Author: Gospel Folio Press

 

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 9 to 10:5; Isaiah 30; 1 Corinthians 9:1-23

 

…I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians…I am the Lord your God.  Exodus 6:6-7

These words spoken to Israel through Moses are as good to us as they were to Israel in Moses’s day. It begins and ends with a statement of certainty: “I am the Lord” (vv. 6, 7, 8). In between these two pillars of promise are seven “I wills” involving redemption, release, relationship, and a heritage that could not be forfeited. These words are a sure cure against doubt, worry or fear. Don’t forget, He has promised to keep you, to bring you out (v. 7) so that He can bring you in (v. 8). It is God’s Word to you today. Count on it! —Mark Kolchin

How could we live each moment, if ever we forgot;
The loving God above us, who changeth not.
—K. R. Wheeler

 

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 8; Isaiah 29; 1 Corinthians 8

 

…Tell them that which are bidden…all things are ready: come unto the marriage. Matthew 22:4

Here is God’s invitation to anyone who hears—Come. To those who are still in their sins, He says come unto me for salvation. For those who are waiting for the day when we are called home, this is the verse for us. His purposes for the day of grace will soon be accomplished and we will be called home to the marrige supper of the Lamb to meet our Bridegroom in person. Have you responded to His invitation to come for salvation? Come today. —Jim Pizzulli

While Jesus whispers to you, come, sinner, come!
While we are praying for you, come, sinner, come!
Now is the time to own Him: come, sinner, come!
Now is the time to know Him: come, sinner, come!
—W. E. Witter

 

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 7; Isaiah 28; 1 Corinthians 7

 

Trust in the Lord, and do good…  Psalm 37:3

What a motto for living! Keep it ever before you. As you awake each morning say, “Today I will trust You, Lord, for I know your love for me. I will do good to those I see today.” What a remedy for depression and pessimism! The Lord is in complete control of creation, of governments and of the details of your life. Trust Him and while you wait on Him, do good every chance you get. What a cure for sinful living! Yield yourself unto God. Let your words and actions reflect trust in God. The result will be good and righteousness. —D. Pickup

Yes, ‘tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking life and rest, and joy and peace. 
—Louisa M. R. Stead

 

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 6; Isaiah 27; 1 Corinthians 6

 

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.  1 Thessalonians 1:10

We are waiting for the imminent return of our Lord Jesus. However, our waiting is not passive. We wait by preparing for the wedding (Rev. 19:8), by being faithful in our affections (2 Cor. 11:2), and adorning His doctrine (Titus 2:7-10). We wait with patient continuance (Rom. 2:7), serving Him patiently (Jas. 5:7), casting aside discouragement by looking to Him (Heb. 12:3). We wait with hope (Titus 2:13), born out of both confidence (Heb. 6:19-20) and joyful expectation (1 Thess. 4:13-18). He is coming. Perhaps today. —George Ferrier

We are waiting, blessèd Saviour, we are watching for the hour;
When in majesty descending, Thou shalt come in mighty power.
—Crosby

 

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 5; Isaiah 26; 1 Corinthians 5

 

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.  Song of Solomon 4:6

At this time, the bride and the bridegroom were separated from each other, and the bride was longing for his return. In the meantime she needed comfort to sustain her until he returned. So it is in our experience as those who are the Bride of Christ. Our Beloved has gone into heaven, with the promise that He will come again and receive us to Himself. Meanwhile we find solace through the remembrance of His love for us. We revisit Calvary—that mount of myrrh, that hill of frankincense—that place where the fragrance of His dying love enraptures our souls till we are in His embrace again. —W. H. Burnett

Glorious Bridegroom of our hearts, Thy present smile a heaven imparts;
O lift the veil, if veil there be, let every saint Thy beauties see.
—Spurgeon

 

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 4; Isaiah 25; 1 Corinthians 4

 

…be ye therefore…harmless as doves.  Matthew 10:16

The word “harmless” means “pure, innocent”. A dove is first mentioned in the Bible story of Noah. “But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot” (Gen. 8:9a). Only the raven could feed on ruin, death and corruption. The dove is first mentioned in the New Testament at the baptism of the Lord (Matt. 3:16). The Holy Spirit as a dove descended and “[rested] upon him.” Our Lord is pure—we find our rest in Him and seek to emulate His life of purity, feeding on His Word. —Sam Thorpe

And glory in your Lord and God;
See, see Him as He is;
Your robes are spotless thro’ His blood,
Your happiness is His.
—S. Harrison

 

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 3:5-31; Isaiah 24; 1 Corinthians 3

 

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him.  Gen. 17:3
Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed… Genesis 17:17

Twice Abraham was on his face before the Lord. One time he was listening, the next time laughing. What made the difference? God declared to Abram that he would have a new name, be exceeding fruitful and inherit the land. Abram listened. But, when God said these blessings would come through the son to be born to him when he was “as good as dead” (Heb. 11:12), he laughed. God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in His Son. Don’t laugh; just listen with wonder and worship. —Rex Trogdon

Though years on years roll on, His cov’nant shall endure;
Though clouds and darkness hide His path, the promised grace is sure.
—John Wesley

 

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 2:6 to 3:4; Isaiah 22:15 to 23:18; 1 Cor. 2

 

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.  Genesis 31:24

We often forget, or do not appreciate how God works behind the scenes in our lives. Jacob feared Laban would prevent him and his family and goods from returning to Canaan. Unknown to Jacob, God saw to it that Laban did not prevent Jacob’s progress. Let us thank the Lord for blessings unseen as well as seen and acknowledge that our fears can be turned to joy. —Brian Russell

Praise to the Lord who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
—Joachim Neander