Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 14:33-57; Psalm 119:41-72; Mark 5:1-20

 

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, let us draw near.    Hebrews 10:19

 

When on holiday, I like to visit a Jewish synagogue where one exists. Most have wall cabinets containing the Torah scrolls. Above it is invariably a plaque with Hebrew script, interpreted as “Know Before Whom You Stand.” The inference is to have a sense of privilege, responsibility and awe in the presence of God and his Word. When Christians approach God boldly in prayer, this does not mean to come brashly or casually but rather that in the choice of words used and attitude of mind adopted, we give Him the respect He deserves.        —Brian Powlesland

 

The holiest we enter, in perfect peace with God;
Through whom we’ve found our centre, in Jesus and His blood.
—S. Wesley

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 14:1-32; Psalm 119:1-40; Mark 4:21-41

 

Who being the brightness of His glory … when He had by Himself purged our sins sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Hebrews 1:3
Who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour.    Hebrews 2:9
Who … endured the cross … and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.    Hebrews 12:2

 

May our hearts rise in true worship as we meditate upon our Lord today. The amazing stoop He made to go to the cross. His awful
sufferings as He bore our sin. Then the awesome sight of the lovely Man of Calvary, now exalted far above all!    —Pete Smith

 

We love Thee for the glorious worth which in Thyself we see;
We love Thee for the shameful cross, endured so patiently.
—Joseph Stennett

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 13:24-59; Psalm 118; Mark 4:1-20

 

In all things, show thyself a pattern of good works.    Titus 2:7

 

For the Christian, every day is full of opportunities—opportunities for the Lord: to speak for Him, to represent Him, to be His ambassadors in a world that does not know Him. Our constant aim should always be to do those things that please Him (Heb. 13:20-21), to be accepted of Him (2 Cor. 5:9) and found in Him (Phil. 3:10). In a day when everyone is encouraged to make their personal lives public, let us use every opportunity to honour Him by showing ourselves a pattern of good works.    —Mark Kolchin

 

You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day;
By things that you do; by things you say.
Others read that gospel, whether faithless or true!
Say! What is the gospel according to you? —L. Brownlow

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 12 to 13:23; Psalms 116-117; Mark 3:13-35

 

The angels ministered unto Him.    Mark 1:13

 

The word “ministered” is the word from which we get our word “deacons.” What privileged servants these angels were! Their Lord was in a barren wilderness. He had been assailed by the Devil; He was hungry, and must have been weary too (Luke 4:2). These angelic beings became His deacons, serving Him in the wilderness! It is still a privilege and joy, in the wilderness of a barren world, to minister for Him and to Him.    —Jim Flanigan

 

May none but Jesus only,
Our praises here employ,
To serve Him and Him only,
Our chiefest aim and joy.
—Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 11; Psalms 113-115; Mark 2:23 to 3:12

 

Great is thy faithfulness.    Lamentations 3:23
The faithful fail from among the children of men    Psalm 12:1

 

These are wonderful words that thrill our souls, and rightly we love to sing them! But what about our faithfulness to God? He desires and deserves it. Are we faithful in our love for Him or have we left our first love? Many now profess Christ but love the world. Are we faithful stewards (1 Cor. 4:2), or stingy and selfish? Many love materialism and pleasure more than God. Are we faithful to the Word (2 Tim. 2:2) or contemporary so as to please others? Brethren, let us be faithful to God, whatever the cost!    —Carl Knott

 

Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark may be!
Lead me by Thine own hand of love, choose out the path for me.
—Horatius Bonar

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 10; Psalms 111-112; Mark 2:1-22

 

The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.    Psalm 84:11

 

How generous a giver is our Father! Like the sun, He is unfailing in His generosity. In addition, when troubles assail us, He is our shield, protecting us from “the fiery darts” (Eph. 6:16) of our subtle foe. His resources of grace are boundless, and when our journey ends, we have the assurance of glory! Let us aim to “walk uprightly,” in response to His rich grace.    —G. Hall

 

Sun and Shield, O Lord art Thou, Sun and Shield forever!
Never wilt Thou cease to shine, cease to guard us never!
—Horatius Bonar

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 9; Psalms 109-110; Mark 1:21-45

 

And Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him.     1 Samuel 7:9b
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16b

 

Before  my mother-in-law was called home to heaven, if there was a major problem with a family member, she was the one we resorted to first and asked her to pray about the situation. Why? She was a righteous and virtuous woman who had a link in prayer with her Lord that was an example to us all. Prayer works—especially when offered by a righteous brother or sister.    —Brian Russell

 

There is a spot where spirits blend, and friend holds fellowship with friend;
Tho’ sundered far, by faith they meet, around one common mercy seat.
—H. Stowell

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 8; Psalm 108; Mark 1:1-20

 

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody.    1 Peter 4:15

 

If I swim with alligators and suffer wounds, I am not suffering as a believer, I am suffering as a fool! If I slip on ice and break my leg, I am not suffering as a believer or a fool, I am suffering as a victim. Here Peter suggests four other things that should never be equated with saintly suffering: a murderer who steals peoples’ lives; a thief who steals peoples’ things; an evildoer who steals peoples’ peace; and a busybody who steals peoples’ privacy. If I am held accountable for any of these, I am suffering as a sinner. There is shame if I suffer for these; but no shame if I suffer for Christ (v. 16).    —Norman Craig Funston

 

Keep me ever close to Thee, blessèd Saviour, dear to me, With Thy cords of love so tender, bind and keep me close to Thee. —Fanny J. Crosby

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 7:11-38; Psalm 107; Acts 28:17-31

 

For because you did not do it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order.    1 Chronicles 15:13, (NKJV)

 

The Israelites were celebrating before the Lord. They “played music before God with all their might, with singing” (1 Chron. 13:8). But when Uzza reached out to steady the ark, he was struck down for not repecting God’s holiness. There are those who think we can approach the Lord and worship Him however we choose, as long as our “hearts are right.” Right hearts are critical, but God is the same yesterday, today and forever. His Word outlines His expectations. We would do well to respect the Lord, learn what He desires, and do it.    —J. Lee

 

Gathered to Thy name Lord Jesus, losing sight of all but Thee;
Oh what joy Thy presence brings us; calling up our hearts to Thee.
—C. A. Wellesley

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 6:8 to 7:10; Psalm 106; Acts 28:1-16

 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in Thee.    Isaiah 26:3

 

The apostle Paul knew what it was to endure the most stressful of conditions and was well qualified to tell us how to face them. Writing to the Philippians he said “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7). May we learn, not only to take our cares to Him, but also to leave them with Him.    —W. H. Burnett

 

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear!
All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer. —Joseph Scriven