspaper/
This is where Spurgeon this MORNING and Apostle Paul help. Death is all around. But, Jesus Christ is life.
~*~*~
A LACK OF FOCUS
1011 a.m.
My one word for 2015 is "Focus." I frown. Shake my hear as I realize how small minded, unfocused, all-over-the-place I am in my mind. Already, I am proving how unfocused I am. It's Day 7 and I don't think I have made any improvement whatsoever.
How have I applied "Focus" to my life so far in 2015? I am not sure I have.
I am already thinking about focusing on this blog, not on my RYP Journaling blog. But, I will post a daily prompt and daily journaling thought. So, I stopped focusing on one thing to exchange it for another. Is this for God's glory? Is this His will and not mine? I am not sure at this point.
Lord, guide the small-minded, death deserving sinner that I am.
I read MORNING by Spurgeon today about living for Jesus Christ. I had to do some household chores, get ready, etc. I did them and just sat down to journal and focus on the Word of God and on Spurgeon when it hit me. I did not think of Jesus or the Bible once as I did all of that.
Sigh.
I do not like how shallow I am at times. Lord, forgive me and my small, unfocused mind. Teach me to focus on You alone and on Your Word.
Now that I have acknowledged my inadequacies, and how I did not focus on living for Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, my Rock and Redeemer, my King and Friend, I am going to try again.
---
HOW AM I (OR MIGHT I BE) FOCUSED?
1019 a.m.
I say how unfocused I have been in 2015, which is quite true. However, I also have had moments of absolute clarity of focus and a single minded focus. The problem is how those are short lived. (Lord, show me how to change this and to focus all the time on You and the Bible. Teach me. Guide me.)
The moments of clear focus have been how I have been led by You to read the Bible through, cover to cover, the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation in 2015. Also, with how I am to focus on Reverend Charles H. Spurgeon, particularly his MORNING AND EVENING devotional. Hence, I feel led to read nothing but the Bible and the writings of Spurgeon this year.
---
MAYBE LEAD A SPURGEON BIBLE STUDY ONE DAY?
Then, as I did the household chores, something came to me: "Stacy, you're moving. You will look for a new church home when you do. You want to be fed, and need to be fed, but what about doing a study (or studies) on Spurgeon? What about taking a group of ladies through MORNING AND EVENING over the course of a year? And, what about his other writings? Do you know of any such study in the Church? In any church? Alas, I do not.
Questions that come to mind: How could it last a year and why would anyone want to do it for a year? And, is there enough material to do for a year?
Answers: The problem with the church today is I think we are either trying to do too much in Bible study, aren't doing nearly enough, aren't doing it at all, or it's extremely quick and shallow and dumbed down and watered down to the point there is little to no substance and then we wonder why people are leaving the churches and are not going to church.
Also, because of this Bible reading and study method, whatever it is we do nowadays, we are not left changed or transformed. We are not set apart as a church, or as Christians, form the rest of the world. We have succumbed to the world, afraid to rock the boat, or are too lazy to do so. Our Bible readings and studies reflect this. The fact our churches are not open from sun-up to a few hours past sundown prove this is the case. Our churches should be open, and a hub of activity from six in the morning or so to ten o'clock at night, with no lull in-between.
So, what about doing a Spurgeon study, who had over ten thousand go hear him speak on several occasions, from 1853 to 1892?
I think I'm in.
Bible reading cover to cover in a year + writings of Spurgeon = a recipe for a different kind of faith that will surely stand out in this 2015 world.
---
MY WRITING
I keep trying to write and be published. Over and over. And, I haven't been successful. I have been all over the place and haven't been focused.
So, other than a daily journaling prompt and thought on my RYP Journaling blog, I think I'm going to stop writing. I think I will stop claiming to be a writer for a bit.
Stop. No. that's not it. Scratch that. Let me get more specific and straight to the point. Rather...
I am going to focus on the Bible and the writings of Spurgeon this year. This is my focus. This is how I want to live. This is what I want to write and journal. Period. End of story. The end. What comes from it, come what may. It will be all of God, not of me. To Him be the glory forever and ever.
I will journal and write about how I am trying to live a focused, set apart life that is different than this world and all of its standards (or lack thereof).
I will focus on being in Him and in the Word.
I will focus on living a faith like Spurgeon from that late 1800s in today's 2015 world.
---
It's time for me to re-read MORNING by Spurgeon for January 07 (1054 a.m.). So, I will be right back.
Well, I didn't read any of the devotional yet, for I wanted to look at this verse first, in my more modern version of the Bible, and in an older version. And, far more importantly, in the version Spurgeon read. And, version that could help expand on understanding of the verse.
---
Philippians 1:21 New Living Translation (NLT)
21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
---
Philippians 1:21 New King James Version (NKJV)
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
---
Philippians 1:21 King James Version (KJV)
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
King James Version (KJV)
by Public Domain
---
Philippians 1:21 Expanded Bible (EXB)
21 [For] To me ·the only important thing about living [to live] is Christ, and ·dying would be profit for me [to die is gain/profit].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
---
Spurgeon read from the KING JAMES VERSION of the Holy Bible. Sometimes it can be the most difficult to read and understand. After all the English then is not the English used today--and there is a big difference even today between the English's English and American English. Nevertheless, I think in this instance, the King James Version the best and easiest to grasp.
Life is Jesus Christ.
Living is living a life in Him, for Him, of Him, by Him, with Him, etc. This is life.
Death is gain, for I will then be with Him for eternity. That being said, I live for eternity today, through living Christ today--not tomorrow. It's living Him alone. I have eternal life in Him now and this is how I am to live today. This is living life at its best and fullest.
To live is Christ.
---
WAITING
1240 p.m.
I have found that life is full of time in the waiting room--waiting for something to happen, for time to pass, for a certain date, and/or for an answer.
This is true with me right now as my husband and I wait for things to line up for us to purchase a house and move across the country to our final destination in Wyoming. We are waiting for those answers, for things to happen, and far more importantly for God's direction. After all, everything is in HIS timing. Thank God. For, His timing is perfect--just as His plans are also perfect.
As we are in this waiting room, we wait. But, it does not mean we are just passive. Although, there is room for that as well. All of life takes both being and doing--often times at the same time. This is the best spiritual life, the combination of being and doing at the same time, in tandem.
As we wait, interest rates keep dropping. For well over two months now, they have been lower than my dad has ever seen. And, today, it just dropped to a percentage we never thought we would see: three percent, with paying down some points. Three percent. to You be the glory, Lord!
If we would have proceeded in our timing, we would have paid around three point seven-five percent. The waiting room is always the best place to be. For, God is working in, around, and through everyone and everything regarding the situation. We are out of His way, if we are in the waiting room.
So, what so we do while we are in the waiting room and are waiting for something or someone? We cling to Jesus Christ and the Word of God, the Bible. Period. That's it. This is everything.
What do we do if we are not in the waiting room? The same thing.
We are to live Christ. Jesus Christ.
---
COLD
117 p.m.
Hang on. I am practically shivering. Let me go grab some coffee and warm up.
126 p.m.
We are going through a cold snap here in the Tidewater area of Virginia. Brrr! The humid cold is a killer, if you ask me. I like the cold. But, I have discovered after moving here how there is a major difference between the dry Midwest cold the humid cold here. right now, the real feel temp is 20 degrees and it will reach you deep in your bones.
Now, let me focus on Jesus, not on the cold.
---
MY NEW DEVOTIONAL
128 p.m.
On January 01, in the morning, I started reading Charles Spurgeon's MORNING AND EVENING in an email sent to me and I even purchased the e-book and an audiobook therefore. Then, I decided to buy myself a copy I could hold in my hands--as I go through this monumental year (with moving, buying our first and last home as a married couple and the house we want to die in, and my husband starts his new job). So, I bought one online and had it sent to my house.
I finally got it yesterday in the late afternoon--and it's beautiful. It's a medium brown leatherette and isn't too big or too small. The same goes with the font.
So far, I've highlighted and taken notes on three pages (both of yesterday's and this morning's devotionals) and am finding the size perfect and am finding it rewarding to be able to look at it throughout the day and hold it in my hand. It makes it more real, meaningful, and delightful to read and apply to my life.
This morning's devotional has been speaking a great deal to me and I am glad to have time to think on it and start to implement it in my life.
I am noticing a trend with Spurgeon's writings, though, and it isn't just in the MORNING AND EVENING devotional. The trend is this: I might as well underline and highlight every word he writes. Every words he wrote and/or uttered packs a powerful punch and are surely meant to get your attention--in a very good way.
I will read the evening version in a few minutes. First, I want to tell you about the other thing I am expecting to receive today that I ordered online.
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WAITING TO RECEIVE MY NEW BIBLE
138 p.m.
I decided I also want a Bible to hold in my hands, interact with, and enjoy each day, like the MORNING AND EVENING devotional by Spurgeon. After all, I want to read the Bible all the way through this year, cover to cover, Genesis to Revelation. It's in an effort, like with MORNING AND EVENING, to mark this monumental year. It's meant to make a memory and make me live as intentionally as possible.
So, like yesterday, I play the waiting game as I twiddle my thumbs and grow antsy waiting--wondering when I will hear the doorbell ring so I can go running to the door, peak out the door, see if the truck is there. If it is, I open the door, view the package, open the storm door, holler "Thank you," to the back running away from me, heading to the truck, getting a wave in response, and then I grab the package. I will then carry it to the counter to open, and Sinan Orange Maine Coon cat will appear and will undoubtedly help me open the package as he grows excited for the empty box, which he thinks I bought just for him, after he offers the new item a good sniff, mind you. I ask him if it meets with his approval and know it does when he turns to the box, which I set on the floor at that point. I give him until the next morning to play with the empty box. If it is a better size, or is in better shape than his last box, I get rid of the old box. If not, I get rid of the new box.
I then open the new book and put my name and the date on the front page and then look at the rest of the book.
This is my habit and tradition, along with the cat's. It's been years in the making. When we move, the tradition will continue, just in a new house, and in a new kitchen. In which, he will try to tell me he has a new massive basement we could fill with boxes, for he wouldn't mind, he would say. (Uh-no.)
So, here I sit, imagining the moment with the new Bible.
Silly, maybe?
No. It isn't.
I want to wear out this Bible I use it so much. I want to do the same with the MORNING AND EVENING. I want to be forced to put it on the shelf before either one completely fall apart.
I want my Spurgeon 2015 journal to turn into a Spurgeon 2015, 2016, 2017, etc. blog journal.
Want to live a late 1800's faith. Pure. Simple. Not of this modern world. After all, Spurgeon, to me, is like the Christian equivalent of Shakespeare. His writing is beautiful and carries deep meaning. Moreover, I am forced to think as I read his writing.
So, couple my daily Bible reading with the writings of Spurgeon and this year should be a year to remember. That is a guarantee, provided I focus.
Now, I will start my going to the front door, opening it, looking down to see if they just didn't ring the door, stare at the empty front porch with disappointment, head back to the study and wait routine.
Sigh.
Can't wait!
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MY NEW BIBLE
225 p.m.
My Bible just got here! Let me check it out for a few minutes.
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SO FAR WITH MY NEW BIBLE
255 p.m.
It's the "WOMEN'S SANCTUARY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE NLT."
It's purdy (pretty) with its teal and brown ink.
The daily devotional readings to read the Bible in a year are set up in days, not dates or numbers. So, it's taken me a bit to figure out how or where to start. I decided that since today is Wednesday, I will start with the second Wednesday of the Bible and of the reading year. And, I have read up to here this year anyway.
I've read the first devotional reading and I need to admit my mouth gaped open when I read it.
It's about waiting.
Hah! That's already what I wrote about earlier today! God is so good.
God's waiting room is part of His plan in my life at times. This includes right now as we wait to buy a house, close up the chapter here in Virginia, move to Wyoming, and start life anew there.
The devotional Bible then reminds me of something very important for me to remember and live: The Bible is full of direction to help me live a life of Christ today.
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Today's Bible Reading: Genesis 14:17-Genesis 18:28.
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I will write more about today's subjects in the next blog post.
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WEDNESDAY: JOURNALING HINTS, TIPS, PROMPTS FOR 01.07.2015.
JOURNALING HINTS, TIPS, PROMPTS FOR 01.07.2015.
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76JOURNALING STUFF MAINSTREAM
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MY RYP JOURNALING STORIES AND BLESSINGS JOURNALING (01.05.2015c.)
Written January 05, 2015, Monday, 509 p.m.
I read Genesis 12-15 and both Spurgeon devotionals (Blessings 1559-1560).
The weather is getting colder here. A cold snap is expected tonight through Thursday. It's 44 degrees right now--with humidity. Feels like 42 degrees. I love the cold! (1561)
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DON'T YOU JUST LOVE IT WHEN...
Written January 06, 2015, Tuesday, 1047 a.m.
Don't you just love it when you and a friend or loved one think of each other at the same time and call, text, or email each other at the same time?
That just happened to me. Gotta love that! (1562) It's a sacred time and a sacred bond--and is usually a call to prayer for one another (1563).
A JOURNALING PROMPT
Journal about a time (or several times) when that has happened to you.
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TIMING: A JOURNALING PROMPT
Have you ever noticed how rarely does timing work out the way you want?
Have you noticed how it seems usually it takes a great deal longer than you would like or prefer?
Think of all of the times, and journal about them, when you wished things happened quicker, but since they didn't, they worked out for the best--but the delay made you doubt, wonder, worry, etc.?
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MY RYP JOURNALING STORIES
If you read the Timing Journaling Prompt, that's what I'm going through right now--regarding the whole moving thing. Things got more delayed yesterday. Sigh. (Biting my nails--figuratively.) However, I know that things will happen--just as they are meant to happen--just when they are meant to happen--and will be for the best. But, man, it can make my anxiety increase--until I get my head wrapped around it and journal through it (also pray through it).
So, I count this as a blessing (1564). I have no doubt all sorts of things are being worked out, and people and events are being prepared for all of this to happen. While we may be ready, they might not be. We need to wait for the perfect timing (God's perfect timing and way) (1565).
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JOURNALING STUFF FOR CHRISTIANS
Written January 06, 2015, Tuesday, 1110 a.m.
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TODAY'S BIBLE READING AND DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
Reading: Genesis 16-18.
Genesis 16:1-6 is a passage that has a great deal to say--and a great deal that isn't said.
JOURNALING PROMPT: Journal your thoughts on the passage.
Notice how it doesn't say that Sarai or Abram prayed about this situation in particular. I know they prayed. But, what about this? Did God give His consent--or did they proceed ahead out of fear and anxiety? Did they run ahead of God?
JOURNALING PROMPT: What do you think?
Regardless, we know that God brings His plans to fruition. Always. His plans are always perfect--and so is the way and time He executes them. Always. Without fail. We can trust Him and should.
This passage comes close to home on so many levels for me. First of all, my husband and I cannot have children. That has brought some pain. A lot of it. But, God has turned it into blessing (1566)! And, oh, how numerous and sweet they have been (1567-1568)! What God has brought out of this storm, this pain, this sorrow, has been amazing--and worthwhile. All of it. (1569)
This passage also reminds me right now how critical it is for me to stay in the Word, pray, and stay focused on Him and His Word, and count my blessings (1570). After all, with the whole moving across the country thing, these things are all the more important for me right now.
JOURNALING PROMPT: Journal your thoughts.
I know I can get ahead of God. In fact, I think that's been my life's definition the last fourteen years, if I am fully honest with myself. That being said, God can take anything and turn it out for His good and purposes. Nothing surprises Him.
JOURNALING PROMPT: How about you? Do you make sure to pray something through--or do you run ahead the moment you think you have a word from God on the matter? Are you so passionate about wanting to do God's work and purpose in your life that you tend to move a little too fast? Or, are you the worrier and think things through so fully and completely that you miss when God wanted you to act originally? Or, do you simply procrastinate?
Genesis 17:1--I want to live this verse. How about you (a journaling prompt)?
I want to serve God faithfully--without getting sidetracked--and remaining focused.
I also want to live a blameless life.
JOURNALING PROMPT:Journal your thoughts about the previous two sentences or paragraphs.
The rest of Genesis 17 reminds us that if we don't quite get things right, and get impatient with Him, He is working--and He will work things together for His good and purpose--even though it seems the opposite. We just need to remain faithful to Him, His Word, prayer, and counting our blessings--as we try not to mess up or make a mistake.
JOURNALING PROMPT: Journal your thoughts.
ANOTHER JOURNALING PROMPT: Genesis 18 is full of many lessons to learn. Go ahead and read it and journal what you learn and what you want to apply.
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MY RYP CHRISTIAN JOURNALING STORIES
Written January 06, 2015, Tuesday, 1200 p.m.
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WHAT I DESIRE
DESIRE #1; I hope this year to get the most out of the Bible than I ever have. That new Bible I will receive late tomorrow night, THE WOMEN'S SANCTUARY NLT BIBLE, I hope to mark it up, write in it, and use it so much I end up wearing it out and will need to put it on the shelf before I can't open it again out of worry it will disintegrate.
DESIRE #2: I hope the same with my copy of MORNING AND EVENING, the devotional by Charles H. Spurgeon.
DESIRE #3: I only want to read the Bible, Charles Spurgeon, and books and blogs on journaling this year. I want a reading cleanse and purging, in other words. I want to set my mind on those things.
Even in the midst of all of the craziness over the next three and a half months or so, I want to still take the time to fulfill my other three desires. They are the priority. Nothing else.
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GETTING EXCITED
Written January 06, 2015, 202 p.m.
I'm getting excited. I cannot wait for the mail to get here and for me to get the Spurgeon devotional. I keep looking out my front door in case it's delivered without them ringing the doorbell.
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IT SEEMS
Have you ever noticed that the time you need things to run the smoothest, there are all sorts of speed bumps to slow you down or make you go around?
That's what we seem to be going through.
The sailing is rarely smooth. If it is smooth, that's typically when things are actually really going wrong. If things get bumpy and rock the boat a little, it's usually a good sign that things will work out in the end. Or, at least this is the course of my life. My life has never been easy or fair. If it is ever easy, know I am off track and am doing the wrong things.
However, it can sure make me scratch my head at times.
It can also get my blood pumping.
Each obstacle gets my attention and gets me anxious for a minute or two as I try to remember who is in control. "God so has this. He is far more capable of handling this than I am." Thank God.
This whole moving thing is not going smoothly at all. Thank God. It's not the easy road, so we know we're on track. To Him be the glory!
JOURNALING PROMPT: Journal your thoughts.
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