Author: Gospel Folio Press

 

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

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 6:1-23; Jeremiah 39-40; Hebrews 10:1-18

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee. Isaiah 43:2

This wonderful text of encouragement and hope does not begin with the word “if,” but rather the word “when”. When we pass through the waters of trials and difficulties, He will be with us, come what may. In the fiery furnace He was there with the three Hebrew men. He stood with the Apostle Paul when others forsook him. He is no fair weather friend. He’ll be with you. He promises, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). Draw near to your Friend who loves you truly, your Helper who is at your side. Talk to Him, confide in Him, and let Him comfort and strengthen you. You will find Him faithful yesterday, today and forever.  —Carl Knott

Though the storm clouds darken the sky, o’er the heavenly trail,
I just keep trusting my Lord, He’ll never fail. —J. W. Peterson

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 5; Jeremiah 38; Hebrews 9:15-28

For I received of the Lord that which I delivered unto you…this do in remembrance of me.  1 Corinthians 11:23-24

The Lord Jesus gave Paul a special revelation concerning the Lord’s Supper, thus stressing its importance. Hence, there must be a right purpose, manner and place to observe it. The purpose is a loving memorial of our Saviour who died, but is alive again. The manner is a simple cup and loaf. The loaf represents His body given and the cup His shed blood and the new covenant that it established. The place is where two or three believers meet in His name. So today, as we meet in His name and consider the bread and the wine, may our hearts be filled with Him alone.  —Harold G. Smith

Sweet feast of love divine! ‘Tis grace that makes us free.
To feed upon this bread and wine; in memory, Lord, of Thee!
—E. Denny

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 4; Jeremiah 37; Hebrews 9:1-14

For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands…but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us. Hebrews 9:24 (RV)

There is only one great High Priest, our Lord Jesus Christ. His work is unique and infinitely superior to that of the Aaronic priests who entered the holiest of all only once a year and then with a cloud of incense covering the mercy seat (Lev. 16:13). Our Lord is in the presence of God now. He has an unbroken communion with the Father and He ever lives to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25). This work is “for us”. It humbles us to think that He labours there on behalf of each of us. How we praise Him!  —Drew Craig

Great are the offices He bears, and bright His character appears,
Exalted on the throne; in songs of sweet untiring praise,
We would to everlasting days, make all His glories known. —S. Medley

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 3; Jeremiah 36; Hebrews 8

He (Jehoshaphat) appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army.  2 Chronicles 20:21

A huge army was coming to wage war on Judah. In response, King Jehoshaphat put singers in the front lines praising the Lord. What remarkable special forces. Armed only with hearts full of love for God, their faith in Him was rewarded and the victory was of the Lord. Will we be praise singers in the front lines for God? The front lines are where we live or work or go to school. Will we tell His praises to those who do not know Him? The Lord may be calling you to do just that today. —Robert Gentile

Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness.
Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!
—Fanny J. Crosby

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 2; Jeremiah 35; Hebrews 7

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness.  Isaiah 35:8
Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever.  Psalm 93:5

If holiness is to be our aim, why is it so hard to obtain! Even though we have been given all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3), we still often warm ourselves by the world’s fire and are surprised we have no testimony for Him. Pulled out of the miry clay with our feet upon the rock, all too frequently we step off that high ground and show it by our muddy footprints. How much better to side with Him and travel the road that has been paved by His hand and lined with His promises? It is a far better road to take!  —Mark Kolchin

At last the march shall end; the wearied ones shall rest;
The pilgrims find their heavenly home, Jerusalem the blessed.
—Edward H. Plumptre

 

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 1; Jeremiah 34; Hebrews 5:11 to 6:20

A time to be born, and a time to die. Ecclesiastes 3:2

There was a time when you were conceived. Your life began and you grew in your mother’s womb. After nine months you were born and eventually grew into adulthood. You married and had children. Life was busy and happy. But death is coming; it is as sure as birth. There will come a time when you must leave this life. Are you ready? How have you prepared? Are you sure you are saved and ready to face God? If not, repent of your sins and turn to Christ in simple faith and receive Him. He died to pay the penalty for your sin. If you are saved, live a wise and holy life, ready to meet your Lord. Your life will be judged. Do not waste it.  —Donald L. Norbie

My faith has found a resting place, not in device nor creed,
I trust the ever living One, His wounds for me shall plead. —Lidie H. Edmunds