Morning By Morning #115

Because of all this we make a firm covenant.

Nehemiah 9:38 ESV

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

There are many times in our walk with the Lord it is fitting and beneficial to renew our covenant with Him, such as after recovering from an illness, when like Hezekiah years have been added to our life. (See 2 Kings 20:1 – 11.) After being delivered from some trouble or distress, when our joy has been renewed, let us return to the foot of the cross and renew our consecration. And especially after we have sinned, grieving the Holy Spirit and bringing dishonor to the cause of God, let us look to the blood that can make us “whiter than snow” (Ps. 51:7) and once again offer ourselves to the Lord.

However, not only should times of trouble determine our reconfirmation of our dedication to God, but times of prosperity should do the same. When we encounter what could be considered crowning moments of mercy, then surely it is the Lord who has crowned us. We should return the honor, crowning Him anew with all the jewels of His divine regalia He has stored in the jewelry chest of our hearts. May our God sit on the throne of our love arrayed in His royal apparel.

If only we would learn the profitable lessons of our prosperity, we would not need so much adversity! If we could reap all the goodness conferred upon us in His kiss, we would not so often feel the pain of His rod of discipline.

Have we lately received a blessing we did not expect? Has the Lord expanded our sphere of influence? Can we sing of His multiplied mercies? Then this is the day to put our hand on “the horns of the altar” (Ps. 118:27) and say, “Bind me here with cords, my God, for ever and ever.”

Just as we need the fulfillment of new promises from God, let us offer renewed prayers that our old vows remain honored in our lives. This morning may we make a “sure covenant” with Him, once again remembering the sufferings of Jesus with gratitude in our hearts.

From the pen of Jim Reimann:

How many times have we seen even believers unable to handle the blessings of God! Today’s devotion should be a reminder to us it is important to handle trials and blessings in much the same way. After all, the Lord has promised to use “all things” for our good that we may “be conformed to the likeness of his Son” (Rom. 8:28 – 29).

What is the difference between the rainstorms of life and showers of blessing? Isn’t it only the intensity of the rain? Therefore, wouldn’t it be true that what enables us to withstand the showers of blessing would be the same root structure that enables us to withstand the storms?

The storms of life should drive us to the Word of God so our roots will grow deeply into Him. May the Lord convict our hearts that—even in good times—we need those roots to remain strong and to thrive.

Father, every day—whether a day of trial or blessing—may I be rooted in Your Word alone.

“They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day” (Acts 17:11).