Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 45; Psalms 23-24; Matt. 26:1-30

 

And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.    Acts 6:15

 

An elderly brother was in hospital and not expected to live much longer. Someone arrived to visit him and asked the nurse where he could find him, to which she replied, “You go down to the end of the ward and look for the man with the face of an angel.” What was it that made the difference? He had walked with God through many years, despite circumstances at times being against him, and he was looking forward to being with his Saviour.    —J. Fleming

 

Walking with Jesus throughout every day;
Learning to love Him, to trust and obey,
With time it will bring a beautiful grace,
A radiance that comes from seeing His face.
—J. Fleming

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 44; Psalm 22; Matt. 25:31-46

 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD,…     Psalm 19:14

 

It is impossible to read anything about God without understanding that He is fully aware of everything we do. From the earliest record, God “saw” that His creation was good (Gen. 1:10). Then He delivered Noah, a man who found grace in His “sight” (Gen. 6:9). Hagar took great comfort in the God who “saw” her in her need (Gen. 16:13). This is our God, with the eyes of a loving and powerful Father, looking over us—looking out for us. Our text tells us that He even sees into our heart. Our response is to live in such a way that He is satisfied with what He sees!    —Norman Craig Funston

 

Jesus is my portion, my constant Friend is He;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
—Civilla Martin

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 43; Psalms 20-21; Matt. 25:1-30

 

But godliness with contentment is great gain.    1 Timothy 6:6

 

Someone asked John D. Rockefeller, “What does it take to make a man happy?” His reply was simple and direct, “Just a little more than he has.” Scripture tells us, “For I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11). Our spiritual blessings flow from a person, Christ and not from things or belongings. Are you in difficult times today? Be godly. Be content. And you will have great gain.
—Robert Gentile

I take the cross of Jesus, for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss;
My sinful self my only shame; my glory all the cross.
—Elizabeth C. Clephane

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 41:50 to 42:38; Psalm 19; Matt. 24:29-51

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world.    Galations 1:3-4

 

The salvation we have been given touches every aspect of our being. Our souls are saved for eternity. Our bodies will be saved when they are brought into full conformity with the resurrected and glorified body of Christ. Meanwhile, we can enjoy salvation for the present, for it saves us from this present evil world. The blood of Christ saves us from the world’s wicked pleasures, from its politics, from excessive concern for its present condition, from its dreadful future. Thus we are delivered from this present evil world.    —Doug Kazen

Oh may I count myself to be, dead to the sins that wounded Thee;
Dead to the pleasures of this earth, or unworthy of my heavenly birth.
—Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 41:1-49; Psalm 18:30-50; Matt. 24:1-28

 

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.    1 Corinthians 11:26

 

Each Lord’s Day we have the opportunity to proclaim the Lord’s death to each other, the unbelieving world, and the angels. His death was unique in countless ways. For example no one could take His life: He dismissed His own spirit after completing His work (John 10:18; 19:30). It was substitutionary: He died for all so that all could be offered life. His death was temporary: He rose victoriously the third day. Our omnipotent, eternal God died for us. It is beyond full understanding but utterly worthy of worship.    —George Ferrier

 

In the cross of Christ I glory, towering o’er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story gathers round its head sublime.
—John Bowring

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 40; Psalm 18:1-29; Matt. 23

 

And the Lord said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the Lord against the sun, that the fierce anger of the Lord may be turned away from Israel.    Numbers 25:4

 

The words of this verse are strong. But sin is a destructive thing and must be judged for the good of all. The Israelite men were pursuing Midianite women and their god Baal. The Jews would soon learn that fornication and idolatry often walk together. This is why Christians are to be idol free (1 John 5:21). Those who do not fear God will not obey His commands for holy living. Silence condones sin. Church leaders are to set a good example, and when there is sin in the camp, they must call it what it is. May God help us to be holy.    —W. A. H.

 

The dearest idol I have known, whatever that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne and worship only Thee.
—W. Cowper

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 39; Psalm 17; Matt. 22:15-46

 

Cast thy burden upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.    Psalm 55:22

 

“…thy burden” is uniquely yours: no person has exactly the same weight of responsibility and care as you! As you face today’s load, rest in the fact that the very One who bore the entire burden of your sins at Calvary, is willing to assist you, in the burdensome duties now facing you. He promises not the total removal of the burden, but his unfailing strength and support.    —George Hall

 

It is Thy will that I should cast,
My every care on Thee;
To Thee refer each rising grief,
Each new perplexity.
—H. A. Caesar Malan

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 38; Psalms 15-16; Matt. 21:33 to 22:14

 

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.    Acts 20:24

 

It is so easy to cling to the things of this world! To hold on to the things in life that we deem precious. Paul’s single-minded devotion to the Lord here is astounding and convicting. Instead of putting any value on our desires, wouldn’t it be wonderfully God-honouring to let the one focus of our mind, time and energy be on finishing our course and completing the ministry entrusted to us?    —L. DeVries

 

I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name. —Rhea F. Miller

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 37; Psalms 11-14; Matt. 21:1-32

 

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God.    Hebrews 10:12

 

Aren’t you glad that the word forever is in this verse? And aren’t you glad it belongs with “offered one sacrifice for sins”? Some might think it refers to the Lord sitting down, but it can’t speak of that because soon He won’t be sitting, “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout … and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:16). When He descends to catch us up, another “forever” will take place—our being with Him. Blessed hope!    —Ken Gross

 

It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,
When sunlight through darkness and shadow is breaking,
That Jesus will come, in the fullness of glory,
To receive from the world His own. —H. L. Turner

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 36; Psalms 9-10; Matt. 20:17-34

 

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.   Acts 4:12

 

Modern people balk at Christ’s exclusive claims. To affirm that there is only one way to be saved is deemed intolerant. Yet the Saviour, in whom alone is found eternal life, offers Himself freely to all. Only faith in Christ will deliver from sin and the eternal condemnation in the lake of fire that we all deserve. The Bible ends with this inclusive invitation: “Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17).    —Keith Keyser

 

His be the Victor’s name, who fought the fight alone;
Triumphant saints no honour claim, His conquest was their own.
—Whitlock Gandy