Pray with Spurgeon

Daily Newsletter from SpurgeonBooks

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3)

In our Lord’s going away, as well as in his continuance in his Father’s presence he would be engaged in preparing a place for his own. He was going to clear all impediments out of the way. Their sins blocked the road, their iniquities, like mountains, opposed all passage. He has broken down every dividing wall and opened every iron gate. The way into the kingdom is opened for all believers. He passed through death to resurrection and ascension to remove every obstacle from our path.

PRAY FOR THE NATIONS

This week, we’re praying for the Rawas of Indonesia.

The Rawas value honesty and hard work. They know that dishonesty is sin, but they do not know what God has done to rescue them from sin.

Pray that the Rawas would believe in Jesus and be saved.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

What is Jesus doing now before he returns?

This week, as we’ve thought about the return of Jesus, you may have wondered what Jesus is doing now. Is he simply sitting in the throne room of heaven, twiddling his thumbs, waiting for “the day and the hour?”

No! Thankfully, Jesus is at work for us right now as our ascended Lord. Recently, I’ve been reading (and really encouraged by!!) a book that unpacks the present work of Jesus. The Ascension of Christ: Recovering a Neglected Doctrine by Patrick Schreiner explains what Jesus is doing now (serving in heavenly places as our prophet, priest, and king) and why it’s good news.

Reading this book will open your eyes to so many incredible observations from Scripture and will really encourage your heart to know that Christ is at work for you today. I can’t wait to hear how this book helps you trust God.

Buy The Ascension of Christ:

• Amazon (Paperback or Kindle editions)

• ChristianBook (Paperback or ebook editions)

FAITH’S CHECKBOOK

Spurgeon’s classic devotional, The Chequebook of the Bank of Faith, contains a promise of God for every day of the year. Pray with Spurgeon Plus subscribers receive the daily readings every weekday.

If you want to strengthen your faith in God’s promises (and support this ministry!), subscribe to Pray with Spurgeon Plus here.

“If the clouds are full, they will pour out rain on the earth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:3)

Why, then, do we dread the clouds which now darken our sky? It is true that they hide the sun for a while, but the sun is not quenched; he will shine out again before long. Meanwhile those black clouds are filled with rain and the blacker they are, the more likely they are to rain abundant showers. How can we have rain without clouds?

Our troubles have always brought us blessings and they always will. They are the dark chariots of bright grace. These clouds will empty themselves before long and every tender herb will be more glad as a result of the shower. Our God may drench us with grief but he will not drown us with wrath; no, he will refresh us with mercy. Our Lord’s love-letters often come to us in black-edged envelopes. His wagons rumble, but they are loaded with benefits. His rod blossoms with sweet flowers and nourishing fruits. Let us not worry about the clouds. Instead, let us sing because May flowers are brought to us through the April clouds and showers.

Oh Lord, the clouds are the dust of your feet! You are very near to us through cloudy and dark days! Love beholds you and is glad. Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice on every side.

Something to think about today if you’re feeling burdened with trials: “all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).