Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 2:6 to 3:4; Isaiah 22:15 to 23:18; 1 Cor. 2

 

According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain onto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.    2 Peter 1:3

 

What a magnificent gift—all things that pertain to life and godliness. And bestowed by the divine power of God Himself. But how do we use such assets for our delight and benefit in our daily lives? Strength is offered, to live above this sad world. Peace with God is ours. A lifestyle is given which avoids the sorrow of the ways of sin. An assured future awaits with all the delights of life eternal. All ours; God giving us that which enriches our lives today.    —Doug Kazen

 

Yet it must be, thy love had not its rest
Were thy redeemed not with thee fully blest. —J. N. Darby

DAILY?READINGS: Judges 1 to 2:5; Isaiah 21 to 22:14; 1 Corinthians 1

 

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.    1 Thessalonians 4:16

 

Believers are aliens in this world; it is systemically incapable of satisfying our regenerated beings. We are pilgrims, looking for a divinely designed and constructed city with eternal foundations (Heb. 11:10)—a search that will culminate in our dwelling-place in the future New Jerusalem (Rev. 21-22). Our exit from this scene of darkness will be accomplished by the Lord catching us up to heaven with Himself. No mere angel will escort us to glory; our Saviour Himself will convey us to the enjoyment of eternal light.    —Keith Keyser

 

Then, then, the church completed, God makes no more delay;
O Lord, with shouts of triumph, we pass into the day. —G. W. Frazer

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 24; Isaiah 19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3

 

Taking a place by so much better than the angels. Hebrews 1:4 (JND)
He hath … a more excellent name than [angels].     Hebrews 1:4
And let all the angels of God worship him.    Hebrews 1:6
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death … that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.     Hebrews 2:9

The angels knew His rightful place; His lofty name and His utter worthiness. But He was made a little lower than angels. His place became a cross on Skull Hill. His name became a curse and the song of the drunkard. There was no worship—He was cursed and spit upon. Crown Him with glory and honour today.    —S. McEachern

 

Thy open bosom was my ward, it braved the storm for me.
Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred; now cloudless peace for me.
—Anne R. Cousin

 

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 23; Isaiah 17-18; 2 Thessalonians 2

 

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
2 Corinthians 9:6

 

Our first year of planting a backyard vegetable garden would prove the principle of this verse. We thought, if one zucchini plant was good then ten must be better. The harvest that year was so bountiful that we had abundance to share with family and friends and all that we knew. Imagine the harvest, if we would sow generously with our time, talents, and finances into the lives of others, and into the work of our Lord. Truly then the name of the Lord would be magnified.
—Lynn Tempest

 

Lord lay some soul upon my heart and love that soul through me.
And may I bravely do my part, to win that soul for Thee. —Leon Tucker

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 22; Isaiah 15-16; 2 Thessalonians 1

 

Now, therefore, are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.    Acts 10:33

 

It is a great privilege to be able to sit under the teaching of the Word of God in a local church fellowship. As God teaches men through His Word, they in turn are to teach other men so that the gift of the Scriptures is passed from one generation to another (2 Tim. 2:2). Are we taking every opportunity to hear the teaching of godly men and are we training the next generation so they can develop that same teaching gift?    —William Gustafson

Long as my life shall last; Teach me Thy way!
Where’er my lot be cast; Teach me Thy way! —B. Ramsey

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 20-21; Isaiah 14; 1 Thessalonians 5

 

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.    Isaiah 63:9

 

Today is Independence Day in the United States. Americans are proud of their flag, for it speaks of freedom. Over its history, much blood has been shed to make and keep the United States free. The above verse speaks of redeeming love that flies a different flag, one that is seen above the cross at Calvary. “Redeeming Love.” This flag floats over each redeemed person. All others are slaves of sin and Satan. Under whose banner are you today?    —Jim Pizzulli

 

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure, the saints’ and angels’ song.
—F. M. Lehman

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 18-19; Isaiah 13; 1 Thessalonians 4

 

Children, obey your parents … for this is well pleasing.    Col. 3:20
Having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, … a sacrifice … well pleasing to God.    Philippians 4:18
Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually … but to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.    Hebrews 13:15-16

 

A child’s obedience to their parents, an offering to support God’s work, one’s occupation with Christ in worship or an opportunity to do good to others, are all considered to be well pleasing to our God. May we follow the example of the Saviour who said “I do always those things that please Him” (John 8:29).    —Pete Smith

 

Saviour, Thy dying love Thou gavest me.
Nor should I aught withhold, dear Lord, from Thee. —S. Phelps

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 16-17; Isaiah 11-12; 1 Thess. 2:13 to 3:13

 

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.     Luke 22:31-32

 

The Lord anticipated the fall of Peter but also anticipated his restoration. If one of God’s choicest servants fell, should I be surprised if I fall too? Dear child of God remember falling is not the end! Remorse for past failure is good but don’t stay there and dwell on it. Lift up your eyes and remember we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.     —Sid Halsband

O Lord God of Hosts, us restore to Thy grace,
And then we shall live in the light of Thy face.
—Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 14-15; Isaiah 10:5-34; 1 Thess. 1 to 2:12

 

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.    1 Corinthians 10:13

 

Many of us go through trials and testings, and some have sorrowful feelings unknown to even those dearest to us. At times the problems appear “one step too far.” Being on the edge leaves you with a feeling (as the apostle Paul had), that to be with Christ would be far better!  Be patient, wait on God, and the reality of the “escape route” will be shown you.    —Brian Russell

 

Let your drooping heart be glad, march, in heavenly armour clad,
Fight, nor think the battle long, victory soon shall be your song. —K. White

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 13; Isaiah 9:8 to 10:4; Luke 24:36-53

 

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.    1 Timothy 1:17

 

Jesus Christ is the King and one day every knee will bow to Him. He is the eternal King (King of the ages), whose kingdom will never end. He is King of kings, and we gladly own Him as King of saints (Rev. 15:3). He is immortal and incorruptible. Our King lives in the power of an endless life. He is at this moment an invisible King—not represented by images or art. We have not seen Him but we love Him. He is the only wise God—His Word can be trusted. Let us give Him honour and glory every day of our lives.    —Carl Knott

 

Come let us join our cheerful songs, and thus approach the throne;
Had we ten thousand thousand tongues, our theme of joy’s but one.
—Issac Watts