Author: Gospel Folio Press

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Samuel 21; Jeremiah 5; Galatians 6

 

When I consider the heavens, the works of thy fingers.  Psalm 8:3

“Immensity is magnificent medicine.” So wrote a physician of yesteryear and true it is. His patient was stalled in a rut of small things, trivial, an endless pouring of shallow worries from one tea cup into another. He prescribed immensities. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills” or, best of all, “looking unto Jesus”. The unplumbed vastness of the height, depth, length and breadth of His love will satisfy our hunger. The majestic is the tonic our souls crave. Then the eyes of our hearts will be enlightened to see through the immensities to our Creator, Redeemer, the Lover of our souls. —Marilyn MacMullen

Jehovah reigns in majesty, let all the nations quake;
He dwells between the cherubim, let earth’s foundations shake.
Exalt the Lord and worship Him, the Holy One is He.
—Author Unknown

 

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Samuel 20; Jeremiah 4:3-31; Galatians 5:10-26

 

Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.  2 Kings 6:16-17

What a man of faith Elisha was! He could see what God saw and desired that others see it too. In the midst of seemingly insurmountable odds and when humanly speaking the battle appears to be lost, let us remember that the battle is the Lord’s. He has His armies. May God open our eyes! —Sid Halsband

I shall not fear the battle, if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway, if Thou wilt be my guide.
—John E. Bode

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Sam. 19:9-43; Jeremiah 3:6 to 4:2; Gal. 4:21 to 5:9

 

O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.  Jeremiah 10:23

An unexpected and sizable bill caused me distress and frustration about how it would be paid. Then the Lord reminded me of the abundant wheat crop He had provided and the income derived. Reflecting on my attitude, the Lord impressed upon me a conviction about my improper attitude toward money. Although a portion had been set aside for the Lord’s work, I had also planned on buying personal items and maybe a vacation. God knows the secrets of our lives before they come into view. I learned that even the unexpected is ordained of God and to be accepted as part of His plan. —E. Dyck

All the way my Saviour leads me—what have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, who through life has been my Guide?
—Fanny J. Crosby

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Sam. 18 to 19:8; Jeremiah 2 to 3:5; Gal. 4:1-20

 

And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.  1 Kings 10:6

The Queen of Sheba was first attracted to Solomon by the things that he did and the things that he said. This important order of being known first for works, then for speech is confirmed by Luke who summarised his Gospel as “all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:10). Even if we never speak and only hear, we still have a responsibility for actions, “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (Jas. 1:22). Let us be identified today as belonging to Christ by what we do, as well as what we might be able to say for His glory. —Dan Coulson

Channels only, blessed Master, but with all Thy wondrous power; 
Flowing through us, Thou canst use us, every day and every hour.
—Mary E. Maxwell

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Samuel 16-17; Jeremiah 1; Galatians 3:15-29

 

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

The majestic eagle is known for the strength of its mighty wings.  When the young ones are three months old, they are tossed out of the nest, screaming with terror as they fall. On stretched out wings, their mother comes under to their rescue. Moses used this metaphor as encouragement to the children of Israel. Even in old age our spirit can be renewed. —E. MacLelland

Though thy way be long and dreary, 
Eagles strength He’ll still renew. 
Garments fresh and foot unweary, 
Tells how God hath brought thee through.
—J. N. D.

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Samuel 15; Zephaniah 3; Galatians 3:1-14

 

Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.  Psalm 119:73

One evening as I walked up from the bay, I looked at the wonders around me and thought of my amazing Creator. Above me the sky was painted with a colourful artistry which changed from hour to hour. The magnificent tree ahead wore a garment of cream flowers. Brooding over it all was the rock topped hill that towers above the bay. Young calves played nearby adding a splash of life to the entire scene. Truly our Lord is an amazing God! —Janet Fleming

I want to praise my Lord, tell of His power,
Sing of the joy He gives each day and hour.
Honour His mighty name, Shout that He lives again,
Tell to the world His fame, Jesus my Lord.
—Janet Fleming

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Samuel 14; Zephaniah 2; Galatians 2

 

…this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.  Exodus 3:15

A memorial is a way of keeping in memory an event or person. Many things can be a memorial. In this passage, Jehovah told Moses that His unchanging name was a memorial—surely a reminder of His eternal character and grace. How wonderful that in the New Testament we are told that where two or three are gathered unto His name, He will be there. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial feast—a monument raised to remember our Lord. May we enjoy His presence today! —K. C. Ung

See, the feast of love is spread, drink the wine, and break the bread;
Sweet memorials, till the Lord calls us round His heavenly board;
Some from earth, from glory some, severed only, “Till He come.”
—E. H. Bickersteth, Jr.

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Samuel 13; Zephaniah 1; Galatians 1

 

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.  2 Chronicles 20:12

These words were the conclusion of King Jehoshaphat’s public prayer on behalf of the nation. They were facing a formidable foe and in their great need and time of crisis, they did the right thing and sought the Lord. In their helplessness He was their hopefulness. Their faith was rewarded as God replied, “Fear not, nor be dismayed…for the Lord will be with you” (v. 17). He has NOT changed! —Pete Smith

When the storm is raging round thee, 
Call on Me in humble prayer,
I will fold My arms about thee, 
Guard thee with the tenderest care.
—Author Unknown

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Samuel 12; Habakkuk 3; Romans 16

 

Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.  Job 4:3-4

Job’s “friend” Eliphaz gave this commendation to Job. What a testimony! It is a wonderful admonition for believers in every age. There are people around us who have spiritual, emotional and physical needs which we may help alleviate if we are willing. Can others compliment us as Eliphaz did Job? If not, there’s certainly work to be done! —William Gustafson

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, 
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.
—Fanny Crosby