DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)
Help us, Lord, to overcome sin out of our love for you. Strengthen those who struggle against sin, especially when they are tempted to compromise. Give them victory, firmness, and unwavering hope in Jesus, resolving to stand with him even in the face of adversity.
For the sake of truth and righteousness, we beseech you to intervene mightily in these last days. O Shepherd of Israel, strike a mighty blow against the wolves and protect your sheep from the poisonous pastures of error. Revive your work among the masses, turn their hearts to hear your Word, and convert them when they hear it, preaching with the Holy Spirit’s anointing.
Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)
“Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.” (James 4:8–9)
If you are double-minded, both your actions and your inner being need cleansing. The apostle does not say, “Concentrate your thoughts,” but he emphasizes cleansing your hearts. Having conflicting priorities in life is a form of spiritual unfaithfulness that requires purification. Thus, the command is to “purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
If the preceding verses have convicted you of sin, then confess your guilt with deep remorse and sorrow. Turn to Christ, imploring his forgiveness.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
Finding peace in the Prince of Peace
We have no fear that God is not able to put to rest. We believe this in our heads, but sometimes this kind of bold faith can be difficult to apply and live out in the midst of our broken, sin-cursed, fallen world. We desperately need the Prince of Peace to come and redeem us, to make his blessing known as far as the curse is found.
Life in this fallen world is full of many things to be afraid of, but recognizing the good presence of Christ with us gives us the power to choose faith over fear.
That’s the message of Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves by Trillia Newbell. In this book, Newbell addresses a variety of common fears, and shows how the truth of God’s Word and the power of the gospel can help us overcome those fears with faith.
This book will encourage you, boost your confidence in God, and help you walk with faith every day. I hope you’ll grab a copy today and read it today.