Author: Gospel Folio Press

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

 

Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints.    Philemon 1:5

 

Paul was miles away in Rome and the news he heard about Philemon was excellent concerning his love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and toward all saints. What a wonderful testimony! What a witness to the world it would be if every professing Christian had this reputation. Let us ask ourselves, what are people hearing about us? Do they hear what Paul heard about Philemon? This man’s testimony was well known. He was not hiding his light under a bushel or bed. It was set on a hill and he was a true light in the world. May we be exercised to be so for His glory.    —Harold G. Smith

 

I will sing the wondrous story of the Christ who died for me;
How He left His home in glory for the cross of Calvary. —H. Rowley

DAILY?READINGS: Ruth 3-4; Isaiah 43 to 44:5; 2 Corinthians 3 to 4:6

 

Knowing that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver or gold … But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.    1 Peter 1:18-19 (NKJV)

 

The Lord Jesus entered this world’s slave market of sin and by the sacrifice of His life bought us out into freedom never to return. The ransom price was His precious blood! Scripture tells us that the “life of the flesh is in the blood” (Lev. 17:11). Its value, therefore, resides in the person of God’s beloved Son. His life was given for us, the sons of men, that we might become the sons of God. All praise and glory to Him.
—Drew Craig.

 

If all the sins of Adam’s race, with perfect justice to each case,
In Heaven’s balances were laid, they would be outweighed by Jesus death.
—William Blane

DAILY?READINGS: Ruth 2; Isaiah 42; 2 Corinthians 2

 

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?    Mark 8:36

 

Going door to door in evangelism, some brothers came upon a man working on a car. They invited him to a meeting, and he said, “I’m not religious and I don’t have time.” They asked him: “If you don’t take care of your car, what will happen?” “It will break down and I’ll lose it.” The question came, “And your soul? If you don’t take care of your soul, the same thing will happen.” Many people care for their face, their hair, their body, their car, their finances, but neglect their soul, and the loss is irreparable. Friend, neglect your soul no longer. Seek the Lord today!    —Carl Knott

 

Life at best is very brief, like the falling of a leaf,
Like the binding of a sheaf, be in time.
—Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: Ruth 1; Isaiah 41; 2 Corinthians 1

 

But patient, not a brawler, not covetous.    1 Timothy 3:3

 

It is hard to imagine a true Christian, let alone an elder, being a brawler. Perhaps it is because we tend to think of a brawler as one involved in physical fist-fights or wrestling. But brawler means literally “un-peaceable.” Sadly there may be elders that are contentious at every turn, upsetting people, insisting on their own agendas without regard for the thoughts and feelings of others or the clear teaching of Scripture. And on the home front, how often do we find fault or flare up at our beloved spouses when we should be lovers of peace, making peace?    —Tom Steere

 

Peace, troubled soul, thou need’st not fear; thy great Provider still is near;
Who fed thee last, will feed thee still: be calm, and sink into His will.
—Samuel Ecking

 

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 21; Isaiah 40; 1 Corinthians 16

 

Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net.    Luke 5:5

 

Peter was told to do something. However past experience and his own rational assessment told him that the end result would be failure. There would be no fish in the net. “Nevertheless,” going against the grain of his thinking, he was obedient and cast out the net. The result was miraculous. Perhaps today you may be in such circumstances as Peter. And you may be challenged by the Lord (against your rational thinking) to do something or go somewhere that may not make any sense to you. Will you nevertheless obey and trust?    —K. C. Ung

 

Yet, Lord, Thy will be done; Lo, I, Thine only Son, This cup will drink.
O wondrous love of Thine, unspeakable, divine;
To save this soul of mine Thou wilt not shrink. —H. Allon

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 20; Isaiah 38-39; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

 

A friend of publicans and sinners.    Matthew 11:19

 

This was a title given in criticism. Yet it reflected His grace. He was interested in the unpopular, the socially despised, the politically incorrect. He drew near to those whose careers were at a dead end; to those whom no one else bothered themselves for; those who had nowhere else to turn because of the weight of their sin upon their consciences. In other words you and me. By His grace He is Your Friend, and mine.    —Mark Fenn

 

The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger;
Behold your King! Before the lowly bend!
Behold your King! Your King! Before Him bend. —J. Dwight & A. Adam

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 19; Isaiah 37:8-38; 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

 

Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is Mine.    Job 41:11

 

Our names may be on the title deed to our homes, our vehicle permits and many other things. But we are stewards. All that we have comes from the Lord’s hand. But do we treat them as His? Or have we convinced ourselves that they belong solely to us? If so, it won’t take long for our hearts to be captured by our possessions. Instead of resources to use for God’s glory, they will become weights holding us back. That stuff—all of that stuff – isn’t ours at all. It’s His, He says so, and He now waits patiently for me to say so.    —Rick Morse

 

Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
—Frances R. Havergal

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 17-18; Isaiah 36 to 37:7; 1 Corinthians 14

 

And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains and the keepers before the door kept the prison.    Acts 12:6

 

Maximum security for Peter! These were difficult days for the apostle. His fellow apostle James had been killed, (v. 2). Chains. Guards. There was no way of escape out of his dreadful situation. All seemed lost, except for two words, “But prayer” (v. 5). G. C. Morgan comments, “That force of earnest prayer was mightier than Herod, and mightier than hell.” Does your situation or that of a loved one seem completely impossible? Never forget these words—but prayer.            —Jim Comte

 

God answers prayer in the morning, God answers prayer at noon,
God answers prayer in the evening, so keep your heart in tune.
—Ken Bible

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 16; Isaiah 35; 1 Corinthians 13

 

They crucified Him.     John 19:18
See in His hands the print of the nails.    John 20:25

 

My son accidentally stepped on a nail one day as we were sorting cattle. It went through his boot and a considerable way into his foot. The pain was excruciating for him and lasted through the next week. The experience made me think of the suffering the Lord Jesus went through with nails piercing His hands and feet. To willingly endure such pain without complaint, shows how much He loved you and me.
—D. Douglas

 

Crucified, crucified and nailed upon the tree;
With pierced hands and feet and side—for you and for me.
—C. A. Miles

 

 

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 14-15; Isaiah 34; 1 Corinthians 12

 

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.    Ephesians 5:20
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.    Luke 22:19

 

Giving thanks for everything is difficult. It is hard to be grateful for great suffering or a loved one’s death. Yet our Lord shows the way. He gave thanks for His body about to be broken. He knew what was ahead—becoming sin for us. Yet His death opened the way to forgiveness for us. And so He gave thanks. Oh Lord, help us to be grateful for everything You have given us, or allowed in our lives.    —J. Lee

 

Whatever our lot, Lord teach us to say,
Thank You Lord! Thank You Lord, O my soul.
—Author Unknown