Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 1 to 2:5; Isaiah 21 to 22:14; 1 Corinthians 1

Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? – Matthew 11:3

So spoke the great John the Baptist from his prison cell. Similarly, some of God’s greatest servants have had seasons of doubt and depression as their ministry comes to its close and as adverse circumstances overtake in the form of age, ill-health, isolation and loneliness. However, this does not depreciate the value of their ministry to His people over the years. Just as the Lord gave honour to John, heaven has taken note and the day of accolades is coming, when their service will be seen in its true light and heaven’s awards will be given. —W. H. Burnett

When stern affliction clouds his cheek, and death stands at the door,
Hope cheers him with her happiest note “’Tis better on before”.
—Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 24; Isaiah 19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3

…but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. – 2 Peter 1:21

Moved by culture? Society’s norms? Public affirmation? The latest style? No! These were men and women who waited on God for direction regarding what to do, where to go and what to say. They didn’t rely on surveys, votes, opinion polls or current conventions. They waited on the Lord and their efforts produced lasting results. Don’t let the tide of popular opinion dictate how to do the Lord’s will. Man’s best efforts produce empty sound and nothing more. Let God be the one to direct and guide you. —Deborah Manera

If you will let God guide you, And hope in Him through all your ways,
Whatever comes, He’ll stand beside you, To bear you through the evil days.
—Georg Neu­mark

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 23; Isaiah 17-18; 2 Thessalonians 2

For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20

Each year in Canada some have the privilege of being sworn in as citizens on our national holiday. Coming from many lands they express in their faces the joy that is in their hearts. Canadian citizenship laws contain many rules and restrictions and the annual number of new citizens is limited. How wonderful that heaven only requires that one come through faith in the Lord Jesus. There is no waiting period, no aptitude or background check, no numerical limits. Heaven’s citizenship is comprised of people from many lands. Are you enrolled? Whoever will may come. —George Ferrier

Whosoever cometh need not delay,
Now the door is open, enter while you may. —Philip P. Bliss

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 22; Isaiah 15-16; 2 Thessalonians 1

…Ye must be born again. John 3:7

The question was asked by a Sunday School teacher, “Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus by night?” One little girl gave a good answer, “Maybe he just couldn’t wait till the morning.” However he came, the Scripture proves he was born again. He bore testimony in the Sanhedrin. And with Joseph of Arimathaea, he lovingly took the dead body of Jesus and prepared the Lord for His burial.
—Edith MacLelland

A dear one in heaven thy heart yearns to see,
At the beautiful gate may be watching for thee;
Then list to the note of this solemn refrain,
“Ye must be born again”. —W. T. Sleeper

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 20-21; Isaiah 14; 1 Thessalonians 5

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith… Hebrews 12:2

The devil would have us look within for assurance. Do you feel saved? Have you lived a good enough life to think you will go to heaven? What about that outburst of temper yesterday? Those evil thoughts about another? You have no right to go to heaven. Saving faith is not trusting in self but trusting in Christ and His promises. To look within for assurance is to be filled with doubt. “Looking away from all else unto Jesus” is the force of this passage. This will give one assurance and joy. —Donald L. Norbie

Christ has for sin atonement made, what a wonderful Saviour!
We are redeemed! The price is paid! What a wonderful Saviour!
—Elisha A. Hoffman

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 18-19; Isaiah 13; 1 Thessalonians 4

…hide me under the shadow of thy wings…From my deadly enemies, who compass me about. Psalm 17:8-9

Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan. Psalm 22:12

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. Psalm 22:16

Our Lord’s enemies encircled Him first in the garden. Then they mercilessly tried Him and handed Him over to the Romans. They, in turn, cruelly tortured Him before crucifying Him at Golgotha. In all of this, He willingly submitted to the Father’s will. Will your loving heart be among those that surround Him in worship today? —Pete Smith

Sinners in derision scorned Him, Mocking thus the Savior’s claim;
Saints and angels crowd around Him, Own His title, praise His name.
—Thomas Kelly

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 16-17; Isaiah 11-12; 1 Thess. 2:13 to 3:13

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose…five smooth stones out of the brook… 1 Samuel 17:40

David chose five stones with which to arm his sling, yet used only one of them (v. 49). In God’s economy, one stone was enough. David faced the Philistine “in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel” (v. 45) and the Lord delivered Goliath into David’s hands. The might of the Lord “prevailed over the Philistine” (v. 50) by using David and his skills. What skills has He blessed you with, to use for His glory today? —A. Baal

Take my life and let it be,
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and let them move,
At the impulse of Thy love.
—Francis Ridley Havergal

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 14-15; Isaiah 10:5-34; 1 Thess. 1 to 2:12

And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king…said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man…but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. 1 Kings 22:7-8

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth. 2 Timothy 4:4

Many people are like King Ahab. They do not want to hear God’s truth. They want preachers who tell them what appeals to their own desires. Sadly some preachers, in an effort to be popular, will give in to the wishes of such people and instead of drawing them to the Saviour are turning them away from the truth (2 Tim. 4:4). We must “preach the Word” no matter what the reaction. —David Croudace

Arm me with jealous care, as in Thy sight I live,
And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare, a strict account to give. —C. Wesley

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 13; Isaiah 9:8 to 10:4; Luke 24:36-53

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would that thou wert cold or hot. Revelations 3:15

The western world’s glorification of laziness has affected me. My work ethic in the Master’s service continues to marginalize my efforts and I excuse it by unwisely comparing myself with others. I often find myself wondering why I should labour fervently when so many don’t, somehow thinking it’s okay to take my ease. But then I remember my Lord Jesus, who faithfully said “I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). May His mind be in me. —Rick Morse

O let me see Thy footmarks,
And in them plant my own;
My hope to follow duly,
Is in Thy strength alone. —John Ernest Bode

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 11-12; Isaiah 8:5 to 9:7; Luke 24:13-35

The Lord is my shepherd…Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:1, 4

This psalm has been a solace for many during arduous times. The Lord gently leads His sheep in their heavenly pilgrimage. He guides them in righteousness through the ominous valley of shadows. Though a difficult journey, we should remember that fruit-bearing occurs in the valley, not on the mountaintop. Today’s threatenings are mere shadows which will fade with the setting sun. Shadows may frighten us, but they have no power to hurt anyone. —W. A. H.

Thou art my Shepherd, Caring in every need,
Thy loving lamb to feed, Trusting Thee still.
—Elsie Thalheimer