Morning, August 14

Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings

"Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work."

  Psalm 92:4

   Do you believe that your sins are forgiven, and that Christ has made a
   full atonement for them? Then what a joyful Christian you ought to be!
   How you should live above the common trials and troubles of the world!
   Since sin is forgiven, can it matter what happens to you now? Luther
   said, "Smite, Lord, smite, for my sin is forgiven; if thou hast but
   forgiven me, smite as hard as thou wilt;" and in a similar spirit you
   may say, "Send sickness, poverty, losses, crosses, persecution, what
   thou wilt, thou hast forgiven me, and my soul is glad." Christian, if
   thou art thus saved, whilst thou art glad, be grateful and loving.
   Cling to that cross which took thy sin away; serve thou him who served
   thee. "I beseech you therefore, by the mercies of God, that ye present
   your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
   your reasonable service." Let not your zeal evaporate in some little
   ebullition of song. Show your love in expressive tokens. Love the
   brethren of him who loved you. If there be a Mephibosheth anywhere who
   is lame or halt, help him for Jonathan's sake. If there be a poor tried
   believer, weep with him, and bear his cross for the sake of him who
   wept for thee and carried thy sins. Since thou art thus forgiven freely
   for Christ's sake, go and tell to others the joyful news of pardoning
   mercy. Be not contented with this unspeakable blessing for thyself
   alone, but publish abroad the story of the cross. Holy gladness and
   holy boldness will make you a good preacher, and all the world will be
   a pulpit for you to preach in. Cheerful holiness is the most forcible
   of sermons, but the Lord must give it you. Seek it this morning before
   you go into the world. When it is the Lord's work in which we rejoice,
   we need not be afraid of being too glad.