Author: Gospel Folio Press

 

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 44; Psalm 22; Matt. 25:31-46

 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  Romans 8:18

Paul was no stranger to pain; he experienced physical and psychological trauma as part of his service for Christ. Given the increasing persecution of believers in the world today one might wonder, “Is it really worth standing for God?” The apostle counters that there is no comparison between this age and the glory to follow. Eternal riches far outweigh temporal agony. Meanwhile, grace is able to sustain His suffering servants until Christ delivers them to glory. —K. R. Keyser

Of grace then let us sing, a joyful, wondrous theme,
Who grace has brought, shall glory bring, and we shall reign with Him. 
—T. Kelly

 

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 43; Psalms 20-21; Matt. 25:1-30

 

O Lord, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived; thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.  Jeremiah 20:7

Jeremiah was a hated man; a laughing stock and a reproach. His state brought deep depression and his moods swung from the depths of despair to the heights of praise, and then back to the depths! He gave up and didn’t want to speak for the Lord (v. 9). But then there was a surging, burning fire in his heart and bones. He hadn’t totally lost his passion for God, as he cried, “But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire” (Jer. 20:9). No matter how dark your days or how alone you feel, still read and rest in His Word. —Jim Comte

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face.
—W. Cowper

 

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 41:50 to 42:38; Psalm 19; Matt. 24:29-51

 

O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.  Song of Solomon 2:14

There are two broad categories of prayer: prayers of earnest supplication and prayers of deep communion. The latter is spoken of here.  Many times God wants us to come into His presence, not to make requests, but just to be refreshed. He simply enjoys hearing us and being with us and therefore bids us come. Our Saviour has opened the door. Let us enjoy the pleasure of His presence today. —Shane Johnson

O the joy He gives, and the love we feel,
When our tuneful songs we raise,
When our prayers arise to His throne on high,
And our hearts are filled with praise.
—Fanny Crosby

 

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 41:1-49; Psalm 18:30-50; Matt. 24:1-28

 

…the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness.  Titus 1:1

Are the truths we know practical or theoretical? The phrase “after godliness” means “according to godliness”. It refers to truth that produces or results in godliness. This is often overlooked. Bible knowledge alone does not equal godliness. It’s easier to listen to truth or to talk about it than to apply it. But God intends it to be known, believed and applied. It has transforming power and God intends it to affect every area of our lives. When this happens a godly life naturally results. —Carl Knott

Master, speak! And make me ready, when Thy voice is truly heard,
With obedience glad and steady, still to follow every word.
—Frances Ridley Havergal

 

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 40; Psalm 18:1-29; Matt. 23

 

When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.  John 6:12

Gathering up the leftovers or fragments is often our last worry after eating a large meal! Yet Jesus gave specific instructions to do just that. Week by week we enjoy spiritual food, fed to us through the ministering of God’s Word in our local church. It is a blessing, but can also make us lazy when it comes to gathering rich “fragments” for ourselves. Let us be challenged to “gather up the fragments” and discover the inestimable treasure to be found there! —E. V.

Break thou the Bread of life, dear Lord to me,
As thou didst break the loaves beside the sea.
Within the sacred page, I seek thee Lord,
My spirit pants for thee, O living Word.
—M. A. Lathbury

 

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 39; Psalm 17; Matt. 22:15-46

 

The Lord…is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9

Our Lord’s patience was at its best when provocation was at its worst. He was tested beyond measure, yet Isaiah foretold that He would not open His mouth, but remain dumb before his shearers. Betrayed with a kiss. Struck in the face by a servant. Reviled by the High Priests. Humiliated and tortured by Roman soldiers. He bore it all. In excruciating pain as they hammered Him to the cross, He lifted His heart in a prayer of love “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). We do well to echo Thomas’ words: “My Lord and My God” (John 20:28). —Drew Craig

O patient and spotless One! Our hearts in meekness train,
To bear Thy yoke and learn of Thee, that we may rest obtain.
—C. Bernstein

 

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 38; Psalms 15-16; Matt. 21:33 to 22:14

 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  Isaiah 55:8

As a student I loved mathematics but the concept of infinity puzzled me—without limits, incalculable, greater than any known number. Today our minds stagger attempting to understand our infinite God. We marvel that He spoke His universe into existence. Considering His eternity and omnipresence our minds reel. We wonder at His infinite grace, mercy and love. We’re awed by His holiness, power and wisdom. Each year we know Him more but still know so little. Christ, the power and wisdom of God. He shall spend eternity with us. —George Ferrier

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
—Stuart K. Hine

 

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 37; Psalms 11-14; Matt. 21:1-32

 

The runners passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as Zebulun; but they laughed at them and mocked them. Nevertheless some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.  2 Chronicles 30:10

The Jews experienced a great revival under Hezekiah. They confessed their sins, consecrated themselves to God and began to worship Him again. So joyful was the revival that some within the pagan northern tribes wanted to experience God’s glory, power and blessing too. May God revive our hearts. May the masses see Christ magnified within us and be drawn to Him too! —W. A. H.

Let it come, O Lord, we pray Thee, let the shower of blessing fall;
We are waiting, we are waiting, oh, revive the hearts of all.
—J. Black

 

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 36; Psalms 9-10; Matt. 20:17-34

 

And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.  Mark 6:31

The word “leisure” means resting, or in today’s society, taking a break, from the “coming and going”. Besides physical rest we desperately need spiritual rest. Jesus said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). On our salvation’s day we rested on His finished work. Now we should daily recharge our power, alone with Him. We rest and recuperate when we gather around His Word, or with Him in the midst, in worship. May we make time today for this essential pursuit. —Vernon Markle

Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art; 
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
—Jean S. Pigott