Daily Devotionals
Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening"
Devotional: August 1st

Morning

“Thou art my God, I will exalt thee.”

Psalms 118

It would appear from the chapter which we last read that the singers at the founding of the temple sang Psalms 118.

Psalms 118:1-5

Out of the Babylonish captivity had they come to the freedom of their own land, beneath the patronage of Cyrus.

Psalms 118:7

For there were such: the Samaritans and other envious neighbours looked on with jealous eyes.

Psalms 118:8-12

Faith is more than a conqueror, and sings a song of victory before the battle is over.

Psalms 118:17

Israel was not quite dead: the nation would yet revive: even in her ashes lived her wonted fires.

Psalms 118:23

Thus, as they looked on their once despised leader, they were led to sing in mystic prophecy of Jesus, the Messiah, who is now to us our chief corner-stone.

Psalms 118:26

They blessed the priest, and the priest returned the benediction, and then they proceeded to sacrifice.

Psalms 118:27-29

Let us treasure up this golden sentence, and when we are in any difficulty or trouble let us at once repair to Him, whose mercy endureth for ever.

Praise ye the Lord, how kind, how nigh!

His mercy fills eternity.

Let Israel now adoring cry,

“His mercy fills eternity.”

Let Aaron’s line new anthems try,

“His mercy fills eternity,”

Who fear the Lord, sing deep and high,

“His mercy fills eternity.”

Thou art my God, ‘tis thee I praise;

My Lord, on high thy name. I raise;

Praise to the Lord, for good is he,

“His mercy fills eternity.”

Evening

“Consider your ways.”

Haggai 1

After the foundations of the temple had been laid, the work was opposed, and the people grew dispirited; the prophet Haggai was sent to exhort them to begin again.

Haggai 1:1 , Haggai 1:2

The difficulties placed in their way by their enemies had discouraged the people, and led them to believe that the set time, mentioned in the book of Jeremiah, had not yet come. When we do not like a work it is easy to find an excuse for postponing it.

Haggai 1:3 , Haggai 1:4

They had made their own houses luxurious, but the temple was as yet little better than a ruin. Its unfinished and unroofed walls accused them of want of zeal for the Lord.

Haggai 1:5 , Haggai 1:6

Meanness towards God’s work had kept them poor. If men are selfish and keep their wealth to themselves, and rob God of his portion, they shall not prosper, or if they do, no blessing shall come with it.

Haggai 1:7

Judge whether you are acting honestly and fairly with the Lord, and consider whether your poverty may not be sent as a punishment for your robbing God of his due.

Haggai 1:11

They gave little, and therefore received little. When men are bad stewards, their great Lord refuses to trust them with his estate; if they deprive the great Owner of all things of his quit-rent of grateful offering, he will take away their vineyard, and let it out to others. This is but just and right.

Haggai 1:12-15

See the value of a man of God! His voice calls others to their duty, who else would have quite neglected it. If we have been niggardly to the cause of God, let Haggai’s voice sound across the centuries, and quicken us also to diligence in service and liberality in gift to the work of the Lord.

Wake thy slumbering children, wake them,

Bid them to thy harvest go;

Blessings, O our Father, make them;

Round their steps let blessings flow.

Give reviving give refreshing

Give the look’d-for Jubilee;

To thyself may crowds be pressing,

Bringing glory unto thee.