Morning By Morning #227

You make me glad by your deeds, O LORD. Psalm 92:4

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

Do you believe your sins are forgiven and that Christ made full atonement for them? If so, what a joyful Christian you should be! And how you should be able to live above the common trials and troubles of the world! For since your sin is forgiven, does it really matter what happens to you now? Martin Luther once said, “Strike, Lord, strike, for my sin is forgiven. As long as you have forgiven me, strike me as hard a blow as You will.” In a similar spirit you may say, “Send sickness, poverty, losses, crosses, persecution, or whatever is Your will, for You have forgiven me, and my soul is glad.”

Dear Christian, if you have experienced the joy of salvation, be grateful and loving. Cling to the cross that took your sin away and serve Him who served you. “I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Rom. 12:1). Do not allow your zeal to evaporate in some short outburst of song, but show your love in continuing expressive acts. Love the family of Him who loved you. For example, if there is a Mephibosheth in your life who is disabled, “show [him] kindness for Jonathan’s sake” (2 Sam. 9:1). If you know a poor troubled believer, weep with him and bear his cross for the sake of Him who wept for you and bore your sins.

Since you have been forgiven freely for Jesus’ sake, go and tell others the joyful news of pardoning mercy. Never be content to keep this inexpressible blessing for yourself alone, but share the story of the cross wherever you go. Holy gladness and holy boldness will make any believer a good preacher and the entire world will be a pulpit for you. The most powerful sermons come from cheerful holiness, but the Lord must give it to you. Seek it this morning before you leave to face the world, for when it is the Lord’s work in which we rejoice, we need never be concerned we are too joyful.

From the pen of Jim Reimann:

Fortunately, joy is not subject to a believer’s circumstances. In fact, the book of Philippians was written by Paul from a Roman prison, but its major theme is joy! Here is how he addressed his trials and joy:

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.

Philippians 1:12 – 18

Lord, “my soul will rejoice in [You] and delight in [Your] salvation. My whole being will exclaim, ‘Who is like you, O LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them’” (Ps. 35:9 – 10).