Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for February 20th, AM.

Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2009.

“God, who comforts the downcast …” (2 Corinthians 7:6).

Who else comforts like Him? The sweetest promises and whispered words of comfort, coming from us, can fall upon deaf ears to someone who is truly poor, melancholy, and distressed. As much as we may try to comfort them, it may only be a note or two of mournful resignation that you get in reply. You will bring forth no psalms of praise, no hallelujahs, no joyful sonnets. But let God come to His child, let Him lift up their head, and the mourner’s eyes glisten with hope. “‘Tis paradise, if thou art here; If thou depart, ’tis hell?”

You could not have cheered them, but the Lord has done it. “God, who comforts the downcast …” Even when there is no comfort to be found in the world, there is comfort in God. There is no physician among the creatures, but the Creator is Jehovah-Rophe (”The LORD who Heals”). It is marvelous how one sweet word of God will become whole songs for Christians. One word of God is like a piece of gold, and the Christian is the metal-worker who can hammer that promise out for whole weeks.

So, then, there is no need for you to collapse in despair. Go to the Comforter, and ask Him to give you consolation. You are like a poor dry well. When a pump is dry, you must pour water down it first to prime it, and then you will get water. So too when you are dry, go to God, ask Him to pour His joy in your heart, and then your joy will be full. Don’t go to earthly friends, for you may find them to be like Job’s “comforters”. Instead, go first and foremost to your “God, who comforts the downcast …” and you will soon say, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul” (Psalm 94:19).

Question: Where in your Bible do you most often turn when you’re seeking consolation?  As you look back, what can so often be the reason that one is
downcast?

About this Author Charles Spurgeon

Broken relationships left me with a choice — to become bitter or better.  Bitterness destroys me and leaves the person I was hurt by unscathed.   There really is no choice but to forgive.  I’ve learned that there are times when people hurt me but their motives were otherwise.  Sometimes my perception of the words and actions of another eclipse the motives of their heart.  It helps to try to look at the situation through their eyes and then realize I need to go past it.   I know I will grow through each relationship and the influence it has on my life.

Love is definitely a risk.  Love requires honesty and trust and vulnerability. Love shows us who we really are – both at our best and at our worst.  Love holds up a mirror, but it does not show the whole picture.  If we’ve been hurt by love, it’s easy to believe that everything we saw, everything that was said about us it true.  But it’s not.  There’s more to our story than that.

Love can be a wonderful teacher, a balm, a safe place, a restorer.  When love goes sour it can shatter much more than our hearts.   The hardest thing in the world is picking yourself back up after a heartache.  If we’re going to love again we have to learn from what went wrong and then leave it in the past.   It feels like the end of the world when love walks away, but the world keeps spinning.  I have to risk loving again or spend my life alone.  It’s rarely easy, but love is always worth the effort.  Love is always a risk, is it always dangerous? Has love ever left you gutted?

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Every year, millions of people around the world, are victims of “identity theft”.

When you think about it, it’s kind of sad how “identity” here is essentially equated with “financial security”. Our true identities are so much more than that. Ironically, we’re often much more protective of our personal identities -who we really are as people- than we are of our financial details!

People often wear metaphorical masks to hide their true identities. In her article Unmasking Our True Selves, Barbara Erochina asks the question: Does anyone know the real you? Read the article to explore this issue, and consider the masks you might be wearing yourself.

Identity theft is a serious concern, but I think knowing your own identity is an even more serious one. As a wise man once rhetorically asked, “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” If you feel like you need someone to talk to about these issues, feel free to contact us privately, anytime.

It had been a heavy week, incredibly busy and in the midst of it all, people all around me who were hurting. As I sat down with my Bible in hand, I wondered what it was that God was going to remind me about today. As I glanced down to the blank page of my journal, my eyes fell on the verse at the bottom of the page, “Whoever believes in Me…streams of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:38 NIV).

What a word picture—not a barren dessert, but living, life-giving water. Not black storm clouds either, but living water that was supposed to flow out of my innermost being, not just squeezed out, or trickling out, but full out! The next verse that came to mind was Matthew 11:28 “Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest for your soul.”

I had to stop and consider: What does a soul at rest look like?

*It doesn’t worry, using up countless energy being anxious about something that may never happen. Did you know that 80% of what we worry about never happens?

*It doesn’t mean that I don’t care about others, but it means that I leave those cares at the foot of the cross and leave them there. “Casting all your cares upon Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

*It means that I listen and pray and allow God to be God in the lives of those I care most about. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

*It means that I will experience God’s peace in the middle of the storm, not just afterwards. “and the peace that passes all understanding…will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”(Philippians 4:7).

Lord, nothing has changed since I sat down here with to reflect on You and Your Word. But my focus has changed, and my soul is at rest. Keep me in that place today Lord. Amen.

Questions: What is it that is keeping your soul from being at rest today? How can you practically leave your cares at the foot of the cross? Why is it so difficult? Share something that we can pray with you about today that is threatening to destroy your soul’s rest.

About the Author Doris Beck

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for August 27th, PM.

Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2009.

“Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.” Psalm 31:5, KJV

These words have frequently been uttered by faithful people in their hour of departure. The object of a person’s main concern in life and death should not be their body, or their wealth, but their spirit. This is your most precious treasure, and if it is safe, all is well. How can your current physical maladies compare with your eternal soul?

A believer will commit their soul to the hand of God. We came from Him, are His own. He has sustained us, and He is able to keep us. And so it is appropriate that He should receive us back to Him.

All things are safe in God’s hands. What we entrust to the Lord will be secure, both now and until the end of days towards which we are fast approaching. It is peaceful living, and glorious dying, resting in the care of heaven. At all times we should commit all we have to Jesus’ faithful hand. Then, even when life hangs on a thread, and adversities multiply as the sands of the sea, our soul will dwell at ease, and delight itself in quiet resting places.

“Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” God’s redemption is solid ground for having confidence. David didn’t know about Jesus’ death and resurrection as we do, but even his imperfect knowledge cheered him. And won’t eternal redemption even more sweetly console us? Past deliverances assure us of present assistance. What the Lord has done, He will do again. He never changes. He is faithful to His promises, and gracious to His saints. He will not turn away from His people.

“Though Thou slay me I will trust, Praise Thee even from the dust, Prove, and tell it as I prove, Thine unutterable love.

Thou mayst chasten and correct, But Thou never canst neglect; Since the ransom price is paid, On Thy love my hope is stay’d.”

Question: Have you committed your life to God?

About this Author: Charles Spurgeon

“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval” (John 6:27).

All I needed was a loaf of bread, so I turned into one of those gas stations on steroids where you can buy most of the necessities of life. I looked up and down row after of row for a simple measly loaf of bread. Finally, in the back corner on a bottom shelf, I found a loaf or two. But, what amazed me was all the other food offerings.

There was row after row of all sorts of snacks containing high fats, carbs and sugar. I started looking at the nutrition disclosures on individual packages. Why, the calorie intake on some of those small packages was more than half of a recommended daily caloric diet. No wonder American’s have an obesity problem.

You are what you eat, and what you eat influences virtually everything in your life, from how much energy you have . . . to how well your brain works . . . to how long you live. If you want to have a great brain, you must consistently give it nutrient-rich foods. I know it sounds almost too easy, but it’s a scientific fact: Change your diet, and you change your life.

But, those same principles dealing with our nutritional food diet apply to our spiritual diet and effect our life just as much…..change your thoughts and change your life. Garbage in, garbage out, or so the saying goes. We tend to become what we think about all day long.

Paul gives us some worthy advice in Philippians 4:8: “And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.”

Truth, goodness, righteousness, purity and loveliness… think about these things. Let them be the object of your careful attention and study, so as to practice them. Think what they are; think on the obligation to observe them; think on the influence which they would have on the world around you. Esteem them highly, recommend them heartily, and practice them fervently.

Are you still feeding your soul junk food? Just as you change your pattern of eating to get physically fit, change your pattern of thinking to get spiritually fit. Think on good things and you will be a better person. Cast your thoughts on Jesus and you become more like him.   ( a thought on life from John Grant )

Questions: What are some of the “junk foods” you are feeding your soul? What steps need to be taken in order to have a healthier spiritual life?

About the Author John Grant

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Jesus, The Bread of Life, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

At seventy-eight years of age, Jack shows no signs of slowing; only growing. His chipper attitude paints the world with vibrant colors, even in his blackest moments. While he may be known as the golden oldie around his neighborhood, he stays true to his spiritually appointed color –green.  “They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green” (Psalm 92:14).

Like a tender, green twig sprouting from a Golden Oak tree, Jack bends with the winds of life, confident that his roots are firmly established in God’s promises. His faith continues to blossom like a flower, drawing others to the beauty of Christ.

While society may encourage seniors to step back, take the lead from God’s Word: bear fruit in old age. Be that mighty oak, blossoming in your faith, for the one who is planted in the house of the Lord will surely flourish (Psalm 92:13).

With a crown of gray hair resembling the many rings of an aged tree, we too can produce secondary branches. Motivate a generation of family and friends with your living legacy.

Whether you are home bound, bed bound or able to get up and around, continue to be spiritually active. Get involved in a ministry that will encourage others and nourish your soul.

Make those golden years even brighter – make them fresh and green.

“Lord, in Your eyes, there’s no such thing as retirement. Here is my heart, my hands and my feet. Use them until I draw my last breathe. Thank you that I am valued no matter my age or stage in life.”

Question: Whether you are a senior citizen or are a “lady in waiting,” share how you are staying fresh and green.

About the Author Charlene Friesen

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, He Did It Just for You, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things”  (Philippians 4:8).

“Speed Kills.” Or so says the billboard to encourage drivers to slow down. Thousand are killed every year on the nation’s highways due to excessive speed. But as I drove along and thought about the billboard message, I thought how speed can kill the body, but slowness can kill the soul.

Perhaps there is no more dangerous time for our spiritual life than when our brain is coasting, idling or in neutral. It is like going to sleep at night with the door unlocked. There is no telling what will sneak in and harm us.

Our most vulnerable moments are the unguarded ones, not the ones where we are focused on a mission and going ninety miles an hour with gusts to a hundred and twenty. What I think about in my unguarded moments reflects what my mind dwells upon and ultimately decides what kind of person I become.

I need to discipline and exercise my mind just as I do my body. If I fill my body with garbage then it turns to garbage. My mind is no different. What I dwell on in those neutral moments is a good gauge of what is in my heart. I need to be cautious and what I allow in my mind. The best way to exercise and guard my mind is to contemplate those things that are pure, lovely and of good repute.

I should not allow the world to fill my mind with ungodly thinking and focusing on the “things” of this world. The best way to keep the evil one and his devices from entering my mind is to guard its door with scripture and prayer and by focusing on that which is true, noble, just, pure, lovely and good.

The things I allow my mind to focus on will determine the way I live and if I focus on the evils and temptations of this world, I take down my guard and can be led into sin like a sheep to slaughter. If I fill my mind with the things of Christ, then I will become Christ like and if I fill my mind with the evils of this world then I become like the rest of the world.

Beware of neutral…. It’s a killer!

Lord, I know that whatever I fill my mind with is a matter of choice, my choice.  Please help me to be aware of those times when I am vulnerable and help me to guard my mind. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Questions: What do you think about in your unguarded moments? How can you guard your mind and keep it alert and ready for action?

About the Author John Grant

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, The Danger of Being in Neutral, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for Dec 26th, PM.

Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

The Lord Jesus is always intimately involved in His church. He walks among you, and His promise is “I am with you always.” He is as close to us now as He was to the disciples at the lake when they sat and ate fish with Him around a fire. Not physically, but still in real truth and presence, Jesus is with us.

And this is a blessed truth, since where Jesus is, love becomes inflamed. Of all the things in the world that can set the heart burning, there is nothing like the presence of Jesus! A glimpse of Him so overcomes us, that we are ready to say, “Turn your eyes from me; they overwhelm me.” (Song of Solomon 6:5) Even the touch of His garments causes the sick and the faint to grow strong. If we, for even a moment, lean our heads against Him and receive His divine love into our poor cold hearts, we are cold no longer, but glow hot in love. We will gain strength equal to every labor and capable of withstanding every suffering.

If we know that Jesus is with us, all our abilities will be developed, every grace strengthened. We must cast ourselves into the Lord’s service with heart, and soul, and strength. Therefore, the presence of Christ is to be desired above anything else. Those who are most like Him will most clearly appreciate his presence. If you desire to see Christ, you must seek to conform ever more closely to Him. Bring yourself, by the power of the Spirit, into union with Christ’s desires, and motives, and plans of action, and you are likely to be favored with His company.

Remember, Jesus is with you. His promise is as true as ever. He delights to be with us. If He does not come, if He does not seem close, it is because we hinder Him by our indifference. He will reveal Himself to our earnest prayers, and graciously lend an ear to our praises, requests, and tears, for these are the golden chains which bind Jesus to His people.

Lord Jesus,
Today I draw near to You and ask You to fill me with Your peace and Your presence by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Questions: How does knowing that Jesus is as close to you as He was with the disciples make a difference in how you live your life daily?

About this Author Charles Spurgeon

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, What’s Your Excuse?, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog