Pray with Spurgeon

Daily Newsletter from SpurgeonBooks

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us…” (Hebrews 12:1)

The writer seems to say, since so many look on from heaven, and earth, and hell, and we are runners in the great life race, let us strip to it; let us throw aside everything that would make our running difficult; every weight, however golden; every garment, however richly embroidered, lest it should entangle us in our course. And then when we have set out, let us not conclude that we have won the victory, but “run with patience,” on, on, on, until at last we reach the goal.

PRAY FOR THE NATIONS

This week, we’re praying for the Manga Kanuri of Nigeria.

Recent conflicts in Nigeria have led some Kanuri to question Islam.

Pray that Nigerian Christians would be able to answer questions boldly and persuasively.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A More Undistracted Prayer Life

In a world with so many distractions, prayer isn’t just hard — it seems impossible. It can be easy to think that the kind of prayer life that we want isn’t attainable; it’s even easier to let perfection be the enemy of progress and not pray at all, especially in busy seasons.

If this is you, I’ve got a book recommendation for you: The Possibility of Prayer by John Starke offers a realistic guide to finding stillness with God in a restless world. John explains the biblical foundation for prayer (Part One) and offers solid tips for cultivating lives (not just prayer lives!) of rest in Christ.

I know this book will help you grow your prayer life, so I hope you’ll grab a copy today.

Buy The Possibility of Prayer:

• Amazon (Paperback, audiobook, or Kindle editions)

• ChristianBook (Ebook edition)

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.

“But if you will carefully obey him and do everything I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.” (Exodus 23:22)

The Lord Christ in the midst of his people is to be acknowledged and obeyed. He is the ambassador of God and speaks in the Father’s name, and it is our responsibility to do as he commands immediately. We shall lose the promise if we disregard the precept.

Full obedience comes with quite a large blessing! The Lord enters into an alliance with his people, offensive and defensive. He will bless those who bless us and curse those who curse us. God will go with his people, heart and soul, and enter in deepest sympathy into their position. This gives us great protection. We do not need to concern ourselves about our foes when we are assured that they have become the foes of God. If the Lord has taken up our fight we may leave the foemen in his hands.

As far as our own interest is concerned, we have no enemies. However, for the cause of truth and righteousness, we take up arms and go forth to conflict. In this sacred war we are allied with the eternal God and if we carefully obey the law of our Lord Jesus, he is engaged to put forth all his power on our behalf. Therefore, we fear no man.

Something to think about today if you’re feeling afraid of someone else: Be safe, knowing that you are worthy of respect. Feel safe, knowing that God has promised to protect you.