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\ / Charles Spurgeon's MORNING & EVENING
http://www.heartlight.org/
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
MORNING:
"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified
of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the
truth."
-- 3 John 3
The truth was in Gaius, and Gaius walked in the truth. If the first had
not been the case, the second could never have occurred; and if the
second could not be said of him the first would have been a mere
pretence. Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it, or
else it is of no value. Doctrines held as a matter of creed are like
bread in the hand, which ministers no nourishment to the frame; but
doctrine accepted by the heart, is as food digested, which, by
assimilation, sustains and builds up the body. In us truth must be a
living force, an active energy, an indwelling reality, a part of the
woof and warp of our being. If it be in us, we cannot henceforth part
with it. A man may lose his garments or his limbs, but his inward parts
are vital, and cannot be torn away without absolute loss of life. A
Christian can die, but he cannot deny the truth. Now it is a rule of
nature that the inward affects the outward, as light shines from the
centre of the lantern through the glass: when, therefore, the truth is
kindled within, its brightness soon beams forth in the outward life and
conversation. It is said that the food of certain worms colours the
cocoons of silk which they spin: and just so the nutriment upon which a
man's inward nature lives gives a tinge to every word and deed
proceeding from him. To walk in the truth, imports a life of integrity,
holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity-the natural product of those
principles of truth which the gospel teaches, and which the Spirit of
God enables us to receive. We may judge of the secrets of the soul by
their manifestation in the man's conversation. Be it ours to-day, O
gracious Spirit, to be ruled and governed by thy divine authority, so
that nothing false or sinful may reign in our hearts, lest it extend
its malignant influence to our daily walk among men.
EVENING:
"Seeking the wealth of his people."
-- Esther 10:3
Mordecai was a true patriot, and therefore, being exalted to the
highest position under Ahasuerus, he used his eminence to promote the
prosperity of Israel. In this he was a type of Jesus, who, upon his
throne of glory, seeks not his own, but spends his power for his
people. It were well if every Christian would be a Mordecai to the
church, striving according to his ability for its prosperity. Some are
placed in stations of affluence and influence, let them honour their
Lord in the high places of the earth, and testify for Jesus before
great men. Others have what is far better, namely, close fellowship
with the King of kings, let them be sure to plead daily for the weak of
the Lord's people, the doubting, the tempted, and the comfortless. It
will redound to their honour if they make much intercession for those
who are in darkness and dare not draw nigh unto the mercy seat.
Instructed believers may serve their Master greatly if they lay out
their talents for the general good, and impart their wealth of heavenly
learning to others, by teaching them the things of God. The very least
in our Israel may at least seek the welfare of his people; and his
desire, if he can give no more, shall be acceptable. It is at once the
most Christlike and the most happy course for a believer to cease from
living to himself. He who blesses others cannot fail to be blessed
himself. On the other hand, to seek our own personal greatness is a
wicked and unhappy plan of life, its way will be grievous and its end
will be fatal.
Here is the place to ask thee, my friend, whether thou art to the best
of thy power seeking the wealth of the church in thy neighbourhood? I
trust thou art not doing it mischief by bitterness and scandal, nor
weakening it by thy neglect. Friend, unite with the Lord's poor, bear
their cross, do them all the good thou canst, and thou shalt not miss
thy reward.
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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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