Author: Gospel Folio Press

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 14; Isaiah 52:13 to 53:12; Romans 1:1-17

Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.  John 11:16

This is commitment! The Jews had tried to stone Jesus to death, making the disciples afraid to return to Judea (v. 8). Thomas, however, would never go back on his commitment to his Lord, even if it meant rocks being hurled at him, crushing him to an excruciating death. Paul was also committed to Christ. He was stoned and left for dead at Lystra, but God raised him up and later on he fearlessly returned to the very place they had stoned him. The Greek word to have faith is pisteuo which includes the meaning “to commit to”. True faith in Christ involves being utterly committed to Him whatever opposition we may face.  —David Croudace

Pressing onward, ever onward, never looking back;
With my way to Him committed, nothing shall I lack. —L. N. Morris

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 13; Isaiah 52:1-12; 2 Cor. 12:14 to 13:14

God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day.  Psalm 7:11

Most do not like to think of God as ever being angry with sinners. They like to think of Him as an indulgent grandfather. They feel God will overlook their sin and the doors of heaven will welcome them when they die. But God is holy and just; sin must be punished. And this is why Christ came, to bear the anger and punishment for sin on the cross that we all deserved. Have you received Christ as your Lord and Saviour? If you are a believer remember, God still hates sin. Do not think lightly of it. —Donald L. Norbie

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! 
God in three persons, blessed Trinity! —R. Heber

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 11-12; Isaiah 51:9-23; 2 Cor. 12:1-13

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.  Hebrews 6:9

True life in Christ will always bear fruit, sooner or later (John 15). The Lord Jesus proclaimed “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:16). Ananias was assured that Saul of Tarsus was a true believer by the words: “Behold, he prayeth” (Acts 9:11). His new-found faith was further confirmed when he was baptized soon afterwards, sought fellowship with believers and preached Christ in the synagogues (Acts 9:18-20). The writer to the Hebrews was persuaded that his audience manifested the “better things” that accompany salvation. It was a testimony to the genuineness of their faith and should be for us as well.  —Mark Kolchin

He that in Me abideth ever, so ran the Master’s word;
Shall bring forth fruit unto the harvest, and great is his reward.
—Author Unknown

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 9:15 to 10:27; Isaiah 50 to 51:8; 2 Cor. 11

And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?  Genesis 16:13

Seeing Hagar discouraged and distressed, the Lord appeared to her. Acknowledging her difficult condition He provided comfort. Exhorting her, He gave direction for what she should do next. Prophesying to her, He instilled hope for the future. Beloved, God is present and knows our trials. Draw near to Him for solace, look to Him for guidance, and rest in Him who is our hope. His Word foretells our bright future. In His wisdom He may not change our current state but He wants to change our perspective.  —George Ferrier

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come;
Be Thou our guide while life shall last and our eternal home.
—Isaac Watts

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 8 to 9:14; Isaiah 49; 2 Cor. 10

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.  Hebrews 10:25
Come, and let us go up to…the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths.  Micah 4:2

Micah foretells a day when the nations of the earth will gather at Jerusalem. As our verse indicates, the result will be great blessings for those who gather. As New Testament believers our desire should be to gather to His name now for times of worship and fellowship. As we do, just as in a coming day, we will be taught His ways so that we may walk in those paths on a daily basis. Little wonder then that we’re admonished not to forsake gathering together.  —Wm. H. Gustafson

Gathered in Thy name, Lord Jesus, losing sight of all but Thee,
Oh, what joy Thy presence gives us, calling up our hearts to Thee.
—C. A. Wellesley

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 6-7; Isaiah 48; 2 Corinthians 9

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.  Matt. 14:26

At first the disciples did not recognize the Lord in the storm. It was not that their vision was dimmed, but that their minds were dulled. May we not fail to recognize His presence in life’s storms. Nor may we fail to expect Him when He at last shall come again to take us out of the darknesses and distresses of this sin-sick world. Remember, He could return today!  —W. Ross Rainey

O child of God, there is for thee,
A hope that shines amid the gloom,
A gladsome hope that thou shalt see,
Thy Lord, for He will surely come.
—T. D. W. Muir

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 4-5; Isaiah 47; 2 Corinthians 8

He said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.  Luke 23:42

With his dying breath, the repentant thief on the cross made this bold request of the Lord. The Lord graciously granted his request, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Our Saviour cares for our every need. We can boldly enter into His presence and make known our requests to Him, realizing He can do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20). What burden do you need to stop carrying and leave with Him today? —Bob Cretney

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. —J. Scriven

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 3; Isaiah 46; 2 Corinthians 6:11 to 7:16

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:9

Kristin Millar of Winnipeg, Canada, endured a decade-long illness that was slowly killing her heart. One night, she received a phone call to inform her that a woman, whom she had never met, had passed away. Kristin would be the recipient of the donated heart. After her recovery, Kristin was asked how this experience shaped her outlook on life. She replied: “It makes me want to live every day in honour of my donor.” As Christians, we have been given new life through the death of the Lord Jesus. Out of gratitude and love, let us desire to live every day in honour of Him!  —L. Shatford

A heart in every thought renewed and filled with love divine;
Perfect and right, and pure and good; a copy, Lord, of Thine. —C. Wesley

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 2; Isaiah 44:24 to 45:25; 2 Cor. 5:11 to 6:10

Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews…who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?  Esther 4:13-14

Just as Mordecai encouraged Esther to move ahead and act, so the Holy Spirit prompts us to do what is right for our growth and the blessing of others. Esther prayed and fasted before going to the king and we too must spend much time in prayer to seek the Spirit’s mind. To rush ahead is foolish. But when He clearly indicates what to do, we must act.    —G. Frear

Let heart and ear be opened wide,
Unto Thy Word and pleading;
Our minds, O Holy Spirit, guide;
By Thine own light and leading. —J. Ut­en­ho­vi­us

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 1; Isaiah 44:6-23; 2 Corinthians 4:7 to 5:10

Hell and destruction are never full.  Proverbs 27:20

A road sign was erected in the town of Exmouth in England in an attempt to make drivers cut their speed. The sign read “Slow—Heaven Is Full.” While the Bible says that hell is never full, no direct comment is made in this regard to heaven. At the moment there is still room for those who want to be there. However the Bible does warn that at some point the door will be closed and access to heaven will cease. Perhaps you need to slow down and think on this matter. Make certain to ensure your entry while the door remains open.  —Brian Powlesland

Choose now, just now; your soul’s at stake;
What will your answer be?
Tis life or death; and the choice you make,
Is made for eternity. —Harriet Fithian