A Devotional From Charles Spurgeon

1 Samuel 7:12

 Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.

The word "hitherto" seems like a hand pointing in the direction of the past. Twenty years or seventy, and yet, "hitherto the Lord hath helped!" Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health, at home, abroad, on the land, on the sea, in honour, in dishonour, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation, "hitherto hath the Lord helped us!"

We delight to look down a long avenue of trees. It is delightful to gaze from end to end of the long vista, a sort of verdant temple, with its branching pillars and its arches of leaves; even so look down the long aisles of your years, at the green boughs of mercy overhead, and the strong pillars of lovingkindness and faithfulness which bear up your joys. Are there no birds in yonder branches singing? Surely there must be many, and they all sing of mercy received "hitherto."

But the word also points forward. For when a man gets up to a certain mark and writes "hitherto," he is not yet at the end, there is still a distance to be traversed. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils, more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease, death. Is it over now? No! there is more yet-awakening in Jesu's likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment, the face of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fulness of eternity, the infinity of bliss. O be of good courage, believer, and with grateful confidence raise thy "Ebenezer," for...

He who hath helped thee hitherto

Will help thee all thy journey through.

When read in heaven's light how glorious and marvellous a prospect will thy "hitherto" unfold to thy grateful eye!

GIVE IT TO GOD

 Reflection:  

When facing rough waves in life, how can reflecting on God's wonders fill you with peace, courage and confidence in His ongoing presence and sufficient care?  What situations do you need to release to God as you ride the waves of life?

Agusan Riverside, Butuan City

Sometimes when life's events like a sickness or a misunderstanding with loved ones overwhelm me, a walk through the riverside and gazing at God's magnificent works in nature, praising Him for gigantic trees and free-flowing waters and the greeneries surrounding it is enough to restore the peace and  serenity of my heart.  In all things, God works together for good for those who love Him and live according to His purpose.  There is never a day that He doesn't surprise me with His wonders like the flowers blooming and trees bearing fruits in my yard and my neighbors' yards.  There is never a time that my mornings look the same.  His awesomeness and loving-kindness knows no end.

I release to God everything, good or bad.  He is my Maker who holds the times of my life.  He is on the throne and perfectly in control of my life.  All glory and praise to Him, my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

STOP CHILD SLAVERY, TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE

     Children are important to God.  In fact, one of the instances in the Bible where Jesus displayed his indignation was when the disciples rebuked the parents for bringing their children to Him in Mark 10:13-16.

Mark 10:14 - "When Jesus saw this, he was INDIGNANT."

Indignant - furious, angry, displeased
...

      The other one was when Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there in Matthew 21:12-13.

Matthew 21:12b-13: He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. It is written, he said to them, "My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.".

      But to our dismay, millions of children all over the world (an estimated of 3.5 million) are being enslaved, abused and trafficked. I believe that if we, who are imperfect, are grieved a thousand times by the abuse and enslavement of this innocent children, how much more the one who is perfect, our Father in heaven?

      Children need our prayers. They need our help. In unity, we can make a difference.

Be extravagant with your praises

     
    Excessive, overgenerous, lavish, costly, rich, abundant, unreserved. Those are just a few words to praise and worship a great God who is greatly to be praised and whose greatness is unsearchable. 

     It is beyond songs and singing. It is an outflowing resulting from an extravagant devotion to an overgenerous God. 

     It is not only a response to the good things that God has given you, but it is arms stretched towards heaven in the middle of an overwhelming grief. 

     When you have seen and tasted the goodness of God, extravagant praise becomes a responsibility.

     Extravagant praise and worship is not only enjoyable; it is achievable.

    That is what extravagant means.

Loving the Unlovable

       Ponder on this...

      The bible tells us that if we are kind only to our friends, how are we different from anyone else?  Even criminals do that.  If we love only those who love us, what reward do we expect?  In other words, if you love only those who love you, then, there is no difference between you and the wicked because even the wicked also love those who love them. In a world where expressions like "An eye for an eye", "Do unto others before they do unto you" or the all-time favorite "I don't get mad, I get even" are as natural as drinking coffee, it is no wonder that hurts, afflictions and distresses multiply and find no end.

     As an antidote, Jesus teaches his followers to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you".  Hard teaching, isn't it?  Call it supernatural love because that is really what it is.   Jesus expects his followers to be a different breed of people who make a difference in this world.

     Are you a Jesus follower?  If you are, He expects your love to shine without limits, doing good for evil and praying for those who have hurt you.  It won't be easy.  In fact, it is almost impossible. You need to ask for His grace to sustain you in this one.  Applying this teaching in your life is going to be a journey full of challenges. 

     Making a difference in this world is a quest by itself.  Start today by believing in Jesus,  and living out his teachings.  It could be just what the world needs after all.

     Happy Easter everyone!

The Livelihood Promise

 Deuteronomy 28:8 is one of God's promises in the Bible which I hold on so dearly.  Personally, I apply this verse in my area of livelihood.  I believe that if we don't get weary in doing  that which pleases God especially in our area of livelihood, no matter how strong the temptation to do otherwise, God will bless our finances, work and home.  Be encouraged. To the fathers, mothers, single parents who work so hard to set up their families, and shun unrighteous money making activities, even though how tempting they maybe, continue doing what you have started.  To those who fear and trust God for their provision, do not worry. God will establish you and your family.  To those who are into morally questionable livelihood, it's never too late to straighten things out.  Humbly ask God to forgive and help you. Believe that God will pull you out of the pit.  Stay in God's course and will.  If you do this, you will never regret your decision.  God will pour out his favor upon you.

Read God's Word today.  It is all in that book called "Bible" and believe in his promises.  You won't regret it.