November 6

Morning

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. — Isa 44:3 BSB

When a believer falls into a low, sad state of mind, they often try to lift themselves up by punishing themselves with dark and fearful thoughts. But this is not the way to rise from the dust; it only keeps you down. You might as well try to chain an eagle’s wings and expect it to soar. Doubt won’t strengthen your faith. It’s not the law but the gospel that saves the seeking soul, and it’s not fear but the freedom of the gospel that restores a weary believer. Fear doesn’t bring a wayward soul back to God—it’s the sweet call of love that draws them back to Jesus’ embrace.

Are you this morning thirsting for the living God, feeling unhappy because you haven’t found Him in a way that satisfies your heart? Have you lost the joy of Christ, and is your prayer, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation”? Are you aware that you’re spiritually dry, not bearing the fruit for God that you know He expects, and not as useful in the church or the world as you desire to be? Then here is the promise you need: “I will pour water on the thirsty.” You will receive the grace you so desperately need, and it will meet all your needs!

Water refreshes the thirsty, and you will be refreshed. Your desires will be fulfilled. Water brings life to dry plants; your life will be revived with new grace. Water helps buds swell and fruit ripen; you will receive grace that makes you fruitful in God’s service. Whatever good comes from God’s grace, you will experience it fully. You will receive the riches of His grace in abundance. Just as fields are sometimes flooded by overflowing rivers, so will you be. The thirsty land will become springs of water.

Evening

saying, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” — Heb 9:20 BSB

There’s something powerful about the very idea of blood, and the sight of it always stirs emotion. A kind heart can’t bear to see even a sparrow bleed, and unless we grow used to it, we turn away in horror at the sight of a slaughtered animal. As for the blood of a human being, it’s sacred—shedding it in anger is murder, and wasting it in war is a terrible crime. This solemn feeling comes from the fact that blood represents life, and the shedding of it signals death.

When we think about the blood of the Son of God, our sense of awe deepens, and we are overwhelmed by the weight of sin and the dreadful penalty that our Sin-bearer endured. Blood is always precious, but it becomes priceless when it flows from the side of Immanuel.

The blood of Jesus seals the covenant of grace, making it eternally secure. In ancient times, covenants were ratified by sacrifice, and the everlasting covenant was confirmed in the same way. Oh, the joy of knowing we are saved on the unshakable foundation of divine promises that cannot be broken! Salvation through the works of the law is like a frail, broken vessel, destined to sink. But the covenant of grace stands firm, for it is secured by the blood of Christ.

The blood of Jesus made His will effective. Wills only come into effect when the person who made them dies. In this way, the soldier’s spear is a blessing to our faith, because it confirmed that Jesus truly died. There can be no doubt, and we can confidently claim the inheritance He left for His people. Blessed are those who see their right to heavenly blessings assured by a dying Savior. But does this blood speak to us today? Does it not call us to dedicate ourselves fully to Him who redeemed us? Doesn’t it urge us to live a new life, fully devoted to the Lord? May the power of His blood be known and felt in us tonight!