The quiet man

5:29 p.m. Today's project was to delve into my Morning & Evening devotional by Charles Spurgeon first thing this morning. We had an anointed memorial service for Steve yesterday at Riverside's Harvest Christian Fellowship, very well-attended. The eulogies by pastors, friends and a close co-worker were amazing, and when my children all got up to speak, they (for lack of a better phrase) brought down the house, with tears throughout. I truly learned aspects of my husband's personality and ways that a wife wouldn't know--the man he was at work, men's Bible study, in ministry.

As the Holy Spirit does, He gave me the gift of a Spurgeon's devotional for January 13 that points out that every  person may preach the gospel--even the quietest, humblest soul. Let me quote a good portion of his writing for this day:

" 'I have yet to speak on God's behalf.'--Job 36:2

We ought not to court publicity for our virtue, or notoriety for our zeal; but at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide that which God has bestowed upon us for the good of others. A Christian is not to be a village in a valley, but a "city set upon a hill;" he is not to be a candle under a bushel, but a candlestick, giving light to all. Retirement may be lovely in its season, and to hide oneself is doubtless modest, but the hiding of Christ in us can never be justified, and the keeping back of truth which is precious to ourselves is a sin against others and an offence against God."
                                                                      ...
"If thou canst not speak with the trumpet's tongue, use the still small voice. If the pulpit must not be thy tribune, if the press may not carry on its wings thy words, yet say with Peter and John, 'Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee.' ...Utter the praises of Jesus in the house if not in the temple; in the field, if not in the exchange; in the midst of thine own household if thou canst not in the midst of the great family of man. ...Hide not thy talent; trade with it; and thou shalt bring in good interest to thy Lord and Master."

Yesterday, I was struck by the way that Steve did shine his light exactly where he was placed. He testified by word and deed in the home with family devotions and fatherly guidance: at church where he served in several hands-on capacities; and in the workplace as a maintenance technician in the plastics industry.  His former co-worker Robert was struck by the way Steve would lay hands on a machine whenever its malfunction became too difficult, and head bowed, would pray. Lo and behold, the machine would start up!

That's practical, prevailing, powerful prayer!

Let us all follow Steve's example, and serve Jesus daily wherever we are. Colossians 3:22-24 sums up my late husband's life and practice:

 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.