DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)
O God, we are distressed, we are bowed down greatly when we see what is the condition to which we and all our race have fallen. “Where is boasting then?” And yet we grieve to say that we do boast, and have boasted; and that our fellowmen are great at boasting; whereas they ought rather to lay their hands over their mouths before you.
It has become a wonder to us that your should look upon man at all; the most hateful object in creation must be a man, because he slew your Son, because he has multiplied rebellions against a just and holy law. And yet truly there is no sight that gives you more pleasure than man, for Jesus was a man; and the brightness of his glory covers all our shame; and the pureness and perfectness of his obedience shines like the sun in the midst of the thick darkness. For his sake you are well pleased, and you dwell with us.
Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)
“How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!” (Psalm 1:1 1:1)
“BLESSED”—see how this Book of Psalms opens with a benediction, just like the famous Sermon of our Lord upon the Mount! The word translated “blessed” is a very expressive one. We are reminded of the multitude of blessings which shall rest upon the man whom God has justified, and the perfection and greatness of the blessedness he shall enjoy. We might read it, “Oh, the blessednesses!” and we may well regard it as a joyful acclamation of the gracious man’s felicity. May the like benediction rest on us!
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
Learn Evangelism with Others*
I’m always looking for good resources to help other Christians grow — especially resources that can easily be used in small groups or one-on-one. And I’m really excited about Share the Gospel by Tony Payne (a new book, available now from Matthias Media). This isn’t just a book. It’s a “Learn Together” book, which means it’s been carefully designed for you to use with OTHERS, so that you can help one another grow.
There are reflection questions throughout the book to help you reflect on the material (and the Scripture passages throughout), which I know will spark really useful discussion.
There are also free videos that will be referenced throughout the book, which your group can watch together to help keep everyone engaged. (And the videos are really cool. They have really helpful graphics and visuals to help illustrate key concepts from the book.)
There are simple follow-up activities to help you and other participants continue reflecting on the material and even memorizing a simple gospel presentation you can share with others.
Seriously, this is a REALLY great resource. I know you and other Christians you know will benefit from it.
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