Reverence and Awe

Good Morning:
(click to hear this mornings devo)

Spurgeon bring us this morning to a most sobering thought. "Christ did not suffer so as to exclude us from suffering". This goes contrary to some popular beliefs taught by TV evangelist's and other mainstream preachers. "Come to Christ and all your troubles will be gone, they will go away". But this is not so.
Christ's suffering was was the direct effect of man's sin and the full wrath of God being poured out upon him. This cup of God's wrath, though poured out on him was ours to drink as it was our sin that Christ was atoning for.
As sweet as this is, it does not remove suffering in this life.

"Christ exempts you from sin, but not from sorrow. Remember that and expect to suffer." (Spurgeon)

But we can rejoice this morning knowing that any suffering we will endure here in this life will never compare to the joy and happiness we will experience for all eternity in His presence in heaven. And in this life He will be our refuge and strength in times of weakness and strife bringing us to thus trust and rely on Him.

Matthew 11:28-30 28)Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29)Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30)For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”(NKJV)

Good Evening: (click to hear this evenings devo)

This evenings devo brings us to face another life long lesson, humility. It is funny how you can read humility in a person even without conversation. Like hearing a smile over the phone you can pick it up without embracing it. What's more is someone who doesn't display humility who can miss. I'm ever amazed at how God would make such a character trait as humility such an important part of our sanctification in a life that is built upon an outward self glorifying and boastful character.
I make note to the use of Surgeon's wording here as he says -

"The whole exchequer of God shall be made over by deed of gift to the soul which is humble enough to be able to receive it without growing proud because of it."

The use of this word exchequer is to say the whole treasury of His riches in grace. What a great way to express his blessing to those humble.

May we pray for humility to come to us daily as a gift from his great treasury.

-jeff paisano