Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY READINGS: Esther 5:1-6:14; Malachi 1:1-2:9; Rev. 20:7-21:8

Fear not, little flock: it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

Here we have God’s relationship with us referred to in three ways: as sheep, as children and as subjects. As our Shepherd He leads us in green pastures and by still waters restoring our souls in paths of  righteousness. As our Father He cares and disciplines us to conform us to the image of His Son. And as our King He reigns in us with justice and grace. What a God is ours. —Drew Craig

Great God of wonders, all Thy ways,
Display Thine attributes divine,
But the bright glories of Thy grace,
Above Thine other wonders shine. —Samuel Davies

DAILY READINGS: Esther 3:1-4:17; Zech. 13:7-14:21; Rev. 19:11-20:6

And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Genesis 35:29

Sadly, it is sometimes only at funerals that family members, who perhaps have grown apart, meet after many years. However, if this is the case, let us make sure we build on these reunions. Try and keep in touch and make sure you pray in earnest that any differences may be left in the past. Prayer for others softens your feelings. —Brian Russell

May the love of Jesus fill us,
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory. —Katie Wilkinson

DAILY READINGS: Esther 2:1-23; Zechariah 12:1-13:6; Revelation 19:1-10

And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Psalm 39:7, NKJV

While touring a pioneer village I was intrigued by the bed-time routine. Clothes were neatly hung. Books and toys were put away. These pilgrims believed in Christ’s eminent return and wanted nothing in the way to hinder His coming for them. What a testimony of their Christian faith! Nothing in the way to hinder Christ’s return for them. Is this how we live our lives or is life cluttered with worldliness, lack of devotion, faith and carelessness? Christ will return. Make sure nothing hinders your hope in Him! —Deborah Manera

When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found!
Dressed in his righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne! —Edward Mote

DAILY READINGS: Esther 1:1-22; Zechariah 11:1-17; Revelation 18:1-24

Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” Mark 2:12, NKJV

How true! Nobody had lived like the Lord and nobody would live like Him ever again. Observers saw the wonderful miracles He performed and heard the tremendous words which He spoke. What a sublime privilege. We too one day will have the same privilege to see Him and hear Him. What shall we say when we see Him face to face? Surely we too will glorify God as they did. —John M Clegg

O what shall we feel in Thy presence when first,
The visions of glory upon us shall burst!
Since now our soul longeth and seeketh for Thee;
O when, blessed Saviour, Thy face shall we see? —E. Grimley

DAILY READINGS: Nehemiah 13:1-31; Zechariah 9:1-10:12; Revelation 17:1-18

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. Luke 2:18

For these shepherds out on the hillside attending their flocks, an ordinary night turned out to be one they would never forget for the rest of their lives. Heavenly angels filled the sky, praising God and directing them to the Lord Jesus. The experience of seeing the new born baby in Bethlehem caused them to tell people all about Him. We have not seen Him but we have heard and received Him as Saviour and Lord. How active are we in telling others about Him? —Jim Paul

Laid in a manger rude and bare, Lord of glory—He is there;
No room for Him except a stall, the babe born to die for all;
No palace fair to welcome Him, just a stable cold and dim,
But this is God Emmanuel, come to earth with man to dwell.—V. Salmons

DAILY READINGS: Nehemiah 12:1-47; Zechariah 8:1-23; Revelation 16:1-21

And the angel of the Lord said unto them (the shepherds), Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10

Sadly today, fear grips the hearts of millions and imprisons them. The fear of life, death and of an eternal hell paralyze and frighten many. To terrified shepherds on that first Christmas, the angel exclaimed, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.” The angel’s message of hope dispelled the fear of those shepherds and in like manner, the Saviour who loves you can bring life and hope to you at this Christmas season. Jesus invitation is still, “Come unto me…and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). —Jim Comte

“Fear not,” said He, for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind,
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind.” —Nathan Tate

DAILY READINGS: Nehemiah 10:1-11:36; Zechariah 7:1-14; Revelation 15:1-8

Behold, the king’s son shall reign, as the Lord hath said of the sons of David… 2 Chronicles 23:3

When Athaliah usurped the throne, she destroyed all of David’s descendants in an effort to wipe out the royal line. But God kept one small boy—Joash—alive and placed him on David’s throne just as “the Lord hath said.” Today the world has rejected God and His standards and set themselves up to reign in His place. But they have forgotten that God sent one little baby, born in Bethlehem—His eternal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Despite all this world may say, do, teach or even believe “That King shall reign.” Even so come Lord Jesus! —David Croudace

Oh, the joy to see Thee reigning—Thee my own beloved Lord!
Every tongue Thy name confessing; worship, honour, glory, blessing.
Brought to Thee with one accord—Thee my Master and my Friend. —Frances Ridley Havergal

DAILY READINGS: Nehemiah 9:1-38; Zechariah 5:1-6:15; Revelation 14:1-20

[They] laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. Luke 14:22

For the lowly Son of God, there was no room in the inn. Yet through His death and finished work, He has made room in heaven for all who will trust Him. Today, there is still room for you! John records two contrasting statements—“He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11-12, NKJV). —Pete Smith

Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus!
There is room in my heart for Thee. —Emily E. S. Elliott

DAILY READINGS: Nehemiah 8:1-18; Zechariah 4:1-14; Revelation 13:1-18

So Judah said to his brothers…Come and let us sell him… Genesis 37:26-27 , NKJV
Then Judah came near…please let your servant remain instead… Genesis 44:18, 33, NKJV
Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah…has prevailed. Revelation 5:5, NKJV

Judah, the son of Jacob, who came up with the idea of selling his brother, Joseph, into the hands of traders, is the same son who later offered himself up instead of Benjamin. Our Lord Jesus Christ’s human ancestry is that of the tribe of Judah. Judah wanted to redeem Benjamin and out of his tribe rises the Son who redeems us all. —A. Baal

When I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in. —Stuart K. Hine

DAILY READINGS: Nehemiah 7:1-73; Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Revelation 12:1-17

But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Luke 22:51 ESV

“No more of this,” the Lord said. Impetuous Peter. Cutting off the servant’s ear in his own wisdom. The Lord tenderly corrected the damage. Are we like Peter? Not looking before we leap or acting rather than asking for His blessing. We bypass the Lord’s guidance and then wonder why we have poor outcomes. The Lord overruled in mercy and graciously reversed Peter’s hasty act. May we be careful and prudent in our dealings, sensitive to His will. —Vernon Markle

Ah, whither could we flee for aid,
When tempted, desolate, dismayed,
Or how the hosts of hell defeat,
Had suffering saints no mercy-seat? —Hugh Stowell