The Christian life is a constant stream of highs and lows. Sometimes we soar high in the mountains, but more often we find ourselves languishing in deep valleys. At least I do. All the following observations are, once again, fully indebted to Ian Hamilton's book "The Gospel-Shaped Life." In a previous chapter, … [Read more...]
Three Hymns on Christ’s Second Advent
Three Hymns on Christ's Second Advent - The following three hymns on Christ's Second Advent are chosen from Charles Spurgeon's Own Hymn Book. I've come to appreciate the old hymns. I hope some readers will do as well. Since Christ ascended to heaven there has been a hope and yearning for His return. The disciples … [Read more...]
Faithful Even Unto Death
Faithful unto death: the following is taken from Spurgeon’s poem “Be Faithful unto death.” See Christ Our All. Be Faithful Even Unto Death Strange sounds amid a world of caresNow fall upon my ear;That calls me on through toils and snaresAnd bids me not to fear Be faithful even unto death,A crown for thee is … [Read more...]
God Moves in a Mysterious Way
God Moves in a Mysterious Way - a hymn by William Cowper from the book Spurgeon's Own Hymn Book (Hymn No. 211). GOD moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never-failing skill, He treasures up His bright … [Read more...]
What is the Meaning of Hosanna in the Highest?
Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter that begins the Holy Week. It is the day that we remember and celebrate the day Jesus entered into Jerusalem as Savior and King. As Jesus rode a donkey into the town of Jerusalem a large crowd gathered and laid palm branches and their cloaks across the road, giving Jesus royal … [Read more...]
Preparing for Battle
Preparing for Battle is the title of a prayer written by Puritan Robert Hawker. It appears in the section "Help Me Ask for Help" of a book called Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans. The world is a mess and getting worse. Each day is a spiritual battle. And, whether we realize it or not, it involves us. While … [Read more...]
Underneath the Everlasting Arms of God
Underneath the everlasting arms of God...The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you Deut 33:27 Charles Spurgeon selected part of Deut 33:27 as the subject of his November 11 devotional. Of course the subject of the entire chapter is Israel. … [Read more...]
Psalm 19
According to Michael Ward (author of Planet Narnia) Psalm 19 was one of C. S. Lewis' favorite Scriptures: Lewis described Psalm 19 as the greatest poem in the book of Psalms and one of the greatest lyrics in the entire world. The apostle Paul quotes Psalm 19 and says that what the heavens speak is "the word of Christ" … [Read more...]
William Gurnall A Strong Tower
William Gurnall A Strong Tower: this prayer is taken from Tim Chester’s “Into His Presence—Praying with the Puritans.” Lord, I am hunted with such a temptation and dogged with such a lust that either you must pardon it, or I am damned; either you must mortify it, or I shall be a slave to it. Take me into the … [Read more...]
Puritan Samuel Rutherford’s Letters
Puritan Samuel Rutherford's Letters have been an inspiration to many during his lifetime. Even the great Charles Spurgeon drew from the Rutherford well: ‘When we are dead and gone let the world know that Spurgeon held Rutherford’s Letters to be the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of … [Read more...]
