Category: Pray with Spurgeon

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Lord bless the work of the church and all its branches; and let your kingdom come into the hearts of multitudes by its means. Remember all churches that are really at work for Jesus, and all private individuals, workers alone, workers by themselves. Let the Lord’s own name be made known by tens of thousands.

Give the Word, and great may be the multitude of them that publish it. Let all this, our beloved country, know Christ, and come to his feet; let the dark places of this huge city be enlightened with the sweet name of Jesus. And then let the heathen know you, and the uttermost parts of the earth hear of you.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen…” (1 Peter 1:1)

The persons whom Peter addressed were God’s chosen, and one sure result of divine election is the world’s enmity. “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you” (John 15:19). So you too, chosen out from among men to be the peculiar people of God, must expect to be partakers of the cross, for the servant is not greater than his Lord. Since they persecuted him they will also persecute you. Therefore to you, as to those of old by Peter, the word of consolation is sent this day.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A Stunning Book to Show Your Kids the Glories of God’s Grace

The Bible tells one beautiful story — God’s plan to rescue a people for himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation — and we have a responsibility to tell this one beautiful story in beautiful ways to the beautiful children that God has given us.

The Promise by Jason Helopoulos is a stunning picture book that tells the story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation, highlighting God’s perfection and how every hero failed to save his people… except for one!

Seriously, the art (illustrated by Rommel Ruiz) is amazing. You will find yourself flipping through The Promise after your kids are in bed. I hope you’ll grab a copy today — I know you’ll be blessed.

Buy The Promise:

• Amazon (Hardback or audiobook editions)
• ChristianBook.com (Hardback edition)

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

And now, Lord, during the few days that remain to us here below, be it all our business to cry, “Behold the Lamb!” Oh! teach these hearts to be always conscious of your love; and then these lips, that they may share as best they can by your divine help the matchless story of the cross. Oh, help us to win many to Jesus; let us not be barren, but may we have to cry that we are the beloved of the Lord, and our offspring with us. May we have many spiritual offspring that shall go with us to the throne, that we may say before him, “I and the children that you have given me.”

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.” (Psalm 1:6)

The righteous carves his name upon the rock, but the wicked writes his remembrance in the sand. The righteous man plows the furrows of earth, and sows a harvest here, which shall never be fully reaped until he enters the enjoyments of eternity; but as for the wicked, he ploughs the sea, and though there may seem to be a shining trail behind his boat, yet the waves shall pass over it, and the place that knew him shall know him no more forever.

May the Lord cleanse our hearts and our ways, that we may escape the doom of the ungodly, and enjoy the blessedness of the righteous!

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Real Help for the Really Hard Work of Evangelism*

Evangelism is DIFFICULT. But we shouldn’t expect it to come naturally — we need to invest time and energy to grow as evangelists. To that end, a great resource for you (and a friend or two!) is Share the Gospel by Tony Payne. This new book is an incredibly practical, thoroughly biblical guide to growing your confidence in talking about Jesus.

I LOVE this book. Every chapter is rooted in Scripture and filled with hope, not condemnation. God IS at work to save sinners — and he’s called US to be a part of this work.

Share the Gospel is a really practical resource that will grow your confidence AND help you learn practical tools for starting conversations, responding to questions, and leading others to Christ.

This is a “Learn Together” book. It’s designed from the ground-up to be most useful in a small group setting.

This month, if you pre-order “Share the Gospel,” you’ll also receive TWO FREE COPIES of “The Christian Gospel” (which helps non-Christians understand the Bible’s big story and God’s plan to save sinners through Jesus).

This is a REALLY helpful resource, which I know will bless you, others in your church, and countless non-Christians who you will be better equipped to share with.

Pre-Order Share the Gospel and receive two free books when you mention SpurgeonBooks.

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH (BY SPURGEON)

Lord, raise up within our church individuals who are ablaze with love for Christ and his gospel. May we see the emergence of courageous men and women who boldly proclaim your truth. Send us leaders like Antipas, faithful martyrs, and dedicated servants like Paul. Raise up prophets like John, who declare your Word with the authority of the Holy Spirit. Revive us, Lord! Revive your work in all the churches. Return to your church in this nation. Though adversaries may think they have the upper hand, you, Lord, are alive, and we bless your name.

Amen.

ENTER TO WIN $10K FOR YOUR PASTOR

Thanks to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College for sponsoring the Weekend Edition. I’m so thankful that their continued partnership has made it possible to bring back the Weekend Edition!

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and Midwestern is hosting a giveaway of $10,000 to celebrate one faithful pastor (including a $5,000 donation to the church and $5,000 towards a well-deserved family vacation for the pastor).

Plus, anyone who enters or nominates their pastor will receive a free ebook of Spurgeon the Pastor by Midwestern professor Geoff Chang.

You can nominate your pastor (or, if you are a pastor, enter yourself!) right here.

WEEKEND LONG READ (SERMON BY SPURGEON)

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin

Our Lord Jesus Christ is dead, but he has left it in his will that the chief of sinners are objects of his choicest mercy. Dying he prayed, “Father, forgive them.” Risen he pleads for transgressors. Sinners are ever on his mind: their salvation is his great object. His blood is for them, his heart for them, his righteousness for them, his heaven for them. Come, O ye guilty ones, and receive your legacy. Put out the hand of faith and grasp your portion. Trust Jesus with your souls, and he will save you. God bless you. Amen.

Read the full sermon from the Spurgeon Center for Biblical Preaching at Midwestern Seminary.

A FREE RESOURCE FROM MIDWESTERN

The Secret to Loving Your Wife Better: Love Jesus Better

I recently heard somebody say that one of the ways to endure well in ministry is to realize that ministry is not about you, it’s all about Jesus. The same is true of marriage. When you embrace that marriage is about Jesus first, and you and your wife second, one of the secrets of a joyful, enduring marriage comes to light: love Jesus better, and you will love your wife better.

Read the full article here.

PREPARE FOR MINISTRY AT MIDWESTERN

What Jesus purchased is precious. We’ve made it our purpose. Midwestern Seminary exists for the Church, and we serve the church by biblically educating God-called men and women to be and make disciples of Jesus Christ. If you’re called to serve the church, train with us, for the Church.

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

Thanks for praying with us this week (Don’t miss the Weekend Edition tomorrow!)Thanks to Matthias Media for sponsoring the newsletter this month. Pre-order their new book, Share the Gospel and receive TWO FREE copies of “The Christian Gospel” when you mention SpurgeonBooks. Learn more here.*

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Our heart knows the Father’s love, for we have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, “Abba Father.” And we rejoice in the redemption of our spirits, and we expect the redemption of our bodies, when, at the coming of the Lord they too shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

O Jesus, you will bring your Israel out of Egypt, and not a hoof shall be left behind; no, not a bone, nor a piece of your elect shall be left in the hands of the adversary. We shall come out clean, delivered by him who does nothing by halves, but who on the cross said, “It is finished.” Who much more will say it on his throne: Glory be to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who has lifted us up from our ruin and condemnation, and made us new creatures, and justified us, and guaranteed us eternal life, which eternal life shall be manifested at the coming of the Lord. All glory be unto his ever blessed name forever and ever!

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Therefore the wicked will not stand up in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.” (Psalm 1:5)

They shall stand there to be judged, but not to be acquitted. Fear shall lay hold upon them there; they shall not stand their ground; they shall flee away; they shall not stand in their own defense; for they shall blush and be covered with eternal contempt.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Teach your kids the Bible’s big story

Our kids need more than simplistic moral stories from the Bible — they need to see for themselves that the whole Bible tells one magnificent story that points to Jesus. They need to hear (and believe) every Word of Scripture. They need to treasure Christ — the great reward of Scripture.

The fall is a “reset” for many families. As kids go back to school and more routine comes back into our lives, we have an opportunity to evaluate our current habits and cultivate new ones.

I really want to challenge parents — make family devotions a DAILY habit this school year.

To help you, I’ve created a series of family devotionals to help you dive into God’s Word with your kids — God Centered Family.

There are three things that make these devotionals unique:

1. They cover the WHOLE BIBLE.
(Because kids NEED the whole Bible, not just a few favorite stories)

2. They are INTERACTIVE.
(Because kids need to HEAR the Bible, not just sit through it)

3. They are for ALL AGES.
(Because the whole family needs the Bible)

I want to give you everything you need to teach your kids the Bible… in just TEN MINUTES every day.

There are two ways to get started:

• Subscribe to GodCenteredFamily.org — Get unlimited access to a growing library of devotionals and other family resources.
• NEW: Buy the new PAPERBACK devotional — 12-week devotional on Paul’s Letters available now — more coming soon.

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Oh, the matchless love of God! Truly if there be any glory it must be all the Lord’s; if there be any virtue it is the result of grace; if there be anything whatsoever that lifts us above the devil himself it is the work of the Divine Spirit, to whom be glory!

And now at the remembrance of all this, and being in your presence, we do still rejoice that our unrighteousness is covered; from condemnation we are free, and we are the favored of the Lord. You have given us, O Lord, to taste of that love which is not merely laid up for us, but we have enjoyed it, and do enjoy it still.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“The wicked are not like this; instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away.” (Psalm 1:4)

Whatever good thing is said of the righteous is not true in the case of the ungodly. The first sentence is a negative description of the ungodly, and the second is the positive picture. Here is their character—“they are like chaff,” intrinsically worthless, dead, unserviceable, without substance, and easily carried away. Here, also, mark their doom—“the wind blows away;” death shall hurry them with its terrible blast into the fire in which they shall be utterly consumed.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Trust in God’s preserving, purifying power through all of your suffering

God is at work in our suffering to preserve us and to purify us. This was one of the major themes in Spurgeon’s teaching on suffering, but it was not all he had to say on the topic. Spurgeon learned supernatural wisdom from God’s Word and his own pain on how to address our suffering in a God-glorifying, hopeful way.

Spurgeon’s teaching on suffering is very useful, so I compiled a brief collection of it in a short book, Spurgeon on Suffering. This book contains 12 classic sermons from Spurgeon on suffering, pain, and God’s grace through it all.

I hope you’ll buy a copy today, and I hope it will bless you.

(As a side note, purchasing a copy is a great way to support this ministry so that I can continue to send this daily newsletter!)

Buy Spurgeon on Suffering on Amazon (Paperback or Kindle edition)

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Oh, this wicked heart of ours! Does it not have enough tinder in it to set on fire the course of nature? If a spark just fell into it, any one part of our bodies left to itself would dishonor Christ, deny the Lord that bought us, and turn back into perdition.

We are altogether ashamed. Truly in us is fulfilled your own Word: “you will remember and be ashamed, and never open your mouth again because of your disgrace” (Ezekiel 16:63). For your love to us has silenced us, that great love has hidden boasting from us; your great love, with which you loved us even when we were dead in trespasses and sins; your great love with which you love us still, despite our ill manners, our wanderings, our shortcomings, and our excesses.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:3)

The righteous man bears fruit in the proper season; not unseasonable graces, like untimely figs, which are never full-flavored. But the man who delights in God’s Word, being taught by it, brings forth patience in the time of suffering, faith in the day of trial, and holy joy in the hour of prosperity. Fruitfulness is an essential quality of a gracious man, and that fruitfulness should be seasonable.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A Simple Guide to the Simple Task of Evangelism*

We share a SIMPLE gospel, but sometimes sharing it doesn’t feel simple at all. We are often silenced by a lot of questions: What if I can’t answer their objections? What if they hate me forever? Can I really do this? 

I know that these kinds of common fears have stopped me from sharing my faith. But I’m excited about a new resource from Matthias Media that will help you overcome these fears.

Share the Gospel by Tony Payne is a new book to grow your skill and confidence in talking about Jesus.

I LOVE this book. Every chapter is rooted in Scripture and filled with hope, not condemnation. God IS at work to save sinners — and he’s called US to be a part of this work.

Share the Gospel is a really practical resource that will grow your confidence AND help you learn practical tools for starting conversations, responding to questions, and leading others to Christ.

And THIS MONTH ONLY, if you pre-order Share the Gospel, you’ll also receive TWO FREE COPIES of The Christian Gospel (which helps non-Christians understand the Bible’s big story and God’s plan to save sinners through Jesus).

Pre-Order Share the Gospel and receive two free books when you mention SpurgeonBooks.

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Lord, we once thought that descriptions of our hearts as sinful were somewhat strained, but we think not so now, for we truly perceive that had it not been for restraint which held us like fetters we, in our unregenerate state, were capable of anything; for, even now, when we are regenerate, the old sin that abides in us is capable of reaching to a high degree of infamy; and did not the new life restrain the old death we know not what we might yet become.

We thought once we were humble; but we soon found that our pride will feed on any current flattery that is laid at our door. We thought we were believers, but sometimes we are so doubting, so unbelieving, so vexed with skepticism that we should not certainly choose to follow: that is your work in us. By nature we are such liars that we think you are a liar too; the surest token of our untruthfulness, that we think that you can be untrue.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.” (Psalm 1:1–2)

Here the gracious man is described both negatively (verse 1) and positively (verse 2). He is a man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly. He takes wiser counsel, and walks in the commandments of the Lord his God. To him the ways of piety are paths of peace and pleasantness. His footsteps are ordered by the Word of God, and not by the cunning and wicked devices of carnal men. It is a rich sign of inward grace when the outward walk is changed, and when ungodliness is put far from our actions.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A simple read to help you love your church more

Your local church is not an activity or entertainment — it is the family that God has given you to keep you alive.

We all need to grow to love our local church family more. And a great resource for helping you along the way is Love Your Church by Tony Merida. This is a new book that outlines eight great things about being a church member. I’m so thankful for the book’s faithfulness to Scripture and practical application.

The book is simple and short. I promise you, if you will read this book and apply it’s lessons to your own local church, you will grow in love for your church family and grow in godliness as a result.

Buy Love Your Church:

• Amazon (Paperback or Kindle editions)
• ChristianBook.com (Paperback edition)

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

O God, we are distressed, we are bowed down greatly when we see what is the condition to which we and all our race have fallen. “Where is boasting then?” And yet we grieve to say that we do boast, and have boasted; and that our fellowmen are great at boasting; whereas they ought rather to lay their hands over their mouths before you.

It has become a wonder to us that your should look upon man at all; the most hateful object in creation must be a man, because he slew your Son, because he has multiplied rebellions against a just and holy law. And yet truly there is no sight that gives you more pleasure than man, for Jesus was a man; and the brightness of his glory covers all our shame; and the pureness and perfectness of his obedience shines like the sun in the midst of the thick darkness. For his sake you are well pleased, and you dwell with us.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!” (Psalm 1:1 1:1)

“BLESSED”—see how this Book of Psalms opens with a benediction, just like the famous Sermon of our Lord upon the Mount! The word translated “blessed” is a very expressive one. We are reminded of the multitude of blessings which shall rest upon the man whom God has justified, and the perfection and greatness of the blessedness he shall enjoy. We might read it, “Oh, the blessednesses!” and we may well regard it as a joyful acclamation of the gracious man’s felicity. May the like benediction rest on us!

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Learn Evangelism with Others*

I’m always looking for good resources to help other Christians grow — especially resources that can easily be used in small groups or one-on-one. And I’m really excited about Share the Gospel by Tony Payne (a new book, available now from Matthias Media). This isn’t just a book. It’s a “Learn Together” book, which means it’s been carefully designed for you to use with OTHERS, so that you can help one another grow.

There are reflection questions throughout the book to help you reflect on the material (and the Scripture passages throughout), which I know will spark really useful discussion.

There are also free videos that will be referenced throughout the book, which your group can watch together to help keep everyone engaged. (And the videos are really cool. They have really helpful graphics and visuals to help illustrate key concepts from the book.)

There are simple follow-up activities to help you and other participants continue reflecting on the material and even memorizing a simple gospel presentation you can share with others.

Seriously, this is a REALLY great resource. I know you and other Christians you know will benefit from it.

THIS MONTH ONLY, if you buy one or more copies of Share the Gospel, you’ll also receive TWO FREE copies of The Christian Gospel (which walks non-Christians through the good news about what God has done to save us from sin) when you mention SpurgeonBooks.

Pre-Order Share the Gospel and receive two free books when you mention SpurgeonBooks.

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH (BY SPURGEON)

Bless our beloved church and all its ministries. O God, take care of it. Make every member of the church a shepherd to others. May all work together for the good of all, that your kingdom may come among us.

Righteous Father, renew every corner of your vineyard, and let the dew of heaven rest upon every branch of the vine. Bless your church throughout the world. Establish visible unity or, if that is not possible, strengthen the invisible unity that has always existed among believers. Heal our divisions; mend the breaches in Zion’s walls. Purge us of all that is unscriptural, until all Christians turn to your law and your teachings, as entrusted to the apostles by Christ.

Amen.

ENTER TO WIN $10K FOR YOUR PASTOR

Thanks to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College for sponsoring the Weekend Edition. I’m so thankful that their continued partnership has made it possible to bring back the Weekend Edition!

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and Midwestern is hosting a giveaway of $10,000 to celebrate one faithful pastor (including a $5,000 donation to the church and $5,000 towards a well-deserved family vacation for the pastor).

Plus, anyone who enters or nominates their pastor will receive a free ebook of Spurgeon the Pastor by Midwestern professor Geoff Chang.

You can nominate your pastor (or, if you are a pastor, enter yourself!) right here.

WEEKEND LONG READ (SERMON BY SPURGEON)

The Children and Their Hosannas

“The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16)

  Oh, dear friends, I plead for the children’s piety with all my heart; for I am sure that they are capable of being quick of understanding in the fear of the Lord. They are not necessarily ignorant, nor even shallow. It has been my great privilege of late to admit to the church a large number of little children, and I have done so with unreserved confidence in their intelligent apprehension of the gospel.

Read the full sermon from the Spurgeon Center for Biblical Preaching at Midwestern Seminary.

A FREE RESOURCE FROM MIDWESTERN

Jesus in Genesis: A Case Study

For the Church has been doing a great series on Delighting in Jesus in the Old Testament. This is a really helpful resource that will be incredibly helpful in your Bible reading journey. Check out the latest article in this series right here.

PREPARE FOR MINISTRY AT MIDWESTERN

What Jesus purchased is precious. We’ve made it our purpose. Midwestern Seminary exists for the Church, and we serve the church by biblically educating God-called men and women to be and make disciples of Jesus Christ. If you’re called to serve the church, train with us, for the Church.

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Our Father, when we read your description of human nature we are sure it is true, for you have seen man ever since his fall, and you have been grieved in your heart concerning him. Moreover, you have such a love towards him that you did not judge him harshly; and every word that you have spoken must be according to truth. You have measured and computed the iniquity of man, for you have laid it on the Well-Beloved; and we know you have not laid upon him more than is necessary.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“The nobles of the peoples have assembled with the people of the God of Abraham. For the leaders of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.” (Psalm 47:9)

The prophetic vision of the psalmist sees willing subjects of the great King gathered to celebrate his glory. Not only the poor and lowly but also the nobles willingly submit to his rule. What an august gathering it will be when the Lord Jesus opens his court, and princes rise to honor him!

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A simple read to help you love your church more

Your local church is not an activity or entertainment — it is the family that God has given you to keep you alive.

We all need to grow to love our local church family more. And a great resource for helping you along the way is Love Your Church by Tony Merida. This is a new book that outlines eight great things about being a church member. I’m so thankful for the book’s faithfulness to Scripture and practical application.

The book is simple and short. I promise you, if you will read this book and apply it’s lessons to your own local church, you will grow in love for your church family and grow in godliness as a result.

Buy Love Your Church:

• Amazon (Paperback or Kindle editions)
• ChristianBook.com (Paperback edition)