Evening, March 14

Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings

"I will take heed to my ways."

  Psalm 39:1

   Fellow-pilgrim, say not in your heart, "I will go hither and thither,
   and I shall not sin;" for you are never so out of danger of sinning as
   to boast of security. The road is very miry, it will be hard to pick
   your path so as not to soil your garments. This is a world of pitch;
   you will need to watch often, if in handling it you are to keep your
   hands clean. There is a robber at every turn of the road to rob you of
   your jewels; there is a temptation in every mercy; there is a snare in
   every joy; and if you ever reach heaven, it will be a miracle of divine
   grace to be ascribed entirely to your Father's power. Be on your guard.
   When a man carries a bomb-shell in his hand, he should mind that he
   does not go near a candle; and you too must take care that you enter
   not into temptation. Even your common actions are edged tools; you must
   mind how you handle them. There is nothing in this world to foster a
   Christian's piety, but everything to destroy it. How anxious should you
   be to look up to God, that he may keep you! Your prayer should be,
   "Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe." Having prayed, you must also
   watch; guarding every thought, word, and action, with holy jealousy. Do
   not expose yourselves unnecessarily; but if called to exposure, if you
   are bidden to go where the darts are flying, never venture forth
   without your shield; for if once the devil finds you without your
   buckler, he will rejoice that his hour of triumph is come, and will
   soon make you fall down wounded by his arrows. Though slain you cannot
   be; wounded you may be. "Be sober; be vigilant, danger may be in an
   hour when all seemeth securest to thee." Therefore, take heed to thy
   ways, and watch unto prayer. No man ever fell into error through being
   too watchful. May the Holy Spirit guide us in all our ways; so shall
   they always please the Lord.