iPhone App! Timeless Wisdom & Daily Inspiration from the Bible by Charles H. Spurgeon

Spurgeon on “God’s Love & Discipline” ~ 2 Minute Devotional

I can remember being disciplined by my parents. Sometimes it was a spanking, restriction of privileges, or a stern lecture. Normally, I knew exactly what the issue was. I did the wrong thing, and I was being punished for that specific deed.

On this earth, parents are fallible, discipline and punishment can be abused, so we have to be careful how we view discipline from the Lord. Parents should discipline a child because they love their child, and in their wisdom, they know that a particular behavior is not healthy. For example, lying is not acceptable behavior and telling the truth is a far better way to conduct one’s life.

So how do I know if God is disciplining me? Let me suggest that if you are being disciplined by God, it will be obvious to you. Just like I mentioned above, I knew exactly why my parents were disciplining me, so it is with God’s discipline. I also know that I tried to hide from my parent’s discipline, because the consequences were painful. It is also our nature to hide from God’s discipline. It is important for me to learn to respond to God’s discipline with repentance, and with His help, to correct the problem.

Here’s the tough question. If something bad happens to me, is it because God is disciplining me, or is God mad at me, or has He forgotten me? First, let’s establish that nothing, good or bad, happens to us without God’s purpose or knowledge. Ultimately, everything will work out for God’s glory. The problem is that we aren’t privy to the details, this side of heaven. As a result, we must trust each event to God’s wisdom and purpose whether we understand it or not.

To answer the question then, if bad things happen to us because of God’s discipline, it will be obvious to us and we should respond with repentance. If it is not obvious, we should ask for God’s help, understanding that He has a purpose for leading us through such a trial. In either case we should humbly look for the opportunity to grow in grace.

Dear Lord, If you are disciplining me for specific sin, help me to humbly repent. In all things, good or bad, let me praise you for daily grace, and understand that all things work together for good for those who are called according to your purpose. Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by this quote and the accompanying image taken from the Spurgeon Daily Quotes iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Great Praise to God – Psalm 148 NIV 2 Minute Devotional

We lavish praise on many things, children, pets, coworkers, spouse and others. Sometimes the praise is quite lavish, such as awards for national or community service. Perhaps the praise is for great sacrifice, such as an award of the Medal of Honor.

Yet, even the most heroic sacrifice or deed of man deserving of praise, cannot compare to the praise due to our God. Consider what he has done!

In Psalm 148, the Psalmist focuses on creation. NASA photographs show us wonders in the heavens displayed in unimagined beauty. Scientists spend entire lifetimes studying the stars, and rather than coming close to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, they discover complexities even more mysterious.

Praise the Lord, for such wonders as the heavens. But for all the praise to God for the heavens, there are even more wondrous things right here on earth.

Beyond all created things, consider salvation from Christ. Consider Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection. Consider what it means to mankind. Consider what it means to me, individually, personally.

Dear Lord, I praise you for your great creation, but most of all, I praise you for your great salvation through Jesus Christ. Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 148 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes NIV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or  Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Will Rogers on Making a living

Rogers does it again with this quote. With rising taxes will it get to a place where a person simply can’t carry the tax load and make a living for the family. Rogers wrote this in 1932 and politicians are still raising taxes today!

The image comes from one of Rogers’ many movies as indicated in the “Image info” at the end of the quote.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

Will Rogers on “Losing Sleep & Taxes”

Will RogersFinancial uncertainty is unsettling not only for financial markets, but for taxpayers as well. Tension seems to be highest whenever congress is in session because it seems you never know what they are going to do. Actually, we do know one thing, whatever they do will be bad for the taxpayer!

The same bunch that can’t control their own spending, wants to control our spending by taking more of our money in taxes. The same brilliant minds that mandated banks lend to people that couldn’t pay back the loans think they should be able to regulate any industry they want. I could go on…

How can congress sleep at night knowing all the pain and suffering they have unleashed on the country? Easy! They had good intentions.

Well folks, it looks like the only way a person can get a good nights sleep is to get elected to congress.

Image Information: The lovely young lady in the picture is Lucille Mulhall. Her father ran the Mulhall Cowboy Carnival and Will worked for him for several years. There’s no indication that Will’s relationship with Lucille was serious, and a few years later, in 1908, Will married Betty Blake.

Will Rogers is a man worth remembering, and quoting. His wit, humor and insight into life will amaze and astonish you. His life will inspire you. Watch for new blog posts from my Will Rogers quotes collection.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will RogersiPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

Will Rogers

Spurgeon on “Is There a Church in This House?” ~ 2 Minute Devotional

Today’s quote from Charles Spurgeon captures the hopes and prayers of christian parents everywhere. “Is there a Church in this house?” If there was one gift to leave with a son or daughter, it would be a strong vibrant faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Just like the goose in the picture watches over its goslings, so the parents watch over the spiritual welfare of their children.

Have you strayed from the faith? You’ve probably seen the heartbreak in your parents eyes. Perhaps they’ve pleaded with you to return. Is it pride that keeps you away? Are your sins unforgivable? Is the pain too deep? Did the church’s practices turn you away?

There are so many stories in the Bible of redemption and returning to God. The Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11 is one that most of us are familiar with. In verse 17 it says that the son “came to himself,” and made a decision to return back to his father and confess his sin. All the time that the son was away, the father was watching for his return.

Is there a Church in this house? This special covenant family is not without aid from God. Prayers are not in vain! The Holy Spirit works in hearts with powerful effect, building, restoring and redeeming.

Dear Lord, Let there be a Church in my house. I need Your help to be a godly parent, son or daughter. Let Jesus be in my heart and let the Holy Spirit work in my life and in my family. Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by this quote and the accompanying image taken from the Spurgeon Daily Quotes iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Spurgeon on “Resplendent Redemption” – 2 Minute Devotional

In today’s world, redemption seems so bland and colorless. The reason is because sin is only seen as a light shade of gray. It is barely mentioned these days, even from the pulpit. Sin is rationalized, in order to avoid personal responsibility. Sin is made comfortable in order not to offend the sinner. It is our very nature to avoid dealing with sin in our lives.

Now consider the difference between turning on a light in the middle of the day, verses turning on the same light in the blackness of the night. In one case there is little or no effect from the light, but at night we have to shade our eyes and turn our head from the brilliance of the light.

Only when we begin to understand the deep blackness of our sin can we fully understand the “resplendent” redemption of God. We must shade our eyes, turn our head and give deep heart-felt praise to God for such great grace.

Dear Lord, As I consider the terrible suffering of Christ on the cross, help me understand that it was because of my terrible sins. It is then that my redemption does resplendently shine. Amen.

I hope you have been blessed by this quote and the accompanying image taken from the Spurgeon Daily Quotes iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Will Rogers says: “Danger! Federal Reserve Meeting”

Watch the Federal Reserve! That’s the message from Will Rogers in 1929. We’re still watching today, and things haven’t changed much.

Mix the Federal Reserve manipulation of interest rates with Democrat meddling in the mortgage banking industry, and what do you get? Forclosures! Over 1 million Americans seen losing homes in 2011.

The Democrat solution is, of course, more government involvement and programs to clean up the mess they created in the first place. It’s like putting a polecat in charge of a perfume factory. It doesn’t make scents [sorry, couldn’t resist the pun]!

It’s time for the Republicans to show some good old fashioned common sense when it comes to economics. Even so, keep an eye on the Federal Reserve!

Image Information: Today’s image is of Will and Betty Rogers in their later years of marriage. She was the love of his life. Will said: “The day I roped Betty Blake was the best catch of my life.” Biographers agree that the strong marriage, fidelity, loyal friendship and trust between Will and Betty Rogers were the keystones of Will Rogers’ incredible career and life success.

The image was taken directly from pictures at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum archive. I apologize for the quality of the image, but this is exactly what the 1920s photo looked like when I scanned it. In the hundreds of images contained in this iPhone application, I wanted to share as many different Will Rogers photos as possible from as wide a variety of times and situations – movies, cowboy, vaudeville, with famous people, and family scenes.

Will Rogers is a man worth remembering, and quoting. His wit, humor and insight into life will amaze and astonish you. His life will inspire you. Watch for new blog posts from my Will Rogers quotes collection.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

Spurgeon on “Be Content” ~ 2 Minute Devotional

What’s hip, what’s hot, what ain’t I got? If it’s a cool electronic gadget or faster computer, I want it! I used to lust after an iPhone 4, until I got one recently. Now I want an iPad. After that who knows. Just give me the latest thing on the market.

Modern marketing is not built on contentment! The reason is that our fallen nature is prone to envy and greed. It can never be satisfied. We always want more, more, MORE!

When I consider what Christ has done for me, however, I realize there is nothing more to be desired. His work is complete. I can rest, contented in his love. As a result, I should be content with God’s purpose for me and where he has placed me, along with what possessions has blessed me with. If I can love my neighbor, as Christ loves me, there will be no envy.

Charles H. Spurgeon (pictured with this quote), 1834-1892, was the foremost preacher of the 19th century. His many sermons, devotions, and books bring a unique, inspiring, and spiritual significance to biblical truth. What is most surprising is that Spurgeon had no formal theological training. Even so, he became widely recognized for his insight and prowess in biblical teaching.

I hope you have been blessed by this quote and the accompanying image taken from the Spurgeon Daily Quotes iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Give Thanks! – Psalm 109 ESV 2 Minute Devotional

Why do we thank people? Normally it’s because they have done something for us and we feel some debt of gratitude. We should say “thank you” much more often – to our spouse, children, friends, pastor and others for what they do for us.

It is especially true that we should thank God more often. As Psalm 109 says, we should give “great thanks” to the lord. We should also understand that we are the “needy one” and God has saved us from death.

I love this picture of “Mr. Beaver.” It looks like it came from a Disney movie. With a raised paw he seems to be admonishing us to “Give thanks to God! Give thanks!”

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 109 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes ESV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

Will Rogers on “Labor Day”

Labor Day is a funny name for a holiday. It’s a day when nobody works, or wants to work. Labor unions started observing a labor day in 1882, and Congress passed an act in 1894 making the first Monday in September a national holiday.

In 1929, Will Rogers noted that: “How Congress knew anything about labor is beyond us…” I guess, not much has changed since Will Rogers’ day. Congress didn’t pass a budget last year, they spend money like a drunken sailor, unemployment is up, and the administration hires another professor from academia to advise the president on economic affairs. Do we have any confidence that anyone in Washington knows what they’re doing when it comes to business and labor?

Here’s the latest word from the genius economic advisors in the administration. Unemployment checks are good because people spend the money and stimulate the economy. The more checks, the more stimulus! I don’t think these guys can tell the difference between grits and sawdust!

As if that weren’t enough, the EPA, DOJ, INS, NLRB, and every other Federal agency is burdening business with regulations and lawsuits that kill job growth.

Well, that’s all I’ve got to say about that. Now I have to submit Form GOLB1024 to the Dept. of Communication, confirming that this blog was non-partisan and meets the kindness threshold for internet blog posts. By the way, the form states that the Office of Paperwork Reduction has cut the length of the form in half by reducing the size of the type from 12 point to 6 point.

Have a great Labor Day!

Photo Information: Once Will Rogers found out he could get places faster by flying, he was constantly in the air. In this picture, Will climbs into an open cockpit airplane.

The image was taken directly from pictures at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum archive. I apologize for the quality of the image, but this is exactly what the 1920s photo looked like when I scanned it. In the hundreds of images contained in this iPhone application, I wanted to share as many different Will Rogers photos as possible from as wide a variety of times and situations – movies, cowboy, vaudeville, with famous people, and family scenes.

Will Rogers is a man worth remembering, and quoting. His wit, humor and insight into life will amaze and astonish you. His life will inspire you. Watch for new blog posts from my Will Rogers quotes collection.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers Daily Quotes iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.

Navy Psalm 108:12 on “Help Against the Foe” ESV 2 Minute Devotional

Devotional

I had the honor of meeting a former Navy SEAL while waiting for a flight at DFW. He was 70 years old and looked every bit as fit as men half his age. Last year he was invited back to temporary active duty to assist training today’s Navy SEAL candidates, and compare it with his experience from years ago. The attrition rate for SEAL training has been and is still over 70% for First Phase training. It’s still the toughest military training in the world!

As we looked at pictures from the Navy Psalm Daily Quotes ESV iPhone app, such as the one in this blog post, he could tell me exactly what was going on when we came to pictures of SEAL training.

One thing Navy SEALs have to learn is teamwork. Nobody makes it through training by relying only on themselves. You are responsible for your teammates, and they are responsible for you. For SEALs, it can be a matter of life and death.

This thought brings us to Psalm 108:12. While our natural tendency is to do things on our own, we must understand that we cannot save ourselves. We have to trust God for salvation, and with God, “we shall do valiantly.”

Dear Lord, Help me to put my trust in you. I can do nothing without your help. Amen.

Entire Quote and Image Information

Psalm 108:12 Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! 13 With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.

Image info: SAN DIEGO (Feb. 25, 2010) First phase Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL students navigate small inflatable boats through the surf during a navigation training exercise. First phase is an eight-week course that trains, prepares and selects SEAL candidates based on physical conditioning; water competency; mental tenacity and teamwork. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shauntae Hinkle-Lymas/Released)

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 108:12 and the accompanying image taken from the Navy Psalm Daily Quotes ESV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

There is no God – Psalm 14 NIV 2 Minute Devotional

I saw an interesting quote the other day:
Nietzsche is dead. – God

Of course Nietzsche is the 19th century philosopher who famously proclaimed that “God is dead.” His life was a sad life, and those who embraced his philosophy left hope behind. Those who lose hope will be “overwhelmed by dread,” as the Psalmist says.

If I ever saw an arrogant look, it is Mr. Seal in the picture! Nose in the air, looking down on everyone else as less than himself. He believes his ideas are superior, but in fact, he is a fool.

Sometimes I am a fool, when I become proud and feel superior to others around me. As the song says: “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.” A former pastor would remind me: “But for the grace of God, go I.”

It is God’s grace that saves us from corruption. Grace leaves no room for pride, because it is God’s work, not mine.

Dear Lord, If I have said in my heart: “There is no God,” help me to lay aside these foolish thoughts and turn to you with my whole heart. I need your saving grace, and I need Christ as my Savior. Amen.

If you were blessed by Psalm 14 and the image of Mr. Seal, look below for an extra treat. The Sons of Korah have put Psalm 14 to music. Listen to the sample and get your own copy at the iTunes store.

I hope you have been blessed by Psalm 14 and the accompanying image taken from the Psalm Daily Quotes NIV iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or  Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that need an encouraging word.

EXTRA!

The Sons of Korah have put Psalm 14 to music. Listen to a sample below and purchase your own copy at the iTunes store by clicking on the button.

Psalm 14a – Rain Album

Will Rogers on Holding Back Relief

Who knows what our economic condition is these days – Depression, recession, economic malaise? Whatever it is, a committee has been formed to investigate it. I’m sure their report will tell us what we already know, and will be issued when it is politically convenient.

Are you as amazed as I am that Rogers saw the same problems in 1933 as we face today? Not only is congress holding back relief, as Rogers says, but they caused the financial crisis to begin with!

Perhaps the relief we need is from politicians that care more about themselves than the country.

The picture is from Rogers’ 1921 silent movie, An Unwilling Hero. He plays Whistling Dick, a hobo who loves everything but work. He travels south to New Orleans for the winter and is befriended by Nadine, the daughter of a plantation owner. Dick finds out about a robbery plan and warns Nadine’s father. Out of gratitude he is offered work on the plantation, which inspires him to leave at his earliest convenience.

I hope you have enjoyed this quote from Will Rogers and the accompanying image taken from the Will Rogers iPhone app. Please visit our blog, twitter, or Facebook page regularly and pass these posts on to friends that might enjoy a bit of wisdom from Will Rogers.