Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 43; Psalms 20-21; Matt. 25:1-30

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34

David Smith wrote, “It is usual for the victims of that dread doom, frenzied with pain to shriek, entreat, curse and spit at the spectators.” But what did Jesus do? He prayed, “Father, forgive them.” In all of His suffering the Saviour was conscious of His Sonship, as He cried, “Father.” He had an unshakeable confidence in His mission, even as He was sinking into the deepest abyss of sorrow and pain, for He prayed, “forgive them.” There He paid the full debt of our sin and here today, as we worship, we can thank Him again for the wondrous words, “Father, forgive them.” —Jim Comte

No word of anger spoke He to them that shed His blood,
But prayer and tenderest pity large as the love of God.
                                                                                     —C. Alexander

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 41:50 to 42:38; Psalm 19; Matt. 24:29-51

Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things…But with the precious blood of Christ. 1 Peter 1:18-19

A flashing red light! The police officer firmly stated the infraction: “You were exceeding the speed limit by ten miles an hour. This ticket stipulates you pay the fine in money to the court, or blood to the Red Cross.” The offender eventually presented his ticket at the police station. Across it had been written in red ink, “Paid in Blood”. The Lord Jesus Christ paid for your sins with His own blood. Believe it for eternal salvation. —Arnot P. McIntee

Precious blood that hath redeemed us,
All the price is paid!
Perfect pardon now is offered,
Peace is made.
                               —Frances R. Havergal

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 41:1-49; Psalm 18:30-50; Matt. 24:1-28

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. Matthew 14:27

In the story of the storm on the lake, the Lord walked on the water and met the disciples in the boat. In response Peter tried to walk to Him. Notice these points. First, our Lord told them to go knowing the storm would come; second, Peter’s lack of faith caused him to sink, and thirdly, the Lord wanted to demonstrate His power to them. So it is with us. When we go through the storm, at just the right moment, He will come and demonstrate His delivering power. —G. Frear

Let us remember in the storms of life,
When things are rough with stress and strife,
Our Lord comes close saying “Peace be still”
For I will keep you, and always will. —G.F

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 40; Psalm 18:1-29; Matt. 23

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. John 14:16

The Greek word used here for “another” means another of the exact same kind—the Holy Spirit. The Spirit indwells each child of God. He takes up residency forever. He is our Helper, Anointer, Encourager, Teacher, Guide and Comforter. Our walk as a believer is a serious business. We cannot live it apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. —Bob Cretney

Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
                             —Clara H. Scott

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 39; Psalm 17; Matt. 22:15-46

Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Isaiah 1:18

You woke up this morning. You looked out the window. You saw the freshly fallen snow. What does it tell you? If you’ve trusted Christ for salvation, it tells you your sins are forgiven. It tells you the pure white dove of the Holy Spirit hovers over your life. It tells you God has been at work through the night, working the pure spotless righteousness of Christ into another day of your life. Walk in the path of beauty and holiness that He has prepared for you today. —Shane Johnson

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
Bow down in reverence, God’s glory proclaim;
Gold of obedience and incense of lowliness,
Bring now, adoring the Lord’s holy name.
                                                               —J. B. Monsell

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 38; Psalms 15-16; Matt. 21:33 to 22:14

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap… yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Matthew 6:26

The beehive ginger is an exquisite tropical plant—true to its shapely name. Its gold, red, pink or chocolate coloured cluster is formed like a honeycomb—which stores water in the rainy season. Birds looking to drink in the hot, humid rainforest find cool refreshment from this “honeycomb”. What a reminder of God’s extraordinary care in looking after His creation! He ensures there is provision for all. And He promises, “Do not be anxious about your life” (v. 25, ESV), to do the same for us. Will you trust Him today? —Deborah Manera

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt?
                                         —Casting Crowns

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 37; Psalms 11-14; Matt. 21:1-32

Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. John 7:37

Do you believe this? We are ever conscious of our needs. We thirst and pine for happiness, for rest, for peace, for the satisfaction which seems to be in that sweet, deep word, love. We turn from side to side for an answer and for a moment think we have found it, only to find that it is a broken empty cistern. Human love fails to quench our thirst, even though we drink deeply and widely of its stores. But Jesus gives the living water that is all-sufficient and satisfies.—Ken Gunnell

O Christ! He is the fountain,
The deep sweet well of love;
The streams of earth I’ve tasted,
More deep I’ll drink above.
                      —Anne Ross Cousin

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 36; Psalms 9-10; Matt. 20:17-34

Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? Luke 24:26

Let us not miss that it is our Lord Himself who said these words! It is proper that our hearts be hushed, as we hear Him speak of His awesome sufferings and of His transcendent glory. We rejoice that His sufferings are past. Never again will there be a Calvary experience for Him, for that “finished work” requires no repetition. But what of His glory? Shall it ever be eclipsed or fade away? Never! His surpassing excellence and greatness are eternal. —George Hall

While we hear the wondrous story,
Of the Saviour’s cross and shame,
Sing we, “Everlasting glory be to God and to the Lamb!”
Hallelujah! Give ye glory to His name.
                                                                                —Thomas Kelly

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 35; Psalms 7-8; Matt. 19:16 to 20:16

This night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Matthew 26:34

Today the Chinese celebrate their New Year—the Year of the Rooster/ Cockerel. People born this year are believed to be hardworking and courageous. They are very confident about themselves. Indeed Peter was such a “rooster” till Jesus warned him: “This night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice” (Matt. 26:34), which he later did and for which he wept bitterly (Matt. 26:74-75). But the Lord was gracious and restored him to service after His resurrection (John 21:15-27). If you have been a failure like Peter, do not be conceited; come back, confess your sin and He will restore you this day. —K. C. Ung

When pangs of death seized on my soul, unto the Lord I cried;
Till Jesus came and made me whole,I would not be denied.
                                                                                          —C. P. Jones

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 33:18 to 34:31; Psalms 4-6; Matt. 19:1-15

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133

Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps. Psalm 85:13

How remarkable to note Job’s comment: “For now thou numberest my steps” (Job 14:16). God takes careful note of every step we take! His desire is that we live according to His will and Word and follow closely in the steps of the Master. —Pete Smith

O let me see Thy footmarks, and in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly is in Thy strength alone.
                                                                                        —J. Bode