Morning and Evening Devotional with C.H. Spurgeon – May 12, 2026

Morning

Morning Devotional for May 12, 2026

Scripture: “And will manifest myself to him.” — John 14:21

Morning Devotional

The Lord Jesus gives special revelations of himself to his people. Even if Scripture did not declare this, there are many of the children of God who could testify the truth of it from their own experience. They have had manifestations of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in a peculiar manner, such as no mere reading or hearing could afford. In the biographies of eminent saints, you will find many instances recorded in which Jesus has been pleased, in a very special manner to speak to their souls, and to unfold the wonders of his person; yea, so have their souls been steeped in happiness that they have thought themselves to be in heaven, whereas they were not there, though they were well nigh on the threshold of it—for when Jesus manifests himself to his people, it is heaven on earth; it is paradise in embryo; it is bliss begun.

Especial manifestations of Christ exercise a holy influence on the believer’s heart. One effect will be humility. If a man says, “I have had such-and-such spiritual communications, I am a great man,” he has never had any communion with Jesus at all; for “God hath respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.” He does not need to come near them to know them, and will never give them any visits of love. Another effect will be happiness; for in God’s presence there are pleasures for evermore. Holiness will be sure to follow. A man who has no holiness has never had this manifestation. Some men profess a great deal; but we must not believe any one unless we see that his deeds answer to what he says. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.” He will not bestow his favours upon the wicked: for while he will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he respect an evil doer. Thus there will be three effects of nearness to Jesus—humility, happiness, and holiness. May God give them to thee, Christian!

Morning Reflection

Beloved, there is nothing quite like the personal, tender presence of Jesus. Spurgeon reminds us that these special manifestations are not for the proud or the self-sufficient, but for the humble who walk with Him in holiness. In our day of constant noise and distraction, the Lord still delights to draw near to those who seek Him with a whole heart. When He manifests Himself, everything changes—our burdens lighten, our affections are stirred, and we are reminded that the Christian life is not merely knowing about Jesus, but truly knowing Him.

May we never settle for a distant, second-hand faith. The same Lord who walked with the disciples on the Emmaus road still walks with us. Let us cultivate the humility and holiness that welcome His nearness, and may our hearts burn within us as He opens the Scriptures to us anew.

Morning Nectared Goad

The Lord still manifests Himself to the humble and holy. Stop chasing shadows—draw near, and He will draw near to you. 🛡️

Evening

Evening Devotional for May 12, 2026

Scripture: “Fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again.” — Genesis 46:3,4

Evening Devotional

Jacob must have shuddered at the thought of leaving the land of his father’s sojourning, and dwelling among heathen strangers. It was a new scene, and likely to be a trying one: who shall venture among couriers of a foreign monarch without anxiety? Yet the way was evidently appointed for him, and therefore he resolved to go. This is frequently the position of believers now—they are called to perils and temptations altogether untried: at such seasons let them imitate Jacob’s example by offering sacrifices of prayer unto God, and seeking his direction; let them not take a step until they have waited upon the Lord for his blessing: then they will have Jacob’s companion to be their friend and helper.

How blessed to feel assured that the Lord is with us in all our ways, and condescends to go down into our humiliations and banishments with us! Even beyond the ocean our Father’s love beams like the sun in its strength. We cannot hesitate to go where Jehovah promises his presence; even the valley of deathshade grows bright with the radiance of this assurance. Marching onwards with faith in their God, believers shall have Jacob’s promise. They shall be brought up again, whether it be from the troubles of life or the chambers of death.

Jacob’s seed came out of Egypt in due time, and so shall all the faithful pass unscathed through the tribulation of life, and the terror of death. Let us exercise Jacob’s confidence. “Fear not,” is the Lord’s command and his divine encouragement to those who at his bidding are launching upon new seas; the divine presence and preservation forbid so much as one unbelieving fear. Without our God we should fear to move; but when he bids us to, it would be dangerous to tarry. Reader, go forward, and fear not.

Evening Reflection

How often the Lord calls us into unfamiliar territory—new seasons, new trials, new places of dependence. Like Jacob, our hearts may tremble at the unknown, yet the promise remains: “I will go down with thee.” The God who went with His people into Egypt goes with us into every valley, every foreign land, every dark night of the soul.

Spurgeon’s words ring true today: the valley of the shadow grows bright when we remember His presence. We do not walk alone. The same Lord who promised to be with Jacob is with us by His Spirit, and He will surely bring us up again. Let us go forward in faith, not fear, for the One who calls us is faithful.

Evening Nectared Goad

“Fear not to go down into Egypt.” The Lord goes with you into every unknown place. Trust Him and move forward. 🛡️

Tie-In

From morning to evening, the theme is clear: the Lord who manifests Himself to the humble also walks with His people through every trial and transition. Whether in the sweet revelation of His presence or the call to step into the unknown, Jesus is both the One who draws near and the One who goes with us.

Spurgeon, Calvin, and the Puritans all testify to this same truth—the Christian life is marked by intimate communion with Christ and courageous obedience to His voice. Let us live today with humble hearts ready to receive Him and bold faith ready to follow Him wherever He leads. He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Soli Deo Gloria. 🛡️