Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY READINGS: Deuteronomy 4:1-49; Ecclesiastes 5:1-6:12; Luke 7:30-50

But Barzillai said…“How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 2 Samuel 19:34

This question was asked by an old man. Have you asked it yourself? Solomon observed that “Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them” (Ecclesiastes 9:12). God says: “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Is it any wonder God warns, “behold, now is the day of salvation,” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Trust Christ now, before it’s too late! —R. Surgenor

Think on me as you pass by. As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so you must be. Prepare for death to follow me.
—Thomas Parks (Epitaph of Hanna Cole)

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 3:1-29; Eccl. 3:16-4:16; Luke 7:1-29

Through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38

In a quiet and beautiful cemetery outside New York is a grave marked with a simple tombstone with just one word engraved on it—Forgiven. Who is interred there is not revealed. The occupant chose not to reveal an identity but to assure the passerby of what was really important in life and before death—to be forgiven. —Brian Powlesland

Not far from New York, in a cemetery lone, Close guarding its
grave, stands a simple headstone, And all the inscription is one
word alone—Forgiven. The death is unmentioned, the name is
untold, Beneath lies the body, corrupted and cold, Above rests
his spirit, at home in the fold—Forgiven. —Author Unknown

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 2:1-37; Eccl. 2:12-3:15; Luke 6:20-49

…his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

As Copernicus, the great academic, lay dying, a copy of his most recent book, The Revolution of the Heavenly Body, was placed in his hands. At that time, he saw himself not as a great astronomer, but only as a needy sinner. His tombstone in Frauenberg reads in part: “I do not seek kindness equal to that given Paul, nor the grace granted Peter, but that forgiveness granted a robber—that earnestly I crave.” You may have that forgiveness today through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. —Arnot P. McIntee

There is forgiveness, God doth say, through the blood;
Both sin and guilt are put away through the blood.
—J. H. Burridge

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 1:1-46; Ecclesiastes 1:1-2:11; Luke 6:1-19

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6, NKJV

Three essential realities are here brought together in one person—God the Son. He is the right way to go; He is the truth that points the way; and He is the life that is the way. What honest person would not want to know absolute truth, especially in this world of deception? The true way is surely the right way; for truth is the road map for life. And the person who does not have divinely given life is headed for disaster. No one can find God the Father, except through this One who is the truth that points the way to life. —Doug Kazen

Blessed and holy three, glorious Trinity. Wisdom, love, and might,
boundless as oceans’ tide, Rolling in fullest pride, through the
world, far and wide, Let there be light. —J. Marriott

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 35:9-36:13; Prov. 31:1-31; Luke 5:17-39

“You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17

Why did the Creator introduce a restriction into paradise? The answer is that He required obedience from His creatures. His word was final, and man, as a moral being with a free will, was now being tested. Not only were the circumstances created to test obedience but the consequences of disobedience were clearly stated. The choice to obey or to disobey God’s call to salvation is just as real today as it was in Eden. It will either be eternal life or eternal death! What is your choice? —Drew Craig

Choose now, just now for the Lord is here, and angels your answer await,
Choose, just now, while the call is clear; tomorrow may be too late!
—R. T. Owen

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 34:1-35:8; Proverbs 30:1-33; Luke 5:1-16

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. Hebrews 9:27

We were talking to a neighbour recently when he made the comment that he was going to be here forever and ever. He and others may wish it to be so, but that will not make it a reality. The truth is far from it. If there is one thing that is certain, it is that every day we live is a day nearer to when we will leave this earth and pass into eternity. Are you ready to meet God, if that day is today? —J. Fleming

I am walking home to heaven,
Jesus is the only way,
Through His cross I found forgiveness
And I’ll see His face one day. —J. Fleming

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 33:1-56; Proverbs 29:1-27; Luke 4:16-44

Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16

Peter had seen beyond the “Son of Man” (Luke 9:22), to the “Son of the living God.” He had recognized that behind the veil of Christ’s flesh, absolute deity was enshrined in all its fullness. Others had marvelled at the wonderful works the Lord had done, but Peter goes further. It isn’t just that God is “with” Him, but that He Himself “is” God. Many today would be prepared to acknowledge Christ as a historical figure, but anything short of acknowledging His deity will not suffice. Our salvation depends on Him being, not only “Son of Man,” but “Son of the living God.” It is only as such that He could be our Saviour. —W. H. Burnett

Verily God, yet become truly human;
Lower than angels to die in our stead. —H. d’A. Champney

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 32:1-42; Proverbs 28:1-28; Luke 4:1-15

Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief. 1 Timothy 1:13

The Apostle looked back on what he had done and then thanked God that He is indeed merciful and willing to pardon.
Dear reader, whatever your past circumstances of life, there is a God who is merciful and willing to forgive. If you have not
done so, may you experience the mercy that only He can give today. —John M. Clegg

Depth of mercy!
Can there be mercy still reserved for me;
Can my God His wrath forbear,
Me, the chief of sinners, spare? —C. Wesley

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 30:1-31:54; Prov. 26:13-27:27; Luke 3:1-38

Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” Genesis 50:25 

Joseph’s bones would have constantly reminded the children of Israel of a better day to come. Today we have no mummy case to remind us that the best is yet to be. We have something far better—the empty tomb! What assurance, comfort, joy, and triumph it speaks to the redeemed heart. Have you come to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Resurrection and the Life? Are you living in the certainty of His return and the fullness of joy that it brings? —W. Ross Rainey

I know that my Redeemer liveth, and on the earth again shall stand;
I know eternal life He giveth, that grace and pow’r are in His hand.
—Jessie B. Pounds

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 29:1-40; Prov. 25:1- 26:12; Luke 2:22-52

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Psalm 85:10, KJV

Calvary was the ultimate expression of God’s love. To show that love God “he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16, KJV)
for sinners like us. It was also the ultimate expression of God’s holiness. To satisfy His holiness He laid upon His own Son the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6). Christ “Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24, NKJV). Now comes a challenge, “You must love Him very much if He did all that for you!” Do you? Do I? —David Croudace

Do you love the Lord? Are you taking the time to be reading His word?
Do you trust and obey each and every day? Do you love the Lord?
—Keith Lancaster