Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 22:1-38; Proverbs 19; James 3 to 4:12

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

 

Even in drought this tree bore fruit. What was the secret? It was planted by the streams of water. So too, we spiritually need to sink our roots deep into the living water. Even when drought comes, our leaves will be green and our fruit will not fail. —Johannes Bruwer

I’m singing “Hallelujah,” safely anchored in my soul,
I’m planted where the living waters flow;
I’m resting on His promises; the blood has made me whole;
I’m planted where the living waters flow. —Ina D. Ogdon

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 21; Proverbs 18; James 2

 

It is appointed unto men once to die. Hebrews 9:27

 

The Pharisees sought to change the direction of Jesus’ journey by telling Him that Herod would kill Him if He went to Jerusalem. But Jesus responded that He would do God’s will today, tomorrow, and the third day. (Luke 13:32). This incident provides courage and comfort to us when we are faced with threatening things in our lives. We can take solace that we will not die until the appointed time. We can take comfort that our Lord will never leave or forsake us, but will be with us even through the valley of the shadow of death. —D. Pickup

Under His wings, O what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’re;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me;
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore. —William Cushing

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 20; Proverbs 17; James 1

 

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God. Ecclesiastes 5:7

 

Although God is sovereign and can choose to speak in many ways, it is very rarely these days through the medium of dreams. Many Christians suffer nightly from negative dreams and bad sleep, which leave them feeling shattered when they wake in the morning. It can be a real “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7). Fear God and look to Him and His Word to quieten your thoughts and fears. If you are a person who enjoys a good night’s sleep—be thankful. —Brian Russell

Deep in unfathomable mines,
Of never failing skill;
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will. —William Cowper

 

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 19; Proverbs 16; 2 Peter 3

 

 

My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and have hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:13

 

How foolish to exchange the plentiful, pure water of a fountain, for the meagre trickle from a broken cistern! In a figure, this is what Israel had done: they turned from the Lord, and gave their allegiance to false gods. The lesson for us is clear: Shall we go for our spiritual refreshment to the Fountain, or shall we resort to impure, unsatisfying worldly sources? —George Hall

O, what is all that earth can give?
I’m called to share in God’s own joy:
Dead to the world, in Thee I live,
In Thee I’ve bliss without alloy. —Author Unknown

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 18; Proverbs 15; 2 Peter 2

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away. Matt. 24:35

Born again… by the word of God which liveth and abideth forever. I Peter 1:23

 

Your birth certificate is important. It confirms that you did indeed join the human race; and when, and where. But your certainty of eternal life is more important, and more assured. Eternal life is assured by the mighty Word of God which cannot change or pass away. Your eternal life shall abide as long as God Himself shall stand. —Doug Kazen

Thy promise true my faith receives,
And claims it for its own.
My trusting heart with joy believes,
The covenant–keeping One. —F. J. N.

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 16:41 to 17:13; Proverbs 14; 2 Peter 1

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 5:2

 

Christ’s love for us was amazing. Yet we worship a Saviour whose death was also an expression of love to His Father (John 14:31). His zeal was pictured in the burnt offering where the sacrifice was completely burned to ashes and was a sweet aroma to the Lord. In His every word and selfless act He expressed humble submission to His Father’s will. This attitude led Christ to give His all and His willing, obedient death brought great pleasure to God. Lord today may my life be a sweet aroma to you as well (Rom 12:1). —George Ferrier

 

As Lamb of God, Thy path we view, Thy Father’s will Thy whole delight;
To Calvary we trace Thy way, each step of Thine, with glory bright.—Ian Fleming

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 16:1-40; Proverbs 13; 1 Peter 5

 

Now therefore give me this mountain… the Anakims (giants) were there… the LORD will be with me. Joshua 14:12

 

What a story—85 year old Caleb annexing a mountain inhabited by giants—for God! We do not find the concept of retirement from God’s service in His Word. I may be weak in body, in a retirement home or on a bed of sickness, but through prayer I can labour on for the Lord. Is there a mountain of opposition to the Gospel which I can help pull down through prayer? Paul, languishing in prison; expecting to be executed any day, said, “I press on.” (Phil. 3:14) —David Croudace

Toil on, and in thy toil rejoice;
For toil comes rest, for exile home.
Soon shalt thou hear the Bridegroom’s voice,
The midnight cry: “Behold I come!” —Horatius Bonar

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 15; Proverbs 12; 1 Peter 4

 

And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. John 10:28

 

How good it is that our eternal security and salvation are not dependent upon ourselves or our friends. Our eternal security is dependent upon Him. We rejoice today to think that once we are saved we are always saved. Once we are saved we can never be lost. We are saved not only for time but for all eternity. We praise and thank Him today for our eternal salvation. —John M. Clegg

Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast,
There, by His love o’ershadowed,
Sweetly my soul shall rest. —Fanny J. Crosby

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 14; Proverbs 11; 1 Peter 3

 

Who passing through the valley of Baca (tears) make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. Psalm 84:6

 

As Christians make their way home, often they can say that they are passing through the valley of tears. Paul exhorted the new disciples to continue in the faith, confirming to them that they must go through much tribulation to enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22) However, even though trials may come along the journey, our Comforter provides pools of refreshment for His weary and tired people. Thank God! He will never leave us nor forsake us! —Robert E. Surgenor

Every trial draws Him nearer; peace, peace is mine!
All His strokes but make Him dearer; peace, peace, is mine.—J. Denham Smith

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 12-13; Proverbs 10; 1 Peter 2

 

Base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen. 1 Corinthians 1:28

 

I love the small assembly that God has put me in! Smallness enables close friendships, enables intimately shared concerns, enables sacrificial giving of time and resources, enables active participation from all, and enables a focus on non-material things. Much of this happens of necessity, which may not exist in a larger setting. Corporate influences have programmed us to believe that bigger is better, but Gideon learned that God’s way is wiser and better. —Rick Morse

Give as ’twas given to you in your need;
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true. —Ira B. Wilson