DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)
Oh, for a day’s release from every care! Now break the bands of our yoke. And, oh that we could live above care in the weekdays too, casting all our care on him who cares for us (1 Peter 5:7), and leaving all in those wise hands that rule the world, and can well rule our mean affairs.
Today, gracious Lord, reproach your children and comfort them; also rebuke and reprove as may seem good to you; but oh, sanctify us for the skies, and prepare us for the place which you are preparing for us. The Lord be very mindful of all his sick servants at home, of any that are under depression of spirit, and especially of such as are near to die.
Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:6–7)
His care, though tender and comprehensive, causes no anxiety to him, for his great mind is more than equal to the task. But our care ferments within us and threatens the destruction of our meager souls. We are to cast our care, which is folly, upon the Lord, for he exercises a care, which is wisdom. Care (worry) to us is exhausting, but God is all sufficient. Care to us is sinful, but God’s care of us is holy. Care distracts us from service, but the divine mind does not forget one thing while remembering another.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
Help children see the wonder of Jesus’ healing miracles
A huge chunk of each of the four Gospels is dedicated to telling true stories about Jesus’ healing the sick. There’s a reason for that: these stories have a lot to teach us. They reveal an incredible picture of Christ as God incarnate; his words have authority over all.
With so many healing stories in the Gospels, it can be hard for children to understand what the point of them all is. One book to help you explain the wonder of Jesus’ miracles to your children is The One O’Clock Miracle by Alison Mitchell, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri.
This book tells the story of Jesus healing the official’s son (John 4) in a delightfully fun and faithful way. It will help children be amazed at Jesus’ astounding work in healing the sick.