“I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:40 (KJV)

Could stones cry out? Certainly they would if He who opens the mouth of those unable to speak commanded the stones to lift up their voices. And if they were to speak, they would have plenty to sing in praise of Him who created them by the word of His power. They could proclaim the wisdom and power of their Maker who by his command called them into being.

Shouldn’t we praise Him who made us brand new, and out of stones raised up children of Abraham?

If the stones were to speak, they could tell of how God took them from the quarry, shaped them, and made them fit for the temple. Can’t we tell of our glorious God who shapes with the hammer of His word, so He can build us into His temple? The old rocks could tell of chaos and order, and the handiwork of God in successive stages of creation’s drama. Can’t we likewise talk of God’s decrees, of God’s great works, and all that He did for His church and continues to do?

If the stones cried out, they would have a long, long story to tell, because many great stones have been rolled as a memorial to the Lord. We too can testify of all the ways God has guided us, helped us, and benefited our lives in innumerable ways.

The stones might cry out, but we shouldn’t let them be heard! Instead, we should overpower their noise with our own. We should break forth into sacred song, and bless the majesty of the Most High all our days, glorifying Him who is called by Jacob the Shepherd and Stone of Israel.

Question: Why did Jesus talk about the stones “crying out“?

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon.
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2009
Used by Permission

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“If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes”  Mark 9:23

A certain man had a demoniac son, who was afflicted with a dumb spirit. The father, having seen the futility of the endeavors of the disciples to heal his child, had little or no faith in Christ, and therefore, when he was asked to bring his son to Him, he said to Jesus, “If You can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” Now there was an “if” in the question, but the poor trembling father had put the “if” in the wrong place: Jesus Christ, therefore, without commanding him to retract the “if”, kindly puts it in its legitimate position. “No, verily,” He seemed to say, “there should be no “if'” about My power, nor concerning My willingness, the ‘if’’ lies somewhere else. “If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.” The man’s trust was strengthened, he offered a humble prayer for an increase of faith, and instantly Jesus spoke the word, and the devil was cast out, with an injunction never to return.

There is a lesson here which we need to learn. We, like this man, often see that there is an “if” somewhere, but we are perpetually blundering by putting it in the wrong place. “If” Jesus can help me–“if” He can give me grace to overcome temptation–“if” He can give me pardon–“if” He can make me successful? No, “if” you can believe, He both can and will. You have misplaced your “if“. “If” you can confidently trust, even as all things are possible to Christ, so shall all things be possible to you.

Faith stands in God’s power, and is robed in God’s majesty; it wears the royal apparel, and rides on the King’s horse, for it is the grace which the King delights to honor. Girding itself with the glorious might of the all-working Spirit, it becomes, in the omnipotence of God, mighty to do, to dare, and to suffer. All things, without limit, are possible to him that believes. My soul, can you believe your Lord tonight?

Question: Do you believe God can do all things? Where have you placed your “if” in regards to God’s ability to make you successful or forgive your sins?

by Charles H. Spurgeon
updated to modern English 2008

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“I the LORD do not change.” Malachi 3:6

It is good that, despite all the variableness of life, there is One who cannot change. One whose heart can never alter, and on whose brow uncertainty can make no furrows.

Everything else has changed. All things are changing. The sun itself dims with age; the world is growing old; the folding up of the worn-out clothing has commenced. The heavens and earth must soon pass away. They will perish, growing old like a garment. But there is One who only has immortality, of whose years there is no end, and in whose person there is no change. The delight which the sailor feels when he steps upon the solid shore after having been tossed about for many a day, is the satisfaction of a Christian when amidst all the changes of this life, he rests the foot of his faith upon this truth “I the LORD do not change.”

The anchor gives a ship its stability. Likewise, the Christian’s hope gives him stability when he fixes on the glorious truth that with God, “who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) Whatever His attributes were yesterday, they remain today: His power, His wisdom, His justice, and His truth, are all unchanged. He has always been the refuge of His people, their stronghold in their day of trouble, and He is still their reliable Helper.

He is unchanging in His love. He has loved His people with an everlasting love and He loves us now as much as ever He did. When all earthly things shall have melted away, His love will still wear the dew of its youth. Precious is the assurance that He never changes! The wheel of providence turns, but its axle is eternal love.

“Death and change are busy ever, Man decays, and ages move; But His mercy waneth never; God is wisdom, God is love.”

Question: How does God’s unchanging nature give you comfort in difficult times of instability?

by Charles Spurgeon
Used by Permission

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“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” Mark 16:16

The pastor asked the inhabitants of the island how someone could be saved.

An old man replied, “We will be saved if we repent, and forsake our sins, and turn to God.”

“Yes,” said a middle-aged female, “and with a true heart too.”

“I agree,” answered a third, “and with prayer.” And, added a fourth, “It must be the prayer from the heart.”

“And we must be diligent too,” said a fifth, “and keep the commandments.”

After each had contributed to the discussion, they felt that a decent creed had been compiled. They all turned and waited for the pastor’s approval. But instead, they had aroused deep pity in his heart.

The worldly mind always tries to map out a way we can do works and become great, but the Lord’s way is just the opposite. Believing and being baptized aren’t deeds to be gloried in. They are so simple that boasting is impossible, and God deserves all the praise for the free grace He has given.

To believe is simply to trust, to depend, to rely on Christ Jesus. To be baptized is to submit to the ordinance which our Lord fulfilled at Jordan, to which the earliest believers submitted at Pentecost, and to which the jailer obeyed the night of his conversion. The outward sign of baptism does not save, but it encompasses our death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus, and, like the Lord’s Supper, shouldn’t be neglected.

It may be that you are unsaved. What is the reason? Do you think Jesus’ singular path of salvation is unclear? But how can that be when God has given us His own word and His assurance of its clarity? Do you think it is too easy? Why, then, do you not accept and embrace it? Its ease leaves those who choose to neglect it without excuse.

If you are not a believer, then remember there is only one door, and if you will not enter by it you will perish in your sins. But if you do believe in Jesus, then my dear friend, dismiss your fears, for you will surely be saved.

Question: Do we sometimes put too much confidence in our own good works? How can we begin to focus more on God?

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon,
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2009.
used by permission

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“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:17

Divine omniscience (God’s all-knowingness) gives no comfort to the ungodly mind, but to the child of God it overflows with consolation. God is always thinking about us, never turns aside His mind from us, and always has us before His eyes. This is precisely what we want and need, because it would be dreadful to exist for a moment beyond the observation of our heavenly Father.

His thoughts are always tender, loving, wise, sensible, and far-reaching. They bring to us countless benefits, so it is a choice delight to remember them. The Lord always did think about His people, and so comes their election and the covenant of grace by which their salvation is secured. And He will always think about them, and this will result in their final perseverance by which they will be brought safely to their final rest.

In all our wanderings the watchful glance of the Eternal Watcher is always fixed on us, and we never roam beyond the Shepherd’s eye. In our sorrows He observes us incessantly, and no painful moment escapes Him. In our trials He perceives all our weariness, and writes in His book all the struggles of His faithful ones. These thoughts of the Lord encompass us in all our paths, and penetrate the innermost region of our being. Not a nerve or tissue, valve or vessel, of our bodily organization is uncared for. All the little ones of our world are in the thoughts of the great God.

Dear reader, is this precious to you? Then hold steadfastly to it. Never be led astray by those philosophic fools who preach about an impersonal God (deism) or talk of self-existent, self-governing matter (naturalism). The Lord lives and thinks about us, this is a truth far too precious for us to ever abandon. Catching the attention of an important person is valued so highly that those who have it counts their blessings. But if that is so, how much more valuable is it to be constantly in the thoughts of the King of kings! If the Lord’s thoughts are on me, all is well, and we may rejoice evermore.

Have you considered that you are constantly in God’s thoughts? Does this truth give you comfort and confidence?

by Charles H. Spurgeon
Used by Permission
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2011

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“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish,  that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8

Spiritual knowledge of Jesus is personal knowledge. I cannot know Jesus through another person. No, I must know Him personally.

This knowledge will be an intelligent knowledge. I must know Him, not as I’d sometimes selfishly imagine Him to be, but as the Word reveals Him. I must know His natures, at once fully divine and fully human. I must know His presence, His characteristics, His works, His shame, and His glory. I must meditate on Him until I fully understand Him from all angles, and most importantly until I know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge. (Ephesians 3:19)

It will be an affectionate knowledge. If I know Him at all, I simply must love Him, and an ounce of heart knowledge is worth a ton of head learning.

It will be a satisfying knowledge. When I know my Savior, my mind will be full. I will feel that I have everything that my soul thirsts for, and when we eats this bread we will never hunger again. (Revelation 7:16)

At the same time it will be an exciting knowledge. The more I know of my Beloved, the more I will yearn to know. The higher I climb, the loftier will be the heights which invite my eager footsteps.

Finally, this knowledge of Jesus will happy knowledge. In fact, it will be so reassuring, that it will help us through trials, doubts, and sorrows. It will help us become something so much more than “Mortals, born of woman,” who “are of few days and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1, TNIV) It will guard us in the winsome presence and the joy of the eternal, merciful Savior.

Come, my friends, sit at Jesus’ feet and learn from Him all He has to teach you today.

Question: How is your knowledge of Christ increasing daily?

By Charles H. Spurgeon
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008
Used by Permission

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“Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9) and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.”  Ephesians 3:8-9

Our God has riches beyond the count of arithmetic, the measurement of reason, the dream of imagination, or the eloquence of words. They are unsearchable! You may look, and study, and weigh, but Jesus is a greater Savior than you imagine Him to be even on your best day!

Our Lord is more ready to forgive your sin than you are able to transgress.

Our Master is more willing to supply your wants than you are to confess them.

Our Master has riches of happiness to give you now. He can make you to lie down in green pastures, and lead you beside still waters. There is no music like His music. He is the Shepherd and you are the sheep when you lie down at His feet. There is no love like His, and neither Earth nor Heaven can match it. To know Christ and to be found in Him, oh what a life, what a joy! This is everything that is good and wonderful in life.

Never tolerate low thoughts of our Lord Jesus. If you do, you will end up only crowning Him with a silver crown when He deserves the finest gold.

Our Lord does not treat His servants ungraciously; He gives to them as a king gives to a king. He gives them two heavens: A heaven below where we may serve Him, and a heaven above where we may delight in Him forever. His unsearchable riches will be best known in eternity. He will give you on the way to heaven all you need. Your place of defense will be the ammunition of rocks, and your bread and water will be provided; but it is there, THERE in His presence, where you will hear the song of His people that triumph, the shout of the feast, and shall have a face-to-face view of the glorious and beloved One.

The unsearchable riches of Christ! This is the tune for the musicians of Earth, and the song for the harpers of Heaven. Lord, teach us more and more of Jesus, and we will tell the good news to others.

Question: How has God revealed the riches of Christ in your life lately?

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon.  Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008

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“God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:4

Light is good since it began to exist from God’s good command, “Let there be light.” We who enjoy it should be more grateful for it than we are, and see more of God in it and by it. Physical light is said by Solomon to be sweet, but gospel light is infinitely more precious, for it reveals eternal things and ministers to our immortal natures.

When the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual light, and opens our eyes to see clearly the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We see clearly our sin in its true colors, and ourselves in our real position. We see the Most Holy God as He reveals Himself, His plan of mercy, and the world to come as His Word describes it. Spiritual light has many beams and colors, but whether they are knowledge, joy, holiness, or life, all are divinely good. If the light received is good, then God, the essential light, is ever so much more glorious.

Lord Jesus, since Your light is so good, give us more of it, and more of yourself, more of the true light.

When God brings light to the world, division is necessary to separate it from darkness. Light and darkness have nothing in common. Since God has divided them, we must not join them. Children of light must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord’s work, leaving the works of darkness behind.

Our churches should divide the light from the darkness with great discipline, and we should do the same by being separated from the world by walking in God’s light instead of the dark paths. In action, in judgment, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction which the Lord made upon the world’s first day.

Lord Jesus, be our light throughout the entire day, for Your light is the light of us all.

Question: Are there areas of your life where God’s light is dim or absent? Is it time to let Him in?

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon. Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.

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“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“Grow in grace” – not in only one type of grace, but in all forms of gracious response. Grow first in faith, which is the root of all grace. Let your faith increase in fullness, consistency, and simplicity. This will enable you to grasp God’s promises even more firmly than before.

“Grow in love” – Ask God to extend your love to make it more intense, more practical, and influencing your every thought, word, and deed.

“Grow also in humility” – Seek lowly places and realize your own smallness so that God will be magnified. As you grow downward in humility, seek to grow upward towards God, approaching Him closer in prayer and seeking ever more intimate fellowship with Jesus.

I pray that God the Holy Spirit enable you to “grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.” Anyone who doesn’t seek to grow in knowledge of Jesus has passed up their blessing, because to know Him deeply is the blessing of eternally fulfilled life. If you know the love of Jesus, you will long for greater outpourings of His love. If you do not desire to know Him better, then you don’t love Him at all, for love always cries, “Nearer, nearer.” Whoever has sipped this wine will thirst for more, for although Christ does satisfy, it is such a wonderful satisfaction, that the a person’s thirst will be whetted.

Absence from Christ is hell, but the presence of Jesus is heaven. Don’t rest merely being content without seeking a closer relationship with Jesus. Seek to know more of Him in His divine nature, in His human relationship, and in His finished work of the cross: His death, resurrection, ascension, and glorious intercession on our behalf.

Grow in grace. Increase in love to Jesus, and you will appreciate even more His love to you. Knowing His love, and His love outworking in every aspect of your daily life, are the best tests of growth in grace.

Question: How do you plan and expect to grow in grace?

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon;
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.

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“Delight yourself in the Lord.” Psalm 37:4

The teaching of these words must seem surprising to those who have never known real godliness, but to the sincere believer they only restate a recognized and profound truth. The life of the believer is described as a “delight” in God, and therefore true religion will always overflow with happiness and joy. Anyone who doesn’t actively cultivate a relationship with God, including secular scholars who study religion as merely an intellectual pursuit or as a social curiosity, never look upon religion as a joyful thing; to them it is service, duty, or necessity, but never pleasure or delight. If they are personally involved in religion at all, it is either for personal gain or for cultural reasons only.

The thought of delight in religion is so strange to most people. No two words in their language stand further apart than “holiness” and “delight.” But believers who know Christ understand that delight and faith are so blessedly united, that the gates of hell cannot prevail to separate them. They who love God with all their hearts find that His ways are ways of joy, and all His paths are peace. Such joys, such overwhelming delights, such overflowing blessedness, they can continually discover in the Lord. Instead of merely serving Him out of habit, they follow Him even if all the world were to curse His holy name.

We do not revere God because of any compulsion. Our faith is no chain, and our confession of faith is no enslavement. We are not dragged to holiness, nor driven to duty. No, our piety is our pleasure, our hope is our happiness, our duty is our delight.

Delight and true religion are as united as root and flower; as indivisible as truth and certainty. They are, in fact, two precious jewels glittering side by side in a setting of gold.

“‘Tis when we taste Thy love, Our joys divinely grow, Unspeakable like those above, And heaven begins below.”

Question: What brings you delight? What ways does/should the Lord bring you delight?

By Charles Spurgeon
Used by Permission

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“I will pour out water to quench your thirst” Isaiah 44:3

When a Christian believer falls into spiritual depression, he or she often tries to lift themselves out of it by focusing on their sorrow. That’s not the way to rise from the dust. It’s a sure way to continue in it.

It is not the law, but the gospel which saves the seeking soul. And it is not legal slavery, but gospel liberty which can restore the hurting believer. Slavish fear won’t bring back the backslider to God, but the sweet wooing’s of love will draw them back to Jesus. Similarly, the spiritually depressed must focus on the living God’s love and promises.

Are you today thirsting for the living God, and unhappy because you cannot find him to the delight of your heart? Have you lost the joy of your relationship with God? Then this is  your prayer: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” (Psalm 51:12)

If you are feeling totally barren, like the dry ground, in this state you are not producing the fruit which God has a right to expect of you. Here is the promise which you need: “I will pour out water to quench your thirst.” (Isaiah 44:3)

You will receive all the grace you require, and it will exceed all of your needs. Water refreshes the thirsty and you will be refreshed. Your desires shall be gratified. Pulse quickened by exhilarating grace. Harvest of fruit multiplied. You will enjoy all of the goodness of divine grace. It will be as though you were drenched with the water of divine grace. How do I know that? Because God promised it!

And as sometimes the meadows become flooded by the bursting rivers, and the fields turn into pools, you yourself will become a pool of living water as God fills you. In this way the entire thirsty land can become full of pools of living water for the good and refreshment of all!

Question: Have you felt spiritually dry lately?

By Charles Spurgeon
Used by Permission

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,”
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.

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“It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.” Psalm 74:17

My friend, as we begin this wintry month, begin it with God. The cold snows and the piercing winds all remind us that God keeps His covenant day and night, and assures us that He will also keep the glorious covenant which He made with us in the person of Christ Jesus. God, who remains true to His Word during the turning of the seasons in this poor sin-polluted world, will prove faithful in His dealings with His own well-beloved sons and daughters.

Winter in the soul is often an uncomfortable season. If now you are facing uncomfortable circumstances or discouraging experiences, it will feel very painful to you. But there is comfort in the fact that the Lord makes both summer and winter. He knows your pain. He sends the sharp blasts of adversity to nip the buds of expectation. He scatters the frost like ashes over the once lush meadows of our joy.

He does it all. He is the great Winter King, and rules the realms of frost. Therefore you should not murmur against Him. Losses, crosses, heaviness, sickness, poverty, and a thousand other ills can, if we choose, be turned into a blessing of the Lord, and such trials come to us with wise design. Frosts kill deadly insects, and restrains raging diseases. I truly hope that such good results would always flow from our winters of turmoil!

Let us wrap ourselves in the warm garments of His promises, and go forth to work for His glory during this season, for it those who slack off in their work during the winters often are forced to beg in summer due to their inactivity, and end up with nothing. Just as during winter we cherish a fire’s pleasant glow and warming heat, let us cherish our Lord, who is the constant source of warmth and comfort in every time of trouble. Let us draw near to Him, and in Him find joy and peace in believing.

Question: Regardless of the weather outside, how do you handle the winters of your soul?

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon.
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.
used by permission

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The post God in the Winter appeared first on Thoughts About God.