October 25

Morning

because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: — 2 John 1:2 BSB

Once the truth of God enters the human heart and takes control of the whole person, no human or demonic power can drive it out! We don’t welcome the truth as a guest—we embrace it as the master of the house. If this is not the way you believe, you are not truly a Christian. Those who feel the living power of the gospel and know the strength of the Holy Spirit as He opens, applies, and seals the Word would rather be torn to pieces than abandon the gospel of their salvation.

What a treasure trove of mercies is wrapped up in the assurance that the truth will stay with us forever! It will be our strength in life, our comfort in death, our song in resurrection, and our eternal glory! This is the privilege of every Christian, and without it, our faith would be worthless. Some truths we outgrow and leave behind because they are elementary, meant for beginners. But divine truth is different—it’s both sweet nourishment for spiritual infants and hearty sustenance for mature believers.

The truth that we are sinners humbles us and keeps us watchful. The greater truth that whoever believes in the Lord Jesus is saved remains our constant hope and joy. Far from loosening our grip on the doctrines of grace, our experience in life only strengthens our hold on them. The more we walk with Christ, the stronger and more numerous our reasons for believing become, and we can expect this to continue until, in death, we embrace the Savior.

Wherever this love for the truth is found, we are bound to show our love. Our hearts should reach as far as God’s electing grace. If we find error mixed with truth, let us confront the error but still love our brothers and sisters for the truth they hold. Above all, let us love and spread the truth ourselves!

Evening

So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech. — Ruth 2:3 BSB

"She happened." It seemed like mere chance, but how divinely orchestrated it was! Ruth set out with her mother-in-law’s blessing, under the care of her mother’s God, for humble but honorable work. Little did she know that among the sheaves, she would find a husband, a new home, and a future far beyond her expectations. She, a poor foreigner, would become part of the lineage of the Messiah!

God is so good to those who trust Him, often surprising them with blessings they never imagined. We have no idea what might come our way in the future, but we can rest assured that nothing truly good for us will be withheld!

The word "chance" has no place in the Christian’s vocabulary, for we see God’s hand in everything. The smallest events today or tomorrow could have significant consequences. Take heart—our Lord is as gracious to us as He was to Ruth.

How wonderful it would be if, while reflecting on these truths tonight, we might "happen" upon the place where our Kinsman-Redeemer reveals Himself to us! O Holy Spirit, guide us to Him. We would rather glean in His fields than harvest in any other! O for the footsteps of His flock, which would lead us to the green pastures where He dwells!

This world is weary and dull when Jesus is away—we could do without the sun and moon more easily than without Him. But how radiant everything becomes when He is near! Our souls know the power of His presence, and we can never be content without Him. We will wait in prayer tonight, hoping to find ourselves in the field belonging to Jesus, where He will reveal Himself to us!