-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / Charles Spurgeon's MORNING & EVENING
http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, June 27, 2008
MORNING:
"Only ye shall not go very far away."
-- Exodus 8:28
This is a crafty word from the lip of the arch-tyrant Pharaoh. If the
poor bondaged Israelites must needs go out of Egypt, then he bargains
with them that it shall not be very far away; not too far for them to
escape the terror of his arms, and the observation of his spies. After
the same fashion, the world loves not the non-conformity of
nonconformity, or the dissidence of dissent; it would have us be more
charitable and not carry matters with too severe a hand. Death to the
world, and burial with Christ, are experiences which carnal minds treat
with ridicule, and hence the ordinance which sets them forth is almost
universally neglected, and even condemned. Worldly wisdom recommends
the path of compromise, and talks of "moderation." According to this
carnal policy, purity is admitted to be very desirable, but we are
warned against being too precise; truth is of course to be followed,
but error is not to be severely denounced. "Yes," says the world, "be
spiritually minded by all means, but do not deny yourself a little gay
society, an occasional ball, and a Christmas visit to a theatre. What's
the good of crying down a thing when it is so fashionable, and
everybody does it?" Multitudes of professors yield to this cunning
advice, to their own eternal ruin. If we would follow the Lord wholly,
we must go right away into the wilderness of separation, and leave the
Egypt of the carnal world behind us. We must leave its maxims, its
pleasures, and its religion too, and go far away to the place where the
Lord calls his sanctified ones. When the town is on fire, our house
cannot be too far from the flames. When the plague is abroad, a man
cannot be too far from its haunts. The further from a viper the better,
and the further from worldly conformity the better. To all true
believers let the trumpet-call be sounded, "Come ye out from among
them, be ye separate."
EVENING:
"Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was
called."
-- 1 Corinthians 7:20
Some persons have the foolish notion that the only way in which they
can live for God is by becoming ministers, missionaries, or Bible
women. Alas! how many would be shut out from any opportunity of
magnifying the Most High if this were the case. Beloved, it is not
office, it is earnestness; it is not position, it is grace which will
enable us to glorify God. God is most surely glorified in that
cobbler's stall, where the godly worker, as he plies the awl, sings of
the Saviour's love, aye, glorified far more than in many a prebendal
stall where official religiousness performs its scanty duties. The name
of Jesus is glorified by the poor unlearned carter as he drives his
horse, and blesses his God, or speaks to his fellow labourer by the
roadside, as much as by the popular divine who, throughout the country,
like Boanerges, is thundering out the gospel. God is glorified by our
serving him in our proper vocations. Take care, dear reader, that you
do not forsake the path of duty by leaving your occupation, and take
care you do not dishonour your profession while in it. Think little of
yourselves, but do not think too little of your callings. Every lawful
trade may be sanctified by the gospel to noblest ends. Turn to the
Bible, and you will find the most menial forms of labour connected
either with most daring deeds of faith, or with persons whose lives
have been illustrious for holiness. Therefore be not discontented with
your calling. Whatever God has made your position, or your work, abide
in that, unless you are quite sure that he calls you to something else.
Let your first care be to glorify God to the utmost of your power where
you are. Fill your present sphere to his praise, and if he needs you in
another he will show it you. This evening lay aside vexatious ambition,
and embrace peaceful content.
/--- Turn Today's Verse into a Poster ---------------------\
Create beautiful 18"x24" posters from any Bible verse!
You can add your own personal note, making them great for
gifts or awards. See the selection:
\--- http://ads.heartlight.org/email/50/
-----------------/
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
CAPTIVATING: UNVEILING THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN'S SOUL, by John & Stasi Eldredge
Many Christian women are tired, struggling under the weight of the
pressure to be a "good servant," a nurturing caregiver, passionate
lover, or capable home manager. What Wild at Heart did for men, this
book can do for women.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?251
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
MORNING & EVENING from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/spurgeon
\/
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
on the web for even more devotionals, plus music, articles and more
for your Christian walk!
ABOUT HEARTLIGHT:
Heartlight, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) religious non-profit organization.
Donations are needed and welcome (and tax-deductible)! Find out how
to help!
http://www.heartlight.org/support
EDITOR: Phil Ware, phil@heartlight.org
HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-spurgeon@maillists.heartlight.org
HOW DO I LEAVE?
Send a blank email to the unsubscribe address:
spurgeon-unsub@maillists.heartlight.org
STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Find answers to your frequently asked questions:
http://www.heartlight.org/help/faq/spurgeon.html
======================================================================
