Author: Gospel Folio Press

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 33 to 34:3; Psalms 83-84; Acts 20:1-16

 

And Moses’ father-in-law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.  Exodus 18:17
So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. Exodus 18:24

Taking advice can be humbling. But sometimes others see more clearly the problem we are facing or the difficulty we are encountering. They may kindly point out where we are going wrong and offer us sound advice on how it can be resolved. How will we react? Will we be like Moses and listen carefully to their wise counsel and then act upon it? —Pete Smith

I need Thee, precious Saviour! I need a friend like Thee;
A friend to soothe and comfort, a friend to care for me.
—F. Whitfield

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 32; Psalms 81-82; Acts 19:21-41

 

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.  John 12:27

Sir Winston Churchill, addressing the British House of Parliament, on August 20, 1940, referred to the brave Royal Air Force pilots, who were greatly outnumbered during the Battle of Britain, saying, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”  However, another battle of far greater proportions was fought when, after six terrible hours nailed to the cross, our victorious Lord cried, “It is finished.” The “Battle of the Ages” He fought and won. He came to the planet for such an hour. Today, let us gratefully remember and worship Him who died for us. —Arnot P. McIntee

Whatever curse was mine He bore; the wormwood and the gall,
There, in that lone mysterious hour, my cup—He drained it all!
—Author Unknown

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 31; Psalms 79-80; Acts 18:24 to 19:20

 

The heavens declare the glory of God.  Psalm 19:1

God reveals Himself throughout this psalm. First, He speaks through the sky above (vv. 1-6). Then, He speaks through the Scriptures (vv. 7-11). Finally, we hear God speaking to the soul within (vv. 12-14). Can you see the growing intensity of God’s voice, as He slowly reveals Himself? It all starts with the vast universe (even the etymology of the word “universe” suggests one voice or speech). The stars, the galaxies, the planets, these all speak clearly of God’s plan, order, and design. Look above. Can you see Him speaking? —N. C. Funston

There’s the wonder of springtime and harvest,
The sky, the stars, the sun;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul;
Is the wonder that’s only begun.
—George Beverly Shea

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 30:11-38; Psalm 78:32-72; Acts 18:1-23

 

And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while…  Mark 6:31
My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord. Psalm 5:3

At college some of us would go up the mountain with our Bibles to have a “quiet time” with the Lord. One morning there was a shout, “Snake! Snake!” Sure enough a Berg adder with fangs almost an inch long had appeared. Leaping to our feet we killed it and in triumph took it back to college to show it off. The result? None of us had a “quiet time” that morning. This is usually the first place Satan attacks a believer, he prevents them from spending time with the Lord. If he succeeds here, he has won a major battle for that day! —David Croudace

In the secret of His presence how my soul delights to hide!
O how precious are the lessons which I learn at Jesus’ side!
—E. L. Gorsh

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 29:38 to 30:10; Psalm 78:1-31; Acts 17:16-34

 

Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.  Joshua 3:11

The situation looked grim and was a challenge to Israel’s faith. The Jordan had to be crossed. Jericho had to be conquered and the land possessed. But God reminded the Israelites that “the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth” was to lead the way. In this great title, God reiterated His covenant relationship to His people and assured them that He was no tribal god—inept and powerless. As Lord of all the earth He is never limited in what He can do. By faith the Israelites conquered great obstacles and so can we (Heb. 11:30). —Jim Comte

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory that overcomes the world!
—John H. Yates

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 29:1-37; Psalms 76-77; Acts 17:1-15

 

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.  Psalm 94:19
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  Philippians 4:6

What is the antidote for anxiety? The psalmist suggests you try God’s consolation and comfort, which can be found in the many precious promises in His Word. Paul suggests prayer, which gives you access to the throne of grace. Availing yourself of these two effective antidotes, will result in delight filling your soul and peace which passes understanding. So why not try it? All you have to lose is your anxiety! —E. V.

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bare, 
All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.
—J. Scriven

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 28:15-43; Psalms 74-75; Acts 16:16-40

 

So Jesus had compassion on them…  Matthew 20:34

Author Dan Krusich has noted, “Compassion is love looking beyond the person, seeing the need and lending a helping hand. It is love reaching out to the needy, the neglected, and the nobodies.” The Saviour showed compassion to many on different occasions. May the Lord give us wisdom and help to be compassionate to others. —Bob Cretney

Help somebody today,
Somebody along life’s way;
Let sorrow be ended, 
The friendless befriended,
Oh, help somebody today!
—Carrie E. Breck

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 27:20 to 28:14; Psalm 73; Acts 15:36 to 16:15

 

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.  Acts 23:5

The apostle Paul was wrongly assaulted by the Jewish authorities, and he spoke out against those who commanded him to be struck. But when Paul understood that it was the high priest who gave the command, he acknowledged his error. Let us, like Paul, seek to conduct ourselves righteously, obeying God’s Word, as we seek to shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, acknowledging that the powers that be are ordained of God. —D. Pickup

Be thoughtful and earnest, kindhearted and true, 
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
—Horatio R. Palmer

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 26:31 to 27:19; Psalm 72; Acts 15:22-35

 

In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.  Hebrews 10:6
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him…and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Isaiah 53:10

God found no delight in the Old Testament offerings because an imperfect person presented an innocent but unwilling substitute. These offerings could only temporarily cover sin. Christ, the perfect servant, delighted to live in obedience to God. He was the capable and willing offering that completely removed sin. God’s pleasure in Him is confirmed in His resurrection and the placement of all things into His hand. Praise the Lamb, for He is worthy. —George Ferrier

As Lamb of God, Thy path we view, Thy Father’s will Thy whole delight;
To Calvary we trace Thy way, each step of Thine, with glory bright.
—Inglis Fleming