DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)
Save us from a superficial faith, and grant us the distinctive grace of a peculiar people. May we remain in Christ, living close to God. May the frivolities of the world have no power over us. May we be mature enough in grace to resist being enamored by the trinkets that suit only children.
Empower us to serve you, and especially, we repeat this prayer, make us effective in the salvation of others. O Lord, have we lived in this world for so long and yet our children remain unconverted? May we not rest until they are truly saved. Have we navigated the world of business, and yet those around us remain unaware of our Christian identity? Have we failed to share the Word of Life with them? Lord, ignite in us a deep concern for all those we encounter daily. May we all become evangelists at home, in the streets, or in our workplaces. May we shine as beacons in the world.
Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)
“Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7)
Apply the atoning blood to me through the prescribed means. Allow me to experience the reality symbolized by the legal rituals. Nothing but blood can eliminate my bloodstains; only the most potent purification can cleanse me. Permit the sin offering to cleanse my sin. Let the One appointed to atone fulfill his sacred duty in my case, for no one needs it more than I.
No one but you can truly cleanse me, but your ability to outshine even the purest state of nature with your grace. Snow eventually gathers grime and dirt, it melts and vanishes; yet, you can bestow on me enduring purity. While snow is white not only on the surface but also within, you can accomplish a similar inward purity in me, making me so clean that only hyperbole can describe my immaculate state. Lord, please do this; my faith believes you will, and I know you are capable.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
Pursue holiness like your life depends on it.
Today’s verse of the day acknowledged that only God can forgive us of our sins, but we must also pursuit holiness. In this pursuit of holiness, we need a lot of help along the way.
One of the most motivating and empowering books on personal holiness that I have ever read is The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. This book will show you the high calling of holiness that God has laid on all of his people (and why it’s so important) while also giving grace-fueled practical guidance on actually pursuing holiness in your own life.
Jerry Bridges is one of my all-time favorite authors. All of his books are worth reading — he does an excellent job at applying the truths of the gospel to the problems we face in life.
This book will equip you and empower you to pursue holiness. I hope you’ll grab a copy and be blessed by it.