Author: Gospel Folio Press

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

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

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.  Matthew 8:24

The Greek word for “tempest” is seismos. In all its other Scriptural references, it is translated “earthquake”. So this was no small storm. However, the Lord was able to sleep through it. The seasoned fishermen did not and woke Him, saying “we perish” (Matt. 8:25) and cried to Him for help. The Lord responded by rebuking the winds and the sea. A great calm ensued. We may encounter dire circumstances in our daily walk but we can be assured that the Lord is able to deliver us and create a great calm. —D. M. M.

While I hear life’s rugged billows, peace, peace is mine!
I may sing, with Christ beside me, tho’ a thousand ills betide me; 
Safely He hath sworn to guide me: peace, peace is mine!
—J. D. Smith

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

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  Romans 15:13

Joy, peace and hope are available but sadly, not enjoyed by every Christian. Our sun of joy can sometimes be eclipsed by the clouds of circumstance. The sea of peace that is ours is often disturbed by the winds and waves that rise against us. Our mountain of hope may be obstructed temporarily from sight by the dense fogs of misunderstanding—but nothing can blot out these virtues forever. Faith is the hand that reaches up to grasp these promises again. —Shane Johnson

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!
—H. van Dyke