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\ / Charles Spurgeon's MORNING & EVENING
http://www.heartlight.org/
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Saturday, October 20, 2007
MORNING:
"Grow up into him in all things."
-- Ephesians 4:15
Many Christians remain stunted and dwarfed in spiritual things, so as
to present the same appearance year after year. No up-springing of
advanced and refined feeling is manifest in them. They exist but do not
"grow up into him in all things." But should we rest content with being
in the "green blade," when we might advance to "the ear," and
eventually ripen into the "full corn in the ear?" Should we be
satisfied to believe in Christ, and to say, "I am safe," without
wishing to know in our own experience more of the fulness which is to
be found in him. It should not be so; we should, as good traders in
heaven's market, covet to be enriched in the knowledge of Jesus. It is
all very well to keep other men's vineyards, but we must not neglect
our own spiritual growth and ripening. Why should it always be winter
time in our hearts? We must have our seed time, it is true, but O for a
spring time-yea, a summer season, which shall give promise of an early
harvest. If we would ripen in grace, we must live near to Jesus-in his
presence-ripened by the sunshine of his smiles. We must hold sweet
communion with him. We must leave the distant view of his face and come
near, as John did, and pillow our head on his breast; then shall we
find ourselves advancing in holiness, in love, in faith, in hope-yea,
in every precious gift. As the sun rises first on mountain-tops and
gilds them with his light, and presents one of the most charming sights
to the eye of the traveller; so is it one of the most delightful
contemplations in the world to mark the glow of the Spirit's light on
the head of some saint, who has risen up in spiritual stature, like
Saul, above his fellows, till, like a mighty Alp, snow-capped, he
reflects first among the chosen, the beams of the Sun of Righteousness,
and bears the sheen of his effulgence high aloft for all to see, and
seeing it, to glorify his Father which is in heaven.
EVENING:
"Keep not back."
-- Isaiah 43:6
Although this message was sent to the south, and referred to the seed
of Israel, it may profitably be a summons to ourselves. Backward we are
naturally to all good things, and it is a lesson of grace to learn to
go forward in the ways of God. Reader, are you unconverted, but do you
desire to trust in the Lord Jesus? Then keep not back. Love invites
you, the promises secure you success, the precious blood prepares the
way. Let not sins or fears hinder you, but come to Jesus just as you
are. Do you long to pray? Would you pour out your heart before the
Lord? Keep not back. The mercy-seat is prepared for such as need mercy;
a sinner's cries will prevail with God. You are invited, nay, you are
commanded to pray, come therefore with boldness to the throne of grace.
Dear friend, are you already saved? Then keep not back from union with
the Lord's people. Neglect not the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's
Supper. You may be of a timid disposition, but you must strive against
it, lest it lead you into disobedience. There is a sweet promise made
to those who confess Christ-by no means miss it, lest you come under
the condemnation of those who deny him. If you have talents keep not
back from using them. Hoard not your wealth, waste not your time; let
not your abilities rust or your influence be unused. Jesus kept not
back, imitate him by being foremost in self-denials and
self-sacrifices. Keep not back from close communion with God, from
boldly appropriating covenant blessings, from advancing in the divine
life, from prying into the precious mysteries of the love of Christ.
Neither, beloved friend, be guilty of keeping others back by your
coldness, harshness, or suspicions. For Jesus' sake go forward
yourself, and encourage others to do the like. Hell and the leaguered
bands of superstition and infidelity are forward to the fight. O
soldiers of the cross, keep not back.
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MORNING & EVENING from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
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Morning & Evening is the classic devotional by 19th-century writer
and preacher Charles Spurgeon. It's part of HEARTLIGHT Magazine,
the leading Christian living e-zine on the Web. Visit HEARTLIGHT
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