Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 13; Zechariah 9-10; Revelation 17

 

Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass.    Luke 2:15

What a remarkable beginning it was! A poor carpenter from Nazareth, a lowly maiden and a crowded Inn in Bethlehem. Angels filled the sky while the Lord of the angels was wrapped in swaddling clothes.  The glory of the Lord came upon them while the Lord of glory slept in His manger bed. Well might we say with the shepherds, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass.”    —Jim Flanigan

Who is He in yonder stall, at whose feet the shepherds fall?
Tis the Lord, O wondrous story, tis the Lord, the King of Glory.
At His feet we humbly fall; Crown Him! Crown Him Lord of all!
—B. R. Hanby

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 12; Zechariah 8; Revelation 16

 

It came to pass in those days that there went out a decree.   Luke 2:1
For unto you is born this day … a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

 

“In those days,” (Luke 2:1) Caesar Augustus ruled and in an outpost of his vast empire, two insignificant people: one a carpenter and the other a peasant girl, were on their way to Bethlehem because of His decree. In Mary’s womb, she carried the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Was Augustus really in control? He did not know the promise of Micah 5:2, “But thou Bethlehem Ephratah … out of thee shall He come forth … to be ruler in Israel.” Yes, “in those days” a sovereign God was at work and Mary brought forth the Saviour!    —Jim Comte

 

Born among cattle in poverty sore, living in meekness by Galilee’s shore,
Dying the death as the wicked ones swore, Jesus, wonderful Lord.
—Paul White

 

 

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 10-11; Zechariah 7; Revelation 15

 

Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.    Luke 2:11

 

From a human standpoint it was not Joseph and Mary that planned the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. It was the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus who organised it by arranging a census. He had no idea that he would set in motion history’s most significant life story. Son of Abraham, Son of David, Son of Mary, Son of God! His birth in Bethlehem established His claim to be the long promised Messiah—Saviour of the world. And in a coming day, King of kings and Lord of lords.    —Drew Craig

 

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. —F. Oakley

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 9; Zechariah 5-6; Revelation 14

 

Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.    Isaiah 9:6

 

Isaiah’s statement refers to the incarnation of our Saviour. Here we have confirmation of the eternal Sonship of the Lord Jesus. Note that while a child is born, this is not said concerning the Son. No! He is “given.” For Christ to be given implies that He must of necessity had a being prior to Bethlehem. The Sonship of Christ did not begin at Bethlehem, nor did it ever have a beginning, because He is eternal. Concerning Melchisedec it is said “Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God” (Heb. 7:3). We bow in worship as we think of Him, the Eternal Son of the Eternal God.    —W. H. Burnett

 

Thou art the Everlasting Word, the Father’s only Son,
God manifestly seen and heard, and heaven’s beloved one. —J. Conder

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 8; Zechariah 4; Revelation 13

 

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.    Isaiah 9:2

 

Circumstances can be difficult for the faithful. The state of those who know the Lord is sometimes dark and shadowed. Perhaps you find yourself in such a state today—seemingly cut off from the light. Certainly apart from divine intervention, the future may seem full of foreboding. But God will intervene. Just as at His birth, the light will pierce the darkness and reveal the Saviour to you.    —Mark Fenn

 

Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light, and usher in the morning;
O shepherds, shrink not with afright, but hear the angel’s warning.
This Child, now weak in infancy, our confidence and joy shall be,
The power of Satan breaking, our peace eternal making. —J. Rist

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 7; Zechariah 2-3; Revelation 12

 

There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.    Proverbs 18:24

 

As the hymn states, “What a friend we have in Jesus!” In Him we find all the qualifications of a true friend. The grace and compassion of His friendship comforts us in uncertain circumstances. He challenges us in honesty about our faults through the Word and the Spirit. As the Gospels attest, our Lord never flattered, but frankly said what was needed, in love. And we can count on this Friend to love us to the very end. “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). Friendship involves reciprocation. Does He have our loyalty?    —Milton Haack

 

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. M. Scriven

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 6; Zechariah 1; Revelation 11

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world.    Galatians 1:3-4

 

Our Lord’s death and resurrection attained a total victory over sin. He put away sin (Heb. 9:26). Christ’s victory at Calvary should be enjoyed by every Christian daily. Let the power of His salvation be demonstrated in your daily life, helping you to overcome temptation, and to demonstrate His person and power with you daily. May His victory and the joy of it give you triumph over sin today.        —Doug Kazen

 

Oh keep us in the narrow way,
That ne’er from Thee our footsteps stray;
Sustain our weakness, calm our fear,
And to Thy presence keep us near. —R. Morshead

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 5; Haggai 2; Revelation 10

 

In Him we have redemption … according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us.    Ephesians 1:7-8 (ESV)

 

Extravagance. Usually extravagance is thought of in a negative light—a lavish lifestyle or wasting money. However, extravagance can be a good thing. In fact, if we would seek to be like Christ it should be a part of our conduct. Consider the accounts of Jesus: 180 gallons of wine for a  wedding reception (John 2:1-11); twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish (Mark 6:30-44); a miraculous catch of fish (John 21:11). Think still further of how the Lord has lavished His grace upon us, even though He knows all our sins and guilt. What extravagant grace He has bestowed upon us!     —W. Ross Rainey

 

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.
—Robert Robinson

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 4; Haggai 1; Revelation 9

 

And Jehu … went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord?
2 Chronicles 19:2

 

Having narrowly escaped from the battlefield with his life, Jehoshaphat returned to his house, delivered by the Lord from a foolish alliance with wicked King Ahab. Jehoshaphat learned quickly the bitter consequences of joining together with those who hate the Lord. What will it take for us to learn this lesson as well? For this good king, it was worry, doubt, fear and tears as he cried out in his distress. Our own experience and a wise word from others should be enough to keep us from making the same mistake. Are we listening?    —Mark Kolchin

 

Called from the world and its idols to flee,
Called from the bondage of sin to be free. —L. N. Morris

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 3; Daniel 12; Revelation 8

 

Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been.    Gen. 47:9
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.    Psalm 16:6

 

Here are two different responses to life—one saw the negative, the other the blessings. As I look back over life I am so thankful to the Lord. I thank God for the beauty of His creation, for every flower that blooms. I thank God for His provision, for friends and family. Most of all I thank Him for sending Jesus Christ to pay the penalty of my sin and that by His grace I heard the good news and trusted Jesus. I am also excited that one day soon I will share heaven with Him. If life is hard today, try counting your blessings. It works!    —J. Fleming

 

O have I loved Him as I should, for all His blessings free?
Praise God who giveth naught but good, for He is good to me! —C. Breck