Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 25; Psalm 139; Mark 10:1-31

 

For I am the Lord, I change not.    Malachi 3:6

 

It is good to reflect on the changelessness of God. It was, and is, His unchanging nature which spares Israel from being consumed by Him. He made a covenant with Israel, but while God kept His side, Israel repeatedly broke theirs. They murmured. They complained about the water and food God provided freely for them. They ignored His ordinances that governed the order of His worship. But judgment for their sin was restrained by the changelessness of God. We similarly depend on His steadfastness. We change; He changes not. —Doug Kazen

 

I am the Lord’s! Oh eagerly and gladly,
Triumphantly and greatly we sing;
I am the Lord’s! He is the rock unfailing,
To which our storm-tossed souls in danger cling. —Fanny J. Crosby

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 24; Psalms 137-138; Mark 9:33-50

 

And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood … the altar shall be foursquare.    Exodus 27:1
And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon … foursquare shall it be.    Exodus 30:1-2

 

The brazen altar of burnt offering and the golden altar of incense were foursquare; signifying their universality and unique centrality in God’s plan of redemption. The former spoke of salvation to all without respect of persons. The latter signifies the praise that ascends unto Him from the four corners of the earth. In one, God welcomes all for salvation; in the other all lift up their hearts to God in adoration.            —K. C. Ung

 

True Lawgiver, He bade them their healing message speed—
One charter for all nations, one glorious title deed! —A. St. Victor

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 23:23-44; Psalms 135-136; Mark 9:14 -32

 

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged (lit. “atonement is provided”)  Proverbs 16:6

 

That purging of our sin took place two thousand years ago at Calvary. God’s mercy was demonstrated in its fullness. He could have justly condemned us to a lost eternity, yet He chose to demonstrate His love, mercy, and grace to sinful men. The Lord Jesus could say, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Accept His cleansing today!
—William Gustafson

 

Mercy there was great and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty—at Calvary.
—W. R. Newell

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 23:1-22; Psalms 132-134; Mark 8:27 to 9:13

 

In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land:…    Isaiah 19:24

 

Looking at the way things are unfolding in the Middle East, this prophecy of Isaiah seems an impossible dream. The best politicians of the world have tried to accomplish this objective by means of compromise and coercion, but all of their efforts have failed, and things seem to be getting worse rather than better. But Isaiah looks forward to a day when “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev. 11:15). Then, and only then, will the violence and chaos of the Middle East, and elsewhere, be resolved under His beneficent reign. —W. H. Burnett

 

Jesus, the Conqueror, reigns, in glorious strength arrayed,
His kingdom over all maintains, and bids the earth be glad. —C. Wesley

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 22; Psalm 128-131; Mark 8:11-26

 

He shall not return by way of the gate through which he came, but shall go out through the opposite gate.    Ezekiel 46:9

 

In the millennial temple that Ezekiel describes, the worshiper is not to return the same way he entered. I am sure that there is a good reason for this, but we are not told why. However, each time we gather in the Lord’s presence we should leave differently than how we arrived. We should be more conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus. Our minds renewed, our hearts refreshed, and our souls restored. Wouldn’t it be great if someone noticed the change?    —Rex Trogdon

 

With such a blessed hope in view,
We would more holy be,
More like our risen, glorious Lord,
Whose face we soon shall see. —R. Boswell

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 21; Psalms 124-127; Mark 7:24 to 8:10

 

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall seek for me with all your heart.    Jeremiah 29:13

 

“Do you want medicine, or a doctor,” asked a missionary in Thailand of a man who came to his home. “Neither,” was his emotional response. “I’m looking for God.” Heart trouble caused by sin can only be cured by God. Will you come to Him by faith for the everlasting cure? Jesus said, “Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).
—Arnot P. McIntee

 

Jesus is calling the weary to rest,
Calling to-day, calling to-day.
Bring Him thy burden and thou shalt be blest,
He will not turn thee away.
—Fanny J. Crosby

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 19-20; Psalms 120-123; Mark 7:1-23

 

And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.    Ephesians 4:30

 

In the ancient world containers were sealed to ensure that their contents arrived intact at their destination. The Christian’s assurance of reaching the Father’s house depends on the sovereign activity of God. He has promised them a place there (John 14:1-3) and has sealed them with the Holy Spirit until Christ Himself returns for us on “the day of redemption.” He saves, seals, and keeps, and nothing can separate believers from His love, purposes, or presence. Believers’ natural response must be grateful obedience to His will. They must not grieve Him through bitterness, anger, or evil speech.    —Keith Keyser

 

We praise Thee that He is the Seal, whereby we’re marked as Thine,
Until redemption’s day shall dawn, and we in glory shine. —H. Barker

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 17-18; Psalm 119:145-176; Mark 6:30-56

 

Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
Luke 5:4b

 

As I rowed down the bay I couldn’t help but notice the water dripping from my oars. Each droplet was so tiny, but upon touching the water it began to spread in an ever increasing circle. Maybe you feel your witness is small. In God’s hands it can become far greater. Perhaps you should become involved in an outreach. Put your hand into the Master’s hand and step out in faith. Think of what Jesus did when one small boy shared his lunch. He can use you if you let Him. —J. Fleming

Give me a vision of the lost, who walk the road to hell,
And grant me courage everyday; the words of life to tell,
That neighbours, friends, acquaintances and family may hear,
The message that can change their life and bring them hope and cheer.
—J. Fleming

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 16; Psalm 119:113-144; Mark 6:1-29

 

I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe…
Habakkuk 1:5 (ESV)

 

Habakkuk had just asked God some tough questions. How long are you going to ignore my cries for help? Why am I faced with wickedness and trouble? Why is evil going unpunished? God was neither cross with Habakkuk for his questions nor was He caught sleeping. He was at work; His answer was growing, maturing, ripening and meanwhile Habakkuk was learning to know the heart of his God—always loving, always listening, always answering.     —M. MacMullen

 

Speak Lord in the stillness while I wait on Thee,
Hushed my heart to listen in expectancy.
—E. M. Grimes

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 15; Psalm 119:73-112; Mark 5:21-43

 

And they continued steadfastly together in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.    Acts 2:42

 

The encyclopedia tells us that the giant redwood trees attain the height of 200-300 feet, yet their root system may reach no deeper than 6-12 feet, with major roots being only one inch in diameter. But they typically spread 50-80 feet. One way these trees maintain strength for many years is by growing close together and mingling their roots. Believers can learn from them, to spread our roots wide; to bond together in love; to uphold one another in difficult times. Our testimony will thus be strengthened, and we will be an effective witness to the world around us.    —E. Dyck

 

We will work with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land. —P. Scholtes