Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 23:9 to 24:22; Jonah 1-2; Luke 12:41-59

 

I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.    Psalm 102:7

 

The lonely sparrow keeps its vigil atop the storm-swept roof. Protection, companionship and hope are unknown as he keeps his watch and waits. Calvary’s solitary vigil, too, was kept. There was no need for its silent sufferer to watch. He had been forsaken! Without protection, companionship and hope, He died for you and me. With full hearts may our worship be sweet today.    —Arnot P. McIntee

 

Alone, alone, He bore it all alone.
He gave Himself to save His own;
He suffered, bled and died,
Alone, alone. —Ben H. Price

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 22 to 23:8; Joel 3; Luke 12:22-40

 

There is one God; and one mediator between God and men; the man Christ Jesus.    1 Timothy 2:5

 

If God were some austere and distant figure, unable or unwilling to reveal Himself to man in love and grace, man would be in a most dreadful position. But standing between us (in all our need), and God (in His unbending righteousness) is one great mediator; God the Son. The Father is well pleased with Him. Yet He loves us to the extent that He died for us. He is the perfect and unfailing mediator between God and us. God the Father is reachable only through that mediator. But, thankfully, in this work He never fails.    —Doug Kazen

 

Though many a fiery, flaming dart, the tempter levels at my heart,
With this I all his rage repel; my Jesus has done all things well.
—S. Medley

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 20-21; Joel 2; Luke 12:1-21

 

For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.    2 Kings 17:12

 

The previous five verses in this chapter outline the long history of Israel’s idolatrous practices that led to their captivity by the
Assyrians. Their sinful lusts had brought disaster upon themselves! In this present evil age, we would do well to heed the warning of John. “Dear children, keep as with a garrison, yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21, Newberry’s margin) – whatever form they may take!        —Pete Smith

Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world’s golden store,
From each idol that would keep us;
Saying, Christian, love Me more.
—C. F. Alexander

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 18:9 to 19:21; Joel 1; Luke 11:37-54

 

Then I proclaimed a fast there … that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of Him a right way for us, and for our little ones and for all our substance.    Ezra 8:21

 

Ezra’s prayer in preparation for his return to Jerusalem reflected a heart-felt concern for three vital areas in the life of the nation: their personal walk, their posterity and their possessions. He wanted to ensure that the influences of seventy years in Babylon were nullified by finding the “right way” for the nation. Preceded by prayer and humble dependence upon the Lord, we too will be shown the divine corrective to the influences of the world around us, so that we may find the “right way” to proceed with our faith, family and finances.    —Mark Kolchin

 

Lift high the cross of Christ! Tread where his feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man, rise up, O men of God! —W. Merrill

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 17 to 18:8; Obadiah; Luke 11:14-36

 

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.    Mark 5:20

William Murdoch was an acclaimed Scottish inventor, a giant of the Industrial Revolution. Lord Kelvin, referring to Murdoch’s greatest invention—gas lighting, said that Murdoch did “great things for the whole world.” Perhaps at that time he did but nobody remembers it much now. In contrast the Lord Jesus did great things for the whole world for all eternity. His work opened heaven’s door. Will you enter into the blessings of the great things He has done?—Brian Powlesland

 

To God be the glory! Great things He hath done:
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son.
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the Life-gate that all may go in. —Ira D. Sankey

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 16; Song of Sol. 6:10 to 8:14; Luke 11:1-13

 

The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 
Psalm 19:8

The commands and principles of the Bible, “rejoice the heart.” The world has its principles which end in sorrow and defeat. “Go with the flow.” “Everyone’s doing it.” “Look out for number one.” In contrast, God’s principles bring joy to our hearts. Because they are pure they lead to pure lives. Because they enlighten the eyes, they bestow wisdom. Truly, more to be desired are they than gold and in the keeping of them there is great reward. (Ps. 19:8-11).    —Milton Haack

 

The Bible stands like a rock undaunted,
’Mid the raging storms of time;
Its pages burn with the truth eternal,
And they glow with a light sublime. —H. Lillenas

 

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 13-14:21; Song of Sol. 3:6-5:1; Luke 10:1-24

 

All Thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia.    Psalm 45:8

 

The garments of the Saviour were all fragrant, whether the swaddling bands of His nativity; the seamless robe of the days of His ministry; the linen towel of His humility in the upper room when He washed the disciples’ feet; the purple robe with which they dressed Him in mockery; the linen grave clothes in which He was wrapped for His burial. Some excellency of His Person pervades every garment and makes Him precious to God, and sweet to His people.        —Jim Flanigan

 

My Lord has garments so wondrous fine,
And myrrh their texture fills;
Its fragrance reached to this heart of mine,
With joy my being thrills. —H. Barraclough

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 12; Song of Sol. 2:8 to 3:5; Luke 9:37-62

 

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.    Philippians 1:21

 

A.W. Tozer observed that, “Many are engaged in a desperate search … doing it all on borrowed time, borrowed money and borrowed strength.” It was interesting to read some of the epitaphs while walking in a cemetery where some family members are buried. One inscription that deeply impressed me read, “In Thy presence is fullness of joy” (2 Chron. 21:20). Our challenge is to live so that faithful works will follow our departure.    —E. Dyck

Thy glory, not our own:
Still let us keep our end in view,
And still the pleasing task pursue,
To please our God alone.
—C. Wesley

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 10:12-11:32; Song of Sol. 1-2:7; Luke 9:18-36

 

Hear, O ye kings; give ear O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.    Judges 5:3

 

One way Deborah and Barak helped restore the spiritual confidence of the Jews, and render due praise to the Lord was by singing. Never underestimate its value. A really hearty sing can lift a congregation, help the speaker, and, above all, elevate our spirits in giving praise to our God. We do not have to be good singers as such, but if you have a good voice and can harmonise, use it to the full, for His glory.     —Brian Russell

 

Come all ye who love the Lord,
And let our joys be known.
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne. —I. Watts

DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 9 to 10:11; Eccl. 11-12; Luke 9:1-17

 

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.    2 Corinthians 4:6 (NKJV)

A young man standing by and observing Stephen’s face was reminded how Moses’ face shone after spending time in the presence of Jehovah (Ex. 34:30, Acts 6:15). Hearing Stephen, at his death, testify that he viewed Christ in His heavenly glory (Acts 7:55) must have impacted Saul who had his own impending appointment with the Lord of glory. May His glory also shine forth from us, helping others come to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.    —George Ferrier

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing, out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray, make me a blessing to someone today. —I. B. Wilson