Reverence and Awe

» Today's reading at Blue Letter Bible

In the morning devotion, Spurgeon reminds us that not only does God save us from troubles and snares, but he also delivers us out of them. As I read over the devotion, I could think of so many past circumstances where God did both. How many times has my Lord, by His Spirit, simply not allowed me to enter into sin or trouble or pain? And yet I am certainly reminded of times where I have succumb to temptation and been restored by God's merciful, fatherly discipline.

O backslider, be cast down, but do not despair. Wanderer though thou hast been, hear what thy Redeemer saith--"Return, O backsliding children; I will have mercy upon you."(from morning)

There is no mire, no pit so deep that God's mercy and forgiveness and grace will not reach us. As Christians, our fellowship with our Lord will never be broken... no matter what the sin or circumstance. But... we can surely disrupt and strain the sweet communion we enjoy when we walk close to Him.

There is a promise in the book of Romans that puts a smile on my face whenever I think of it. The promise is found in the first verse of chapter eight.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

I am very grateful for that verse and Spurgeon's words this morning!


In the evening devotion, Spurgeon sort of recaps the story of Martha and Mary. Martha who was preoccupied with serving Christ and Mary who was preoccupied with worshiping at His feet.

This devotion really hit home for me. I can relate when Spurgeon says that it is easier to serve than to commune.

The more spiritual the exercise, the sooner we tire in it. The choicest fruits are the hardest to rear: the most heavenly graces are the most difficult to cultivate.

Oh Lord, help us to continually be worshiping at your feet. To never be so preoccupied with service, that we neglect communing with you. As Spurgeon said, "for this we need great grace."

The first thing for our soul's health, the first thing for His glory, and the first thing for our own usefulness, is to keep ourselves in perpetual communion with the Lord Jesus

In His Grace,
Pastor Matt

Labels: Devotional, Morning and Evening, Spurgeon