Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Chronicles 24-25; Ezekiel 22; John 8:12-30

 

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12

 

Daniel Webster (1782-1852), a great statesman and orator of the 19th century, was once asked, “Mr. Webster, what is the most sobering, searching thought that ever entered your mind?” Without hesitating, the famous statesman replied, “My personal accountability to God!” As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Word makes it clear that we have many privileges and responsibilities towards God. The issue is, are we faithfully carrying them out? —W. Ross Rainey

Arm me with jealous care, as in Thy sight I live,
And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare, a strict account to give!—Charles Wesley

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Chron. 22-23; Ezekiel 20:45-21:32; John 7:31-8:11

 

 

But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7

 

In both these verses our trials are likened to the refining of gold in the crucible. Gold in its raw condition is not of much value, but in the heat of the crucible, impurities rise to the surface and are removed. The refining is finished, when the refiner can see his reflection on the surface of the gold. So it is with ourselves—the heat of the trial is that we might better reflect our Lord Jesus in this world. —W. H. Burnett

 

If dark my path and hard my lot, may I be still and murmur not;
But breathe that prayer divinely taught, Thy will be done. —C. Elliot

 

 

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Chronicles 21; Ezekiel 20:1-44; John 7:12-30

 

 

Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me, are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts.  Isaiah 8:18

 

Quoted by the writer of Hebrews (2:13), we learn from comparing both passages that our Lord calls us brethren for a specific purpose. We rightfully may enjoy the benefits of such intimacy but we equally must be faithful to fulfill the intention of it and that is to be a testimony to His saving grace. This is a great day we live in, with the message of eternal salvation under our stewardship, and a world of lost souls that need it. Time to go to work! —Rick Morse

 

We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land, climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward! ‘Tis our Lord’s command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves! —P. J. Owen

 

 

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Chronicles 19-20; Ezekiel 18-19; John 6:41 to 7:11

 

[God] led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents… scorpions… drought… no water… that he might humble thee… to do thee good at thy latter end. Deuteronomy 8:15-16

 

The wilderness experience would have been terrifying to God’s people, but God reminded His people of four things. First they were not on their own, “God led them.” Second, it would not last forever, “He led them through it.” Third it had a purpose, “to humble them.” Finally, “good” would be the end result. All these things are true for us too, as we make our way through the wilderness (Rom. 8:28). —David Croudace

 

My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow,
Strength for today is mine alway, and all I need for tomorrow. —S. E. Cox

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Chronicles 17-18; Ezekiel 17; John 6:22-40

 

 

This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him. Matthew 17:5

 

God’s beloved Son, the Author of life, entered a scene of disease and death but remained untainted, unspotted, flawless and faultless. He took on Himself human flesh, partook of our humanity and unresistingly went to Gethsemane, Gabbatha and Golgotha. There He would make reconciliation between a righteous God and the fallen man He had created in His image! —Drew Craig

Oh spotless Lamb of God in Thee,
The Father’s holiness we see;
And with delight Thy children trace in Thee,
His wondrous love and grace. —Mary J. O. Walker

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Chronicles 16; Ezekiel 16:35-63; John 6:1-21

 

For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:29

 

The gardens at Packwood House in Warwickshire are famous for their many fine yew trees laid out in a formation to depict a crowd. In front of them are 12 larger yew trees representing the 12 disciples and in front of them all is a single elevated tree representing Christ. The gardener’s aim was to depict Christ and the “sermon on the mount.” His pronouncements were always captivating and authoritative. May we heed still His commands and keep His Word. —Brian Powlesland

Break Thou the bread of life, dear Lord to me,
As Thou didst break the loaves beside the sea.
Within the sacred page I seek Thee Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word! —Mary A. Lathbury

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Chronicles 15; Ezekiel 16:1-34; John 5:24-47

 

 

I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode on Him. John 1:32

 

The Spirit of God descended like a dove. A dove is a tender bird and has no gall. It is faithful to its mate, and it was a bird used by the poor for a sacrifice to God. Thus our Lord, empowererd by the Holy Spirit manifested the characteristics of a dove. He was meek and lowly. There was no guile in His mouth, and for our sakes He became poor. He was ever faithul to His Father who sent Him to be the Saviour of the world. —Robert E. Surgenor

O Lord, when we the path retrace,
Which Thou on earth has trod,
To man Thy woundrous love and grace,
Thy faithfulness to God. —James G. Deck

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Chronicles 13-14; Ezekiel 14-15; John 5:1-23

 

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. John 14:27

 

This world is a place of unrest, yet as the Lord was leaving His disciples to go to the cross, He promised them peace. In the face of persecution and tribulation, this was a welcome promise. The Holy Spirit would assure their hearts of Christ’s spiritual presence with them. Thus believers may enjoy settled peace, though the circumstances around them are dark and difficult (Phil. 4:6-7). This inner tranquility flows from knowing that our sins are removed and we have security in Christ. In this world we are still in the battle, but when He comes our inward peace will match our outward situation. —Keith Keyser

Till we see Thy face, we never shall or can be fully blest;
In Thy presence nothing shall our peace molest. —Thomas Kelly

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Chronicles 12; Ezekiel 13; John 4:31-54

 

 

And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few. 1 Samuel 14:6

 

Escaped slave Fredrick Douglas said, “One and God make a majority.” In fact, God alone is a majority, but He delights in using frail things to display His power. Perhaps Jonathan thought of how Gideon defeated the Midianites with 300 men, or of how Samson single-handedly routed a thousand Philistines. Jonathan knew his own limitations and that God had none. His courage inspires us still. There is no situation, no enemy too big for God. —Warren A. Henderson

Ye that are brave now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.—George Duffield, Jr.