DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)
We would humbly ask you that we may each be permitted to do some great service for you, before we go hence: we do not mean great in the wisdom of our fellows, but let it be all that we can do. If we cannot build a house for you, yet have we set our hearts upon doing something; and if it be your will, direct our minds to what it shall be, lest our minds should not be your mind: but let not one of us be barren or unfruitful. If we have indeed been redeemed by the blood of Christ, may we reckon that we must live to him; may the love of Christ constrain us; and may something come of our lives that shall be a blessing to the sons of men, before we go out.
Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)
“For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:14–15)
The true-hearted Christian judges himself to have died when Christ died; and, henceforth, he feels that he must not live for any object but the glory of Christ. He is gone back to glory, so our object is not to win a kingdom for him anywhere upon earth. Our aim now is spiritual, the proclamation of his truth,—the winning of a kingdom for him in the hearts of men.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
Teach your children that God is worthy of their service
Lately my family has been loving a new book, The Prisoners, the Earthquake, and the Midnight Song by Bob Hartman, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri. This book tells the story of Paul and Silas while they were in prison in Philippi for proclaiming Christ, and encourages children to proclaim Christ with the same kind of boldness.
The book is incredibly creative (without sacrificing faithfulness to the biblical text) and the illustrations are stunning. It’s a ton of fun and children under ten will love it.
This isn’t just a cheap Bible story — this is a great book full of rich theology, an incredible (true!) story, and an important message. It will encourage kids of all ages to boldly proclaim Christ, no matter the cost.
I hope you’ll add this book to your family’s library!