August 1
The Broad Field of Promise
Downcast and troubled Christian, come and glean today in the broad field of promise. Here is an abundance of precious promises, which meet your needs exactly. Take this one: "A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench."1 Is that not helpful to you? A reed, helpless, insignificant, and weak, a bruised reed, out of which no music can come, weaker than weakness itself-yet He will not break you, but on the contrary, will restore and strengthen you.
You are like the smoking wick: No light, no warmth, can come from you, but He will not extinguish you; He will blow with His sweet breath of mercy until He fans you into a flame. Would you glean another ear? "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."2 What gentle words! Your heart is tender, and the Master knows it, and therefore He speaks so softly to you. Will you not obey Him and come to Him even now? Take another ear of corn: "Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I am the one who helps you, declares the LORD; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel."3 How can you fear with such a wonderful assurance as this?
You may gather ten thousand golden ears such as this: "I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist."4 Or this: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."5 Or this: "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price."6 Our Master's field is very rich, as you can see. Plenty of promises lie before you, believer! Gather them up, make them your own, for Jesus wants you to have them. Do not be afraid; only believe! Grasp these sweet promises, thresh them out by meditation, and feed on them with joy.
1 Isaiah 42:3
2 Matthew 11:28
3 Isaiah 41:14
4 saiah 44:22
5 Isaiah 1:18
6 Revelation 22:17
Family Bible reading plan
verse 1 Judges 15
verse 2 Acts 19
The Company We Keep: In Search of Biblical Friendship
Broader and deeper than simple fellowship, biblical friendship is first and foremost about a relationship with Jesus Christ. As you are brought into friendship and relationship with the Father, Jesus Christ calls you a friend! It is out of this friendship that our human friendships find their beginning and their purpose. Biblical friendship is deep, honest, pure, transparent, and liberating. It is also attainable. Dig into this book, and learn how your friendships can embody this amazing and wonderful reality.
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From Morning & Evening revised and edited by Alistair Begg copyright © 2003. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org.
