I WAS brought to Christ while working on a farm. My employer was a Christian man who took a deep interest in the blessing of his family, and those working for him. He had family reading each day and we were expected to be there, and I believe he spoke to each one separately as well, when he had the opportunity.
The Lord used his testimony in blessing to my soul, and I found joy and peace in believing. I knew my sins were all gone, washed away in the precious blood of Christ, and great was my joy when my employer gave me a lovely pocket Bible with my name written on the fly-leaf. Under this the text was written,
"Now, John, if you are to grow in grace and be a healthy and happy Christian, you will have to 'eat' Your daily portion out of this Book. The new life that you have received cannot get on without food, and what it feeds on is all found in God's precious Word. My advice to you is, to get a portion out of it each morning before you go out to your work, and be sure you do not neglect prayer and the Word of God. They are as necessary to your soul as your daily food is to your body."
I have never forgotten that dear man's advice. I regret to confess that some days I have neglected to read my Bible, and they have been unhappy days, for when the soul is not right, things go wrong. I have proved in my experience the blessing of "feeding on Christ" as He is set forth in the Word, getting something fresh about Him each day, as the manna came fresh from heaven, and was gathered and eaten by the Israelites in the desert.
Never allow any service, any company, or even any good book to hinder you from reading and meditating on a portion of God's Word daily. This is the secret of all spiritual strength and progress heavenward.
It is only those who read God's Book who are of use in His service.
Messages of the Love of God 4/6/1958