Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Kings 15:1-32; Jeremiah 26; Colossians 3:5 to 4:1

 

 

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts (presence) of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars. Psalm 84:2-3a

 

This portion is often called “The Psalm of the Pilgrim and his Pining Soul.” The psalmist faints with longing for God’s presence and thinks of two birds that nest there—the sparrow, considered a worthless bird, and the swallow, a restless bird. Both nested on the altars with unhindered access. The brazen altar was the place of the sin sacrifice and the incense altar, the place of adoration. Do you long for the presence of God? In His presence we can find rest. —Jim Comte

Oh, the perfect peace of dwelling in Your altars, O my King,
Where the swallow and the sparrow—yes, and even I may sing.—Mary Helen Anderson

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Kings 13:33 to 14:31; Jer. 24-25; Col. 2:8 to 3:4

 

 

I will come again. John 14:3

 

Each day you read this calendar it is a day nearer seeing the Lord and being with Him for all eternity. One day He will come and coming take us home. His promise is true and He cannot fail or break that promise. It could be today when that promise is fulfilled. Dear reader are you ready for His return? —John M. Clegg

Jesus is coming! The promise is true.
Who are the chosen, the faithful, the few,
Waiting and watching, prepared for review?
Jesus is coming again! —Daniel W. Whittle

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Kings 13:1-32; Jeremiah 23; Colossians 1:21 to 2:7

 

In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

 

I was standing on the water’s edge with our granddaughter as my husband reversed the barge away from the shore. “Poppa,” she called, “see you soon. We’ll be home soon.” She was still calling as the barge set off across the bay, and shortly afterwards it vanished from sight. Maybe today you have a Christian family member who is nearing the end of their earthly life. Be encouraged—they’re going home and soon we’ll be there too and we’ll see them again. —J. Fleming

Remember in life’s darkest hour,
Is when hope’s light shines bright,
We’ll meet you in the morning,
So till then it’s just goodnight. —J. Fleming

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Kings 12; Jeremiah 21-22; Colossians 1:1-20

 

 

I desire fruit that may abound to your account. Philippians 4:17

 

The giver is always linked to the gift. A colourful scrawl is a masterpiece, because the artist who gave it was a son or a daughter. Even a tiny momento given in love is meaningful. The Philippians had given a gift to Paul. It may have been money but was also perhaps, clothing, food or books. Whatever the gift, Paul was especially grateful for the givers. He was moved that they took the time to think about his needs, then acted on those thoughts. It is possible that we feel we have nothing to give, because we have limited funds. Well, perhaps we have baking, a spare room, part of our library or even just the time to lend a listening ear. Give as you can! —Norman Craig Funston

 

Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store. —F. Havergal

 

 

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Kings 11; Jeremiah 19-20; Philippians 4:2-23

 

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance Ephesians 1:11

 

The phrase “in whom” means in Christ and is used many times in the New Testament. This reference has to do with an inheritance. Christ is the Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2), and we are joint heirs with Him (Rom. 8:17). Imagine that! Sinners that we were, and yet, sharing an inheritance with Him. Yet more amazing is that we are said to be “His inheritance” (vs. 18). Finally Paul says that we are “the fulness of Him that filleth all in all”(vs. 23). Every time God saves a lost sinner He takes a nobody and makes them a somebody. —Harold G. Smith

I belong to the King, I’m a child of His love,
And He never forsaketh His own;
He will call me some day to His palace above,
I shall dwell by His glorified throne. —Maurice Clifton

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Kings 10; Jeremiah 18; Philippians 3 to 4:1

 

I am the vine, ye are the branches; He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: For without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

 

What does it mean to abide in Him? It is the same as the relationship of a branch to its vine. From the vine, the branch gets its sustenance, protection, strength; and ultimately its fruitfulness. The branch depends on the vine for all its benefits. If separated from the vine, the branch wilts and dies. We, as branches, must remain closely attached to the Vine, or we shall wilt and be unfruitful. —Doug Kazen

My grief is in the dullness, with which this sluggish heart;
Doth open to the fullness, of all Thou dost impart.
My joy is in Thy merit and holiness divine;
My comfort in Thy Spirit, that binds my life to Thine. —John B. Monsell

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Kings 9; Jeremiah 17; Philippians 2:12-30

 

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her. Proverbs 31:28

 

In many Christian homes today, family members take each other for granted. Husbands, in particular, often fail to acknowledge and praise those godly wives. A simple “thank you” and tokens of appreciation should not necessarily be reserved for birthdays and anniversaries! Thanksgiving generates unity and love, and needs to be cultivated in a relationship, and will keep the enemy at bay.—Brian Russell

Help me in all the work I do,
To ever be sincere and true;
And know that all I’d do for You,
Must needs be done for others. —C. D. Meigs

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Kings 8:31-66; Jer. 16; Philippians 1:21 to 2:11

 

 

But this man, because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Hebrews 7:24

 

The Old Testament priest’s work was never done and everyone of them died. But our High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God who finished the work by the sacrifice of Himself on Calvary’s cross. Living now in heaven, seated at God’s right hand, He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities, and intercedes to the Father on our behalf. —E. MacLelland

Jesus is my Saviour;
He is my closest friend,
In heaven He intercedes for me
And loves me without end. —E. M.

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Kings 8:1-30; Jeremiah 15; Philippians 1:1-20

 

 

Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the Lord, thy God, even for all this remnant, that the Lord, thy God, may show us the way in wherein may walk, and the thing that we may do. Jeremiah 42:2-3

 

A faithful remnant of the Jews approached Jeremiah asking that he pray for them so that they might walk a pathway pleasing to God. Surely that’s a worthy prayer for us all. We do well to admit our waywardness and inability to maintain a consistent testimony apart from His help. Don’t hesitate to ask the local Christians to pray for you because “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). —William Gustafson

 

Oh, teach us more of Thy blest ways, Thou holy Lamb of God!
And fix and root us in Thy grace, as those redeemed by blood. —W. F. L.

 

 

 

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Kings 7; Jeremiah 14; Ephesians 6:10-24

 

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord… And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61-62

 

Poor Peter! Had it said, “And the Lord turned and lectured Peter,” we could have understood it. But Jesus simply looked on him and that look broke his heart. Perhaps if we always remembered that He was looking on us we might be careful what we do, what we say, and where we go. Such carefulness might save us from many a tear. —Jim Flanigan

‘Tis the look that melted Peter,
‘Tis the face that Stephen saw,
‘Tis the heart that wept with Mary,
Can alone from idols draw. —Ora Row