DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)
O God, remember those people we know who have never experienced the sorrows of Christ because they have never truly grieved over their sins. O Father, let the Holy Spirit come upon them as the Spirit of conviction, making them aware of their sin, righteousness, and judgment. And then, let him come as the comforting Spirit of liberty, leading them to the joy and peace that come through believing in the eternal merits and the precious blood of our redeeming Lord. Oh, may each one of us look to Christ and find life; yes, eternal life through the abundant life that he offers.
Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:10)
This is the peculiar blessing of the elect of God, and it stands high up in the list of honor. The only homage which wickedness can pay to righteousness is to persecute it. Those who in the first blessing were poor in spirit, are here despised as well as poverty-stricken; and in this they get a new royal charter, which for the second time ensures to them “the kingdom of heaven.”
Yes, they have the kingdom now; it is theirs in present possession. Not because of any personal fault, but simply on account of their godly character, the Lord’s Daniels are hated, but they are blessed by that which looks like a curse. Ishmael mocks Isaac; but nevertheless Isaac has the inheritance and Ishmael is cast out. It is a gift from God to be allowed to suffer for his name. So may we be helped to rejoice in Christ’s cross when we are honoured by being reviled for his name’s sake.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
THREE DAYS LEFT to save on CROSS CON24 registration*
Registration prices for CROSS CON24 will increase at the end of this month. That means you only have three days left to save.
This conference for 18–25 year-olds is January 3–5, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky.
You’ll get grace-saturated Bible teaching from teachers you love like Mark Dever, David Platt, John Piper, and others.
Here’s what to expect…
- Solid teaching on gospel, church, and missions
- Clear next steps for leveraging your life for God’s glory
- Hear from teachers that you know (Like David Platt) and NEED to know (like Christian Lwanda)
- Passionate singing with hundreds of other 18–25 year-olds
Trust me, you don’t want to miss this event. I hope you’ll register now and save.