October 21

Morning

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. — 2 Cor 5:14 BSB

How much do you owe to your Lord? Has He ever done anything for you? Has He forgiven your sins? Has He clothed you in a robe of righteousness? Has He set your feet on solid ground and established your steps? Has He prepared heaven for you and prepared you for heaven? Has He written your name in His book of life? Has He showered you with countless blessings? Has He stored up for you mercies so wonderful that eye has not seen nor ear heard?

Then do something for Jesus that’s worthy of His love. Don’t offer Him just words—offer deeds for your dying Redeemer. How will you feel when He returns if you have to admit that you did nothing for Him, keeping your love bottled up like stagnant water, never flowing out into action for His cause? How shameful is such love!

What do people think of a love that never expresses itself through action? They say, “Open rebuke is better than secret love.” Who will value a love so weak that it doesn’t stir you to a single act of sacrifice, generosity, heroism, or zeal? Think of how He has loved you and given Himself for you! Do you grasp the power of that love? Then let it sweep through your soul like a mighty wind, clearing away the clouds of worldliness and the fog of sin.

“For Christ’s sake,” let this be the flame that ignites your soul; “for Christ’s sake,” let this be the divine energy that lifts you above the pull of this world. Let this heavenly affection make you bold as lions and swift as eagles in His service. Love should give wings to your feet and strength to your arms.

With a heart firmly fixed on God and a determination to honor Him that cannot be shaken, let love for Jesus drive you forward, with a zeal that never tires. May His love draw you ever closer to Him, lifting your heart toward heaven!

Evening

“Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts arise in your hearts? — Luke 24:38 BSB

“Why do you say—My way is hidden from the Lord, and my claim is ignored by my God?” The Lord watches over everything, even the smallest creatures in His creation. But He takes special care of His saints. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him.” “Precious is their blood in His sight.” “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”

Though God is the Savior of all people, He is especially the Savior of those who believe, and this truth should comfort and encourage you. You are His treasured possession, the apple of His eye, the vineyard He watches over day and night.

“The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Let this truth soothe your troubled heart. God says to you as much as He did to His saints of old, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” “Fear not, I am your shield and your very great reward.” How much comfort we lose by reading His promises as if they were meant only for the whole church and not for us personally! Believer, take hold of God’s Word with faith that claims it for yourself. Imagine Jesus saying to you, “I have prayed for you—that your faith may not fail.” Picture Him walking on the waves of your trouble, telling you, “Do not fear—it is I.”

Oh, how sweet are the words of Christ! May the Holy Spirit make them feel real to you, as if they are spoken directly to you. Forget about others for a moment and accept Jesus’ voice as if it’s meant just for you. Say to yourself, “Jesus is whispering comfort to me, and I will not refuse it. I will sit under His shade with great delight!”