Devotional Archives for Morning & Evening, with Charles Spurgeon
The conversion of Lydia, a devout Jewess from Thyatira, is a remarkable example of how providence and the means of grace can lead to spiritual awakening. Through her humble obedience and acts of love towards Paul and the apostles, Lydia's heart was opened to receive the blessings of Jesus, demonstrating that true faith requires surrender and communion with God.
The Bible promises a future reunion with Christ, where believers will gaze on His face for eternity without interruption or distraction. This article explores the hope of eternal communion with Jesus, examining the fleeting nature of earthly joys and the profound sweetness of an uninterrupted encounter with the Savior.
The Bible teaches that true peace and rest are reserved for God's people, who find solace in His promises, covenant of grace, and the person of Jesus Christ. By drawing near to Him through various forms of worship and devotion, believers can experience a deep sense of inner peace that is rooted in their relationship with God.
God often delays answering prayer, but this delay can ultimately lead to greater fervor and clarity of desire, as well as the removal of personal shortcomings that hinder spiritual growth; by continuing to pray with persistence and faith, believers can trust that their petitions will be answered in due time. The Lord's patience is not a sign of indifference, but rather a means of showcasing His power and sovereignty, while also revealing the fullness of His grace to those who persevere in prayer.
God's goodness is prepared for those who are poor in spirit, providing comfort and necessities before they are even needed. Through His infallible foresight, God supplies the needs of His children, offering a promise of strength and redemption that can be claimed by all who trust Him.
A select group of believers will be rewarded with a constant sense of justification and joy, walking in white robes symbolizing their acceptance by God, while those who defile their garments through sin and error will face misery and mourning. Those deemed worthy by Christ will experience unimaginable bliss and happiness in the presence of God, where they will walk in sweet communion with Him forever.
Paul's mission to save souls was his ultimate goal, driving him to tirelessly preach the gospel and sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. Can we say we have followed in his footsteps, living with an all-absorbing desire to win others to Christ?
Jesus Christ's message of redemption is for all, regardless of their sinful nature, as God has chosen the "base things of the world" to be transformed by His electing love. By embracing this love and trusting in Jesus' faithful compassion, individuals can find salvation and sit at the table of mercy with the vilest of mankind.
Jesus' eternal ministry is a testament to His unwavering dedication to serving humanity, as He remains "girt about with the golden girdle of the ephod," symbolizing His role as both King and Priest. By embracing this truth and binding it around our own lives like a girdle, we can resist temptation and stand firm in our faith, just as Jesus does in heaven.
The Bible teaches that the spiritual body of Christ is a harmonious union of opposites, where the glorified head and immortal body are connected to mortal members who died with Jesus. This profound concept of unity in diversity offers believers an unparalleled privilege, allowing them to transcend their earthly limitations and experience a heavenly honour of union with Christ.