Author: Gospel Folio Press

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 17; Jeremiah 51:1-24; 1 Timothy 1

And he must needs go through Samaria.  John 4:4

In the previous chapter, in a conversation with the religious Pharisee Nicodemus, Jesus had been very blunt about his need for new spiritual birth. In this chapter His conversation is with an outcast woman of Samaria and His interaction is entirely different. The story begins with the observation that the Saviour went out of His way to meet her. Their contact at the well was a divine necessity and as the Saviour spoke to her, He drew her to Himself with grace and truth! She believed and was saved along with many of the townsfolk and many others since, through her story. The Saviour is looking to meet with you today.  —Jim Pizzulli

Jesus gave her water, that was not from the well;
She went away singing, and came back bringing,
Others to the water, that was not from the well!—Let’s Sing About Jesus, 49

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 15:32 to 16:20; Jer. 50:21-46; Titus 2:9 to 3:15

For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy.  2 Corinthians 11:2a

We speak sometimes of loyalty, and then we speak of blind loyalty. The former is good, the latter is dangerous. The same can be said of jealousy. Protective, guarding jealousy is one thing; selfish, fearful jealousy is another. Paul combines the two positive qualities of loyalty and jealousy in the first six verses of this chapter. It could be described as a “zealous protection” of some very important elements of the Christian life. In Paul’s case, he was jealously loyal to the church of God, (vv. 2-3); the truth of God, (v. 4); and the ministry of God, (vv. 5-6). Like Paul, we too should strive to keep the church pure, as well as ensuring  that nothing leads it away from the simplicity that is found in Christ. —Norman Craig Funston

Faith must obey its Father’s will, as well as trust His grace;
A pardoning God is jealous still for His own holiness. —Isaac Watts

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 14:23 to 15:31; Jer. 50:1-20; Titus 1 to 2:8

How then can man be justified with God?   Job 25:4
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.   Romans 4:5

One of the hardest questions asked by people is how can I be made right with God? It is also a great question to ask if you want to find out what someone is trusting in for salvation. Sadly it is often answered: I go to church. I try to be a good person. I follow the golden rule. In contrast, God has the clear answer. Salvation is not rewarded to those who work for it but gifted to those who believe on Him. Their faith is counted for righteousness. What am I trusting in?  —Sid Halsband

Jesus, how glorious is Thy grace! When in Thy name we trust,
Our faith receives a righteousness that makes the sinner just.
—Isaac Watts

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 13 to 14:22; Jeremiah 49; Hebrews 13:7-25

This do in remembrance of me.  1 Corinthians 11:24

Our Saviour will be the focal point of our endless future in glory. In the light of what is to come, how can we not look forward to remembering the Lord Jesus now? We are still pilgrims and strangers, but while our Lord remains absent we are glad to meditate upon His blest person, with other like-minded believers, on the first day of the week. May we make every effort not to miss these precious occasions.  —Mark Fenn

O if this glimpse of love,
Is so divinely sweet,
What will it be, O Lord, above,
Thy gladdening smile to meet!
—E. Denny

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 11-12; Jeremiah 48; Hebrews 12:18 to 13:6

Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus.  Revelation 22:20

Grandma was caring for her grandson as he played on the floor with his toys. As he did, he instinctively began counting the chimes from her clock as they sounded: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,—“Grandma, Grandma,” He excitedly exclaimed, “It’s later than it’s ever been.” We have never been so near the return of our Saviour as we are today. The thrilling statement by our Lord in the above verse brought a close to the inspired Book. Believers worldwide pick up the strain to say, “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”  —Arnot P. McIntee

It may be at midday, it may be at twilight,
It may be, perchance, that the blackness of midnight
Will burst into light in the blaze of His glory,
When Jesus receives His own. —H. L. Turner

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 10; Jeremiah 45-47; Hebrews 12:1-17

He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.  Proverbs 17:27

Sitting at the supper table our five year old daughter used a “bad word” that she had heard at school. Overreacting, I immediately disciplined her, to which she replied, “Daddy, I don’t know all the bad words in the world—that is your job to teach me the good words.” As parents, we should calmly react to our children’s circumstances, using our words carefully and acting in an understanding and wise manner. —Bob Cretney

O give us homes with godly fathers, mothers,
Who always place their hope and trust in Him;
Whose tender patience turmoil never bothers,
Whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim. —B. B. Hart

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 9; Jeremiah 44; Hebrews 11:17-40

Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.  1 Chronicles 28:10

David had gathered construction materials for the temple and now tasked his son Solomon with building a house for God. David informed Solomon that the Lord had chosen him for this important work and he was to “Be strong and do it”. The exhortation is repeated (v. 20). There will be times when you don’t feel like doing what you know the Lord would have you to do. Be strong and just do it. Later, when you are not weary and discouraged, you will be glad that you did. —W. A. H.

Rest in pardon and relief, from the load of guilt and grief,
Rest in Thy redeeming blood, rest in perfect peace with God.
—H. G. Guinness

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 6:24 to 7:20; Jer. 41 to 42:6; Heb. 10:19-39

Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.  Exodus 17:10b-11

While Joshua fought, Moses prayed. As long as Moses held up his hands in prayer, Israel prevailed in battle, but when his hands drooped, Amalek prevailed. This battle was not won by Israel’s fighting ability, since they were not experienced soldiers nor adept at warfare. The battle was won by Moses through prayer. What a reminder as to the value, power, and absolute necessity of prayer! Have you prayed today?  —W. Ross Rainey

Behold the throne of grace!
The promise calls us near!
To seek our God and Father’s face,
Who loves to answer prayer. —John Newton