Maple Leaf Parish Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora) United Methodist Churches
By Pastor Mark Woodward
Maple Leaf Parish Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora) Uanited Methodist Churches
During a particular rough time in my life, I very much appreciated the inspiring, uplifting, encouraging words of a wonderful pastor who lived in England. Charles Spurgeon lived from 1834-1892 and he was a prominent clergyman during this era. He wrote a wonderful collection of devotional pieces put together known as “Faith’s Check Book.” Spurgeon also experienced challenges, controversies and difficult problems. In is journey, he turned to the inspired Word of God. He wrote, “How much more wonderful is the Bible to me now than it was a few months ago…” For Spurgeon, the Words of the Bible provided “deep sustaining power” for daily living.
I believe the Word of God provides “deep sustaining power” in the course of our lives in our modern era. God’s Word provides sustenance and renewed hope. During my time of challenge, when I was first introduced to the writings of Charles Spurgeon, I came to realize afresh just how powerful and uplifting God’s Word is in the course of our lives.
“Faith’s Check Book” written in the 1800s is a remarkable devotional collection that speaks to our lives in our world today. In quoting Rev. Spurgeon, here is an example of how his devotional writing from the 1800s remains timely today:
“Rain without clouds? Never!”
“If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth” (Ecclesiastes 11:3)
“Why, then, do we dread the clouds, which darken our sky? True for a while they will hide the sun, but the sun is not quenched; he will shine out again before long. Meanwhile those black clouds are filled with rain; and the blacker they are, the more likely they are to yield plentiful showers. How can we have rain without clouds? Our troubles Have always brought us blessings, and they always will. They are the black chariots of bright grace. These clouds will empty themselves before long, and every tender herb will the gladder for the shower. Our God will drench us with grief, but He will not drown us with wrath; nay, He will refresh us with mercy. Our Lord’s love often come to us in black-edged envelopes. His wagon rumble, but they are loaded with benefits. His rod blossoms with sweet flowers and nourishing fruits. Let us not worry about the clouds, but since May flowers are brought to us through April clouds and showers. O Lord, the clouds are the dust of thy feet! How near thou art in the cloudy and dark day! Love beholds thee and is glad. Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice on every side.” -Charles Spurgeon
May these words from the 1800s based upon God’s Word bring renewal and hope to us today and every day! “Faith’s Check Book” really spoke to me… maybe it will speak to you, too!