Author: Gospel Folio Press

 

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 32:15-52; Hosea 2 to 3 ; Luke 17:20 to 18:14

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

One expects a fit, strong young person to be able to withstand the rigours of the race. But even such youths will eventually fall. However one who is willing to spend time “waiting on the Lord” each day, will have his strength renewed and like an eagle will surmount all the demonic obstacles which would otherwise stumble him. Such a one will not become weary or faint but will quietly walk with the Lord as an overcomer. The question is, “Am I taking time to wait upon Him day by day?” —David Croudace

In the secret of His presence how my soul delights to hide!
Oh how precious are the lessons which I learn at Jesus’ side! —E. L. Gorch

 

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 31:14 to 32:14; Hosea 1; Luke 17:1-19

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, And delivered him out of all his afflictions. Acts 7:9-10

Hated by his brethren; sold into slavery; slandered by Potiphar’s wife; and imprisoned—yet three times over we read “The Lord was with Joseph.” All these tragic events in his life were but the out-working of the sovereign purposes of God, and paradoxically, each downward step was leading to unprecedented heights of glory. In our trials, so often we wonder why God doesn’t intervene and stop the downward spiral. We must never forget that just as the Lord was with Joseph, so also He is with us in our trials. He has great things in mind for us. —W. H. Burnett

His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour,
The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower. —W. Cowper

 

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 30 to 31:13; Amos 9; Luke 16

The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice. Proverbs 23:24

Charles Spurgeon once said, “A man’s deeds are reckoned as dollars, his words as pennies.” This was evidenced by a survey regarding local church attendance. If both parents were in attendance regularly, research showed their children had a 77% chance of remaining faithful spiritually. If only Dads attend there’s a 55% chance the children will follow the Lord. But if only Mom is in attendance the odds drop to 15%. The importance of a father’s influence should be motivation for spiritual leadership at home and in the assembly of believers. God commended Abraham of the Old Testament as being a man He could trust to command His children. If his example is followed, blessing will result. —E. Dyck

Standing by a purpose true, heeding God’s command,
Honour them, the faithful few! All hail to Daniel’s band. —Philip P. Bliss

 

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 29; Amos 7-8; Luke 15:11-32

Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Psalm 25:6

A. W. Tozer reminds us, “We do not need any enlarging adjectives when we speak of God, or of His love, or mercy. God Almighty fills the universe and overfills it because it is His character—infinite and unlimited.” Thus, speaking of God’s “great” love or mercy implies that there are degrees of His love and mercy, but there are not. Our adjectives are helpful to acknowledge our earthly benefits, but when speaking of God there are no such measurements: “God is love” and God is not less merciful or more merciful; He is full of mercy. Whatever God is, He is that in its fullness. Praise His name! —W. A. H.

The Lord is greatly to be praised; His greatness is beyond our thoughts.
From age to age the sons of men, shall tell the wonders God has wrought.
—The Psalter, 397

 

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 28:38-68; Amos 5-6; Luke 14:25 to 15:10

To visit the fatherless and widows in their distress.    James 1:27

The phrase “to visit” means a little more than visiting a lonely saint and enjoying a cup of tea together—valuable as that is. It has the thought of seeing a need and then meeting it. This is a special area of responsibility for those who are mature in their faith or leaders in a local church. They are to watch over the flock and assess its needs. Then it is their privilege to rise up to meet that need (1 Tim. 3:1), whether it is comforting or counselling, shepherding or supporting. It might even involve a cup of tea. —Norman Craig Funston

Give me a faithful heart, guided by Thee,
That each departing day henceforth may see
Some work of love begun, some deed of kindness done,
Some wand’rer sought and won—something for Thee. —S. D. Phelps

 

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 28:1-37; Amos 3-4; Luke 14:1-24

Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. Luke 1:38

Such words of trust coming from the heart of this young girl, Mary. Her eyes were focused on what the Lord God had asked of her. She didn’t stop to weigh what it would cost her or how it would affect her life. No, her heart’s desire was to be used by the Lord. And oh how He was going to use her! How blessed we are to have a witness of such a willing heart. Lord, give us a heart like this handmaiden of the Lord and in doing so, may we know the joy that comes from trusting You. —V. Gaynier

Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
—Frances Ridley Havergal

 

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 26:16 to 27:26; Amos 1-2; Luke 13:22-35

Come unto me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

This is an invitation first of all to the sinner who is burdened and distressed by the guilt and tragedy of his sin. To such the Saviour holds out His hands in welcome, offering forgiveness. But you must come repentant and trusting, believing that His death on the cross is sufficient to pay for your sins. Come and know the rest of His love and forgiveness. But it is also an invitation to the Christian who is burdened with the cares and anxieties of this life. Cast your anxieties upon Him and know the rest of His love and care. He does love you. —Donald L. Norbie

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
—Edward H. Bickersteth

 

 

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 25 to 26:15; Jonah 3-4; Luke 13:1-21

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father.… John 17:1

Whether revealing the sublime meditations of His heart or during His agony in Gethsemane or day by day in His earthly ministry with His disciples, prayer was the watchword of all that the Lord Jesus said and did. We, also, as His followers, should seek to emulate Him in prayerful dependence every day. —Mark Fenn

Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath,
The Christian’s native air,
His watchword at the gates of death:
He enters heaven with prayer.
—James Montgomery