Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for April 26th, AM.
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2010.

“This do in remembrance of Me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24)

Christians will sometimes forget Christ! There would be no need for Paul’s loving caution if there were not a fearful supposition that our memories might prove treacherous. This is not merely conjecture, because it is sadly too well confirmed in our experience. Forgetting Christ is not just a possibility, but a lamentable fact.

It would seem almost impossible that those who have been redeemed by the blood of the dying Lamb, and loved with an everlasting love by the eternal Son of God, could forget our gracious Savior. But, if startling to the ear, it is,  too apparent to the eye to allow us to deny the crime.

Forget Him who never forgot us?

Forget Him who poured His blood forth for our sins?

Forget Him who loved us even to the death?

Can it be possible? Yes, it is not only possible, but conscience confesses that it is too sadly a fault with all of us, that we suffer Him to be as a traveling man, stopping over only for a night. The one we should make the abiding tenant of our memories is instead merely a visitor. The cross, where our memories should linger, is desecrated by the feet of forgetfulness.

Doesn’t your conscience say that this is true? Do you not find yourself forgetful of Jesus? Temptations steal away your heart, and you are unmindful of Him upon whom your affection ought to be set. Earthly business engrosses your attention when you should fix your eye steadily upon the cross. It is the incessant turmoil of the world, the constant attraction of earthly things which distracts us from Christ.

Let us firmly resolve to not forget Jesus our Beloved in our hearts, and, whatever else we let slip, let us hold fast to Him.

Question: What are some of life’s distractions that cause us to “forget” Jesus, if only briefly?

About the Author: Charles Spurgeon

Are you tired of living a life of trying to please everyone?

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).

I have a confession to make. I was a compliant child.  How was that a problem, you might ask?  It makes me a people pleaser. I rest only after I’ve done enough for everyone to love me, which often leaves me exhausted, both emotionally and physically. And when there is nothing left to give? Undeserved guilt soon follows.

The other problem with being compliant is that many times, people like me get lost in the noise and chatter of well-meaning voices that remind us what is expected of us. People pleasers seldom find the courage to determine what God has in store.

In order to truly hear the voice of God, we must distance ourselves from everyone else. If we ask questions, we must stay long enough to hear His answers. And in many cases, He often calls his children to do the opposite of what the rest of the world is doing.

Just ask the young mother who traded in her high profile career to spend her days with her children. Ask the missionary who sold his big house and SUV to live in a hut in a faraway land.  Ask the father who works a job he hates in order to provide for his family.   The truth is that we were not created for everyone to love us, as Jesus painfully demonstrated.

Jesus was not compliant. Even his family and those in his home town had a hard time understanding what he was up to at times. Not one time did he alter his actions or beliefs based on the expectations of others.

I hate to imagine what would have happened if those who loved him tried to talk him out of what God had called him to do.   The only chance we have at eternal life came because Jesus was willing to be hated.

Dear God,

Thank you for Jesus and the example he provided for us.  We confess that sometimes it is difficult to find our place in your world. It is a busy place, and sometimes we get so caught up in survival that we forget to seek your guidance. We thank you for the love and wisdom of our families and friends, but please help us to separate ourselves enough to hear your voice as well.

Touch our hearts and strongly lead us. We want to follow, even when it doesn’t make sense. We trust you above all else, and are willing to go where you lead us.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you a people pleaser? Where has that been getting you so far? How can you turn from being a people pleaser to being a God pleaser?

About the author Janet Morris Grimes

Do you think of heavy iron chests filled with gold coins buried on a deserted island? Or maybe you think of diamond necklaces, golden tiaras and rings with every imaginable precious stone? Do you think of stocks and bonds, vast houses and estates, jets and fancy cars?  While all of those things hold appeal, true treasure has value for all eternity.

We have been instructed in God’s word and have access to the greatest treasure of all.  Jesus told his disciples, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matthew 13:52, NIV).

Those of us who have been called to lead and teach others have the awesome privilege of pulling out treasures from God’s word and sharing them with those around us.  Listen to Paul’s words as he speaks about those he has not met personally, yet feels the burden to guide:

“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3, NIV).

That same task has been given to us.

Let’s speak the good news of Jesus, teach about the kingdom of heaven, explain truth from God’s word.  In short, let us bring out eternal treasures from our storeroom and share it with everyone around us.

Heavenly Father, thank you for entrusting me with the treasures of your eternal kingdom. May I encourage everyone I know with the truth. Amen.

Questions: How do we fix our attention on true treasure? What treasures about God’s kingdom can you share with us today?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Has your world shattered and left you with no hope? We want to pray for you.

The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

“But Lord,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (Judges 6:13-15, NIV).

Have you ever wondered why God uses ordinary people to accomplish His work? What are we capable of? Gideon asked a similar question when God told him to save Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Gideon argued that his “clan is the weakest in Manasseh” and he is “the least in his family” (Judges 6:15 NIV).

After gathering the forces needed to face the battle, Gideon asked God – not once, but twice – for further proof that He would keep His promise and strengthen him to do His will. He asked God during the night to cover a wool fleece with dew and keep the ground dry, and then the next night to make the ground wet and keep the fleece dry (Judges 6:36-39). Both times, God did as Gideon asked.

The Bible is full of stories of ordinary people like you and I. They’re human, they make mistakes, at times they doubt God’s presence and power and want reassurance that He is really there. They want to know that He’ll help when He gives them a challenge, even one that looks impossible. But the Bible is also full of stories of God working through, blessing, and being very present in the lives of ordinary sinners like you and I.

God does use everyday people to do His will, and gives them what they need to do it. But most of all, He uses and works through everyday people to carry out His plan. He’s always there on the missions He gives us. He knows our weaknesses ahead of time. He overcomes them in His might because we’re not able to do His will without Him.

It’s important to remember that a Christian does not live life in his or her own power. We depend upon the power of God, in the form of the Holy Spirit to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. We rely on God to overcome the challenges that are in the way of accomplishing His work, knowing that He is right there with us (even when it doesn’t feel like He is) in order to bring Him glory.

When Gideon wrung out the fleece after that first night, he ended up with “a bowlful of water” (Judges 6:38, NIV). God knows we doubt Him, because it’s part of our sinful nature. But He’s given us plenty of promises in His Word to stand on, as well as the experience of His hand in our lives to prove that He’ll bring victory time and time again.

As for Gideon, he eventually found that out for himself (Judges 7).

Father God, thank You for pushing us out of our comfort zones in order to do Your work. Thank You for being with us during those times, clearing the path and giving us the ability to do what You call us to do. Please remove any fear, doubt selfishness, or shame from our hearts to make room for Your Spirit, glory, courage, and especially faith. May all we do be for You, and may we never forget that we serve You before ourselves or the world. In the conquering name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Questions: What kind of people does God use to help fulfill His will on earth?

About the author Megan Demelo

Are you struggling with anxiety? Facing loss and disappointment?

It’s a yoyo night. Up and down. Anxiety swallows my sleep. Hot milk, television, pacing. Where is Jesus? Back in bed I clench my eyelids shut, willing my mind to silence. Picturing my problem in my hand I ‘throw’ it out of bed. No good, my problem comes back glued to my hand, screaming, “Worry!”

Accusing voices begin. The enemy says, “You’ve failed, that child will never be whole.” I command Satan and demon powers to be silent in Jesus name only to hear the voice of self, blaming, “It’s your fault. You’re a lousy mother. There’s no remedy.”

Insomnia. What keeps your stomach churning, your eyes staring into midnight blackness? Is your teenager living on the streets? Is the stack of bills higher than the stack of money? Are you terrified over a cancer diagnosis? Is divorce the only solution to the fighting and heartache you live with daily?

Whatever the problem, we’ve got to find a way to leave anxiety with Jesus and go to sleep. The choice? Toss and turn or get up and pray. Giving Jesus the problem is the only way to peace and rest. When sleep eludes and distress overwhelms, these prayer methods work. Climb out of bed and apply these truths, they’ll help you too.

Midnight Methods to Defeat Worry

1.    Worship Jesus whether you feel like praising or not. Sing along with a praise tape. Watch worship videos on television. Meditate – think about – Jesus’ names. What do those names mean to you? For instance, Psalm 18:2: how is Jesus your ‘rock,’ your ‘fortress,’ or your ‘deliverer’? Praise him for the ways he’s rescued you in the past. Praise looks past circumstances and sees God. “I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” (Psalm 9:1-2, NIV)

2.    Can’t speak prayers? Write them. Writing helps us focus. Write the problem and your feelings then ‘give’ it to Jesus by placing it near his picture or burning it as an offering. Thank him. He hears you and will answer. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 John 5:14 -15, NIV)

3.    Write down positive traits of the problem person. Thank God for their strengths and past answers to prayer. Praising positives refocuses your trust in God. “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us….” (2 Corinthians 1:10-11, NIV).

4.    Quote encouraging scripture. If you’ve journaled scripture promises speak them to God claiming them as yours. “You said, Lord, ‘He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave’ ” (Psalm 107:20, NIV). You don’t have a promise journal? Begin one tonight.

Worship, journal or pray and then go to bed. Faith trusts God’s character and his Word. As Pastor Ron Mehl says, “God works the night shift.”

Questions: What are some of the things that keep you awake at night? What has helped you when you are kept awake at night with troubled thoughts?

About the Author Petey Prater (La Von)

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’” Matthew 25:31-34

Sometimes Christians limit the scope of their spiritual responsibility to the Lord and their local church. But the Word of God says that every single believer around the world is related to us as an arm is connected to a body. We are all part of the body of Christ. If our vision for service stops at the local church, our effectiveness for the kingdom will be diminished.

God’s kingdom is the realm where He rules in the hearts of men and exercises His authority. We who have been saved by the grace of God are a part of the kingdom, which is set up in the hearts and lives of all believers. One of these days, that realm will also be a physical reality with a new heaven and new earth. Until then, we should all be at work to build the kingdom by sharing the message of Jesus Christ with the world. That is the task of the church – it is the same mission that was given to the 11 disciples just before Jesus ascended to heaven. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Our responsibility is to construct the bridge of understanding about God’s grace. The Holy Spirit ultimately walks a lost person across the bridge, but we are charged with building it in the first place. Certainly God could have chosen to write a message in flaming letters across the midnight sky. Then people from every culture could see the Gospel, recognize the presence of God, and be saved. But instead, He placed His plan of salvation in the hands of each of us so we can take part in His work. Now is the time to build bridges for Jesus.

Question: How do you see your current role in God’s Kingdom, as it has been revealed so far on Earth?

About this Author: Charles Stanley

“You know these things – now do them! That is the path of blessing” (John 13:17, NLT).

These words of Jesus are as binding on us who follow Him today as they were on the disciples who actually heard Him speak them.

You will remember the setting. Jesus had just washed the feet of His disciples as an example of servanthood that He wanted them to observe and to learn. And that is the lesson we do well to ponder: service for others.

Except for the good we can do others, in the power and with the enabling of God’s Holy Spirit, what really is the purpose of our being left here on earth? And miracle of miracles, when we do that which is right – serve others, in Christ’s name – our own personal problems seem minor and relatively unimportant.

Loneliness and depression have their quickest cure in the realm of helping others. No matter what our problem – physical, spiritual, or material – it is quite likely we can find others whose plights are worse. By giving of ourselves in their behalf, we forget about our own troubles, which are usually resolved in the process.

Simple, is it not, that we are to do those things the Lord commands us to do? When we read and study His Word, we can find out just what they are.

Bible Reading: John 13:12-16

Today’s action point: I will not be content with just admiring the example Jesus has set before us, but will seek to obey His commands to be a doer if the Word as well.

About the Author: Bill Bright

Are you confused and not sure what to do or where to turn? Would you like us to pray for you?

“I will walk in my house with blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing” (Psalm 101:3, NIV).

This passage recalls to mind several adages from my youth. Charity begins at home. Cleanup your own backyard first. It is what you do and say behind closed doors that reveals your character.

All of these are true. What we practice away from the world defines how we will act and react in the world.  It is our responsibility to teach our children Our Lord’s truths and His Word.  It is also our responsibility to be an example to them. If we do not read the Bible, pray and practice the fruits of the Spirit in the privacy of our homes, how can we expect our children to learn to live that way?  Telling them to do as you say and not as you do never works, does it?

Even after the kids are long gone are we still responsible for acting the way we should in our homes. We should act as if Jesus was right there, because, guess what? He is. 24/7, 365 days a year.  Unless we practice being Christ-like in the safety of our homes, even though no one else is around to observe it, it will not become a deeply imbedded way of thinking and doing. How can Christ truly dwell in us if He does not dwell with us?

David knew this. Of course his house was much bigger- it was the whole of Israel. Still, it is a great Psalm to take to heart and remind ourselves that being a Christian is an ongoing thing, not just the way we act in public. To be otherwise is two-faced and deceptive. And we cannot serve two Masters, can we?

Ask yourself, who is Master in my house? Then take to heart what Joshua said to the tribes as they entered the Promised Land when he proclaimed that he and his house would serve the Lord. And each day, vow to keep the promise that David made in his Psalms: “No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house, no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked…”  (Psalm 101: 7- 8a, NIV).

Questions: What things do you need to “put to silence” today?  What’s in your house that may be hindering your witness?

About the Author Julie Cosgrove

Feeling lonely and unloved? We’re here. Talk to us.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EST.

The weather reports warned that snow was coming. Although we know that more beautifully moderate days of fall lie ahead, here in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains we become accustomed to at least one heavy snowfall in October where branches creak and groan with the accumulation of the moisture laden white stuff.

While I understand that people are inconvenienced by the snow – school openings are delayed if not cancelled, driving becomes hazardous and electric power can be interrupted – I must admit that I was ready for a snowstorm this week. I wanted the quiet that such a storm brings; I wanted what seems like extra time; I wanted to sit in front of the fireplace with a good book; I wanted to make a big pot of soup.

After only three short years of ministry, accompanied by twelve weak followers, Jesus was able to look in His Father’s face and say, “Father, I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” He walked with confident obedience in His Father’s plan, spending time in prayer, training His apprentices, meeting the needs of hurting people.

Why do I need a snowstorm? What is there about all the appointments and meetings on my calendar that require an “outside influence” for me to reevaluate their importance? Perhaps I need to live more consistently with a Snowstorm Mentality, asking God to direct my schedule – as Jesus did – so that quiet, extra time, books and soup are important portions of my daily life.

Lord, thank you for the reminders that come with snowstorms, reminders to listen quietly for your moment – by – moment guidance and not be harassed by the many demands

Questions: How are you allowing the busyness of the day control your life? Tell us of some creative ways that you spend your quiet time with the Lord.

About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for June 9th, PM.

Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2010.

“Search the Scriptures.” John 5:39, KJV

The Greek word here rendered “search” signifies a strict, close, diligent, curious search, such as men make when they are seeking gold, or a hunter earnestly tracking their target. We must not be content with superficially reading a chapter or two. Instead, with the light of the Spirit, we must deliberately seek out the deepest meaning of the word.

Understanding Holy Scripture requires searching. Much of it can only be learned by careful study. There is milk for babies, but also meat for those who are mature in faith. The rabbis wisely say that a mountain of significance hangs on every word, on every syllable even of Scripture. The second century theologian Tertullian exclaims, “I adore the fullness of the Scriptures.” No one who merely skims the book of God can truly profit from it. We must dig and mine until we obtain the treasure buried deep within.

The door of the word only opens via the key of diligence. The Scriptures are the writings of God, bearing the divine stamp and imprint. Who would dare to treat them with frivolously? He who despises them despises the God who wrote them. God forbid that any of us should leave our Bibles to become swift witnesses against us in the great day of account!

The word of God will repay you for mining it. God does not want us to sift a mountain of rubbish with here and there a grain of wheat in it. Instead, the Bible is like treasure stored in a mansion … we have only to open the door and find it. Scripture grows on the student. It is full of surprises. Under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, to the searching eye it glows with splendor of revelation, like a vast temple paved with gold, and roofed with rubies, emeralds, and all types of gems. But truly there is no merchandise like the merchandise of Scripture truth.

Most importantly, the Scriptures reveal Jesus: “They are they which testify of Me.” (John 5:39, KJV) No more powerful motive can be urged to Bible readers than this: anyone who finds Jesus finds life, heaven, all things. Happy are all who, searching his Bible, discovers their Savior.

Questions: How has your Bible reading been recently? If you had a reading plan this year, how have you kept up with it, or what has hindered your progress?

About this Author: Charles Spurgeon