Author: Gospel Folio Press

 

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

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 26:1-30; Psalms 70-71; Acts 15:1-21

 

…James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. Luke 5:10

The word “partners” is from the word koininea which means “fellowship”. In this passage we get an idea of what fellowship is. It is more than sitting in a meeting together. Many who do that every week have little fellowship with one another. James and John were in fellowship with Peter. They helped with the rowing, throwing out the nets, hauling them in and mending them. They were working together, sharing the good and the bad. Their lives coincided more than once a week for a couple of hours. What can you do to fellowship in the work of the assembly? Be a partner in the Lord’s work! —Carl Knott

To the work! To the work! We are servants of God;
Let us follow the path that our Master has trod.
—F. Crosby

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 25; Psalm 69; Acts 14

 

Also the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. Deuteronomy 1:37-38

No doubt Moses longed to enter the promised land. It was one thing to be told he could not enter, but another to be asked to encourage others to enjoy what was denied him. Are we older saints upset to see younger believers outstripping us spiritually and maybe enjoying more prominence than we have experienced among the Lord’s people? Rather than bemoan our lot, let us rejoice and encourage our spiritual children. —Brian Russell

Strong in the Lord of Hosts and in His mighty power,
Who in the strength of Jesus trust, is more than conqueror.
—C. Wesley

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 24; Psalm 68; Acts 13:26-52

 

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 1:13

On Passover night the Israelites ate their meal dressed like pilgrims. Their loins were girded, they wore shoes, and they had their staves in their hands (Ex. 12:11). This unique garb stemmed from their expectation of imminent deliverance from slavery into a new life of worship and service in the Lord’s inheritance. Similarly, believers today must maintain a pilgrim mindset, soberly living with an eye on their coming Saviour. —K. R. Keyser

We hope in Thee, O God! The day wears on to night;
Thick shadows lie across our world, in Thee alone is light.
—M. Hearn

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 23:10-33; Psalms 66-67; Acts 13:1-25

 

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.  Ecclesiastes 7:8

Our Christian beginning was like the lighting of a small candle. Our end, however, will be new bodies of glory. Our Lord’s birth was wonderful indeed, but His atoning work at the end of that life was a mighty work of glory. Take this lovely principle and apply it to the trials you may be experiencing today. “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17). —Vernon Markle

When He takes me by the hand, 
And leads me through the promised land, 
What a day, glorious day that will be. 
—James Hill