Author: Gospel Folio Press

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 6; Proverbs 3; Mark 14:53-72

Preserve my soul: for I am holy. Psalm 86:2
Neither wilt thou allow thine Holy One to see corruption. Acts 2:27

The Old Testament word “holy” means pious or godly, set apart. The New Testament word means “right” by intrinsic character, hallowed. The Lord Jesus was pure in every way. His words were holy; His deeds were holy; His thoughts were holy. It is no wonder that His Father would not allow Him to see corruption. But on the cross He became sin for me. Is it possible for us to even begin to comprehend it? —Tom Steere

The Holy One who knew no sin, God made Him sin for us:
The Saviour died our souls to win, upon the shameful cross.
His precious blood alone availed to wash our sins away;
Thro’ weakness He o’er hell prevailed, thro’ death He won the day.
—Hannah K. Burlingham

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 5; Proverbs 2; Mark 14:27-52

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22

The Lord is no man’s debtor, and those who honour Him, He will honour. What a wonderful promise! As we obey His Word, we will experience His Spirit’s leading and blessing. In the same way that air and water fill a container (the more water, the less air and vice versa), so more of the world’s ways in our lives will drive out the Spirit’s influence over our actions and attitudes. May God deliver us from the world’s influence and may we be filled with the Spirit.    —G. Frear

Oh, child of the kingdom,
From sin’s service cease:
Be filled with the Spirit,
With comfort and peace.
—Philip P. Bliss

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 4; Proverbs 1; Mark 14:1-26

Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Psalm 36:5

When it comes to clouds, we generally like fleecy white masses on a blue background, rather than dark ominous thunderclouds. Yet, all are a part of nature and of our lives. Just as clouds give character to the sky, so clouds of trial tend to enrich our character. An Arab proverb says that all sunshine makes a desert. We need clouds to bring rain for growth and fruitfulness and help mold and shape us into Christ’s image. Then at sunset God, with clouds, paints a masterpiece for our enjoyment. It causes us to praise our Creator who uses both cloud and sunshine for our good. —E. Dyck

Ye fearful saints fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread;
Are filled with mercy and will break, in blessing on your head.
—William Cowper

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 3; Psalms 148-150; Mark 13

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. Proverbs 23:17-18

Living a daily disciplined life is not easy. Sometimes the seeming ease of the ungodly’s life seems attractive. We are exhorted here to forsake such envy and keep on. Our faithfulness will be rewarded. God will reward those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). Dear Saint, do not be discouraged in living sacrificially for our Lord Jesus. Your reward is sure. —D. Pickup

Do you ever feel downhearted or discouraged?
Do you ever think your work is all in vain?
Do the burdens thrust upon you make you cheerless,
And you fear that you shall ne’er the vict’ry gain?
Have faith in God. —M. A. Stephens

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 2; Psalms 146-147; Mark 12:18-44

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers…governments. 1 Corinthians 12:28

The word “governments” comes from a word that means “to steer”—a shipmaster, a helmsman. This pictures what spiritual leaders do in the local assembly. They are to keep the ship in the channel, away from dangers. The Lord in His wisdom has appointed and gifted those who can do this. An assembly without “government” is like a ship without a helmsman. We should pray for those who guide the saints and allow them to steer us, guided by the Lord. And those who govern need to study the charts (the Word) and keep a sharp eye out for dangers. —Carl Knott

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me, over life’s tempestuous sea,
Unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treacherous shoal,
Chart and compass come from Thee: Jesus, Saviour, pilot me. —E. Hopper

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 1; Psalms 144-145; Mark 11:27 to 12:17

And he (Samson) knew not that the Lord was departed from him. Judges 16:20
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God. Ephesians 4:30

Samson’s mighty deeds were the result of the Spirit of God coming upon him. But the day he sinned the Lord left him. He was captured, blinded and put to work like an ox. Today the Holy Spirit dwells in a believer and will never depart from him. But through unconfessed sin I can grieve the Holy Spirit and hinder His working in me and through me. How sad! When the Spirit convicts me of even the smallest sin, I must immediately confess and forsake it. Only an un-grieved Holy Spirit will use me for God’s glory. —David Croudace

We cannot be channels of blessing, if our lives are not free from known sin;
We will barriers be, and a hindrance to those we are trying to win.
—H. G. Smyth

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 27; Psalms 142-143; Mark 11:1-26

Who was delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification. Romans 4:25

As we look back to the cross, we exclaim, “What has God done?” and as we look at the empty tomb, we again exclaim, “What has God done?” At the cross the Lord Jesus “obtained eternal redemption for us,” (Heb. 4:12). In His glorious resurrection He triumphed over sin, death and the grave and He assures us, because “I live ye shall live also” (John 14:19). Today as we look into an empty tomb we proclaim, “This is the glory of the risen Christ.” What assurance we have in this living hope! —Jim Comte

Because He lives I can face tomorrow;
Because He lives all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives. —W. and G. Gaither

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 26; Psalm 140-141; Mark 10:32-52

He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:11

The Lord sent Peter and John to prepare for the Passover. He told them they would meet a man carrying a pitcher of water and to follow him (Luke 22:10). They followed him to the house, but they didn’t follow his example of servanthood. When they met for the Passover there was no one to wash the feet of the guests. Oh, they had what they needed (remember the pitcher of water), but they were too busy arguing over which of them was the greatest. So the Lord showed them true greatness by serving. —Rex Trogdon

Wouldst thou be chief? Then lowly serve.
Wouldst thou go up? Then go down.
But go as low as you will,
The Highest has been lower still.
—Author Unknown