Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 26; Job 32-33; Matt. 13:44 to 14:12

And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. John 1:16

 

Someone described the sameness of life thus, “Each new day is just yesterday warmed up.” It is true that many of our days follow a set pattern. The pressures of required work, the frequent pain, the strained relationships are tests that appear time after time. But the Lord promises new mercies every morning (Lam. 3:23). We may not be able to change the course of our days any more than we can control the wind, but by one’s attitude toward our sameness we can “adjust the sail” and find enough grace for each day. —E. M. Dyck

There may be days of darkness and distress,
When sin has pow’r to tempt and care to press;
Yet in the darkest day I will not fear,
For, ‘mid the shadows, Thou wilt still be near. —H. L. R. Deck

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 25; Job 31; Matt. 13:24-43

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:2

 

The world attempts to fill Christian’s minds with unprofitable things that distract from eternal realities. We are to love the Lord our God with our minds, and to renew them by meditating on His Word (Rom. 12:2). It can be done on our daily commute or by considering a memorized verse or listening to the Bible on recordings. It can take place before or after meals, and it may require giving up some leisure time or cherished hobbies. Whatever sacrifices we make, the effort will be rewarded with precious thoughts regarding our Saviour.—Keith Keyser

God in secret thee shall keep,
There unfold His hidden treasures,
There His love’s exhaustless deep. —J. N. Darby

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 24; Job 29-30; Matt. 13:1-23

The people that are with thee are too many for Me, lest Israel say…mine own hand hath saved me. Judges 7:2

 

Called by God to overcome the Midianites, Gideon had 32,000 men at his disposal. God whittled that number down to just 300! Why? So that He would get the glory. In all our plans and programs to get the Gospel out to needy sinners, we must be careful that we follow no course which might bring glory to any human being. 1 Peter 4:11 tells us, “if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” May we live thus. —David Croudace

Not I but Christ in humble, earnest toil;
Christ, none but Christ, the gatherer of the spoil. —A. Whiddington

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 23; Job 27-28; Matt. 12:22-50

Be at peace amongst yourselves… be patient towards all men… pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:13-14, 17

 

Perhaps the greatest challenge among God’s people is getting along with one another. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonian Christians gives us some advice with this problem. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we should strive to be at peace with fellow believers, be patient with those who provoke us and commit the saints to the Lord in prayer. If we treat one another in this fashion we will be the people of His pasture! —Bob Cretney

Lord help me live from day to day,
In such a self forgetful way,
That even when I kneel to pray,
My prayer will be for others. —Roscoe S. Nickerson

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 22; Job 25-26; Matt. 12:1-21

He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation. Isaiah 61:10

 

Anyone can physically put on fine garments. But only Christ can clothe us in garments of salvation. By trusting wholly in the Lord Jesus Christ and His work at the Cross, we have been clothed in the very righteousness of God. Let us then daily remember the heavenly destination to which we are bound and take heed to the dignity and testimony of our spiritual deportment. —Mark Fenn

 

How rich the character He bears,
And all the form of love He wears,
Exalted on the throne;
How perfect is His righteousness,
With which unspotted, beauteous dress,
His saints have ever stood! —Samuel Medley

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 20-21; Job 23-24; Matt. 11:2-30

Behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war. Revelation 19:11

 

A Prince riding on a white horse! This is no fairy tale. Yes, He is faithful and true, and strong too. The world longs for a saviour. We, as believers in Christ, already have the Saviour. But have we been looking to the world to satisfy us lately? Look again to Calvary where He fought the greatest battle ever—and He did it for us! There was never a Prince like Him. He deserves our total admiration. That same Jesus has been made King of kings and Lord of lords. May our worship to Him be sweet today. —E. N.

All hail to Thee, Immanuel, our risen King and Saviour!
Thy foes are vanquished, and Thou art omnipotent forever.—D. R. Van Sickle

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 19; Job 22; Matt. 10:24 to 11:1

I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands. Isaiah 49:16

 

Zion and its inhabitants seemed convinced that God had forgotten them, and small wonder as the beloved city had been attacked and destroyed so many times. God hastens to reassure His traumatized people that in spite of signs some might interpret differently, He will ever be their shield. The name of the city and those of its people have been graven on the palms of His hands—a place of constant memory. Whatever setback you may have suffered, He will never forget you. You are close to Him and so precious to Him. He never forsakes those whose trust is in Him. —Roy Hill

Channels only, blessed Master, but with all Thy wondrous power,
Flowing through us, Thou canst use us, every day and every hour. —Mary E. Maxwell

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 18; Job 21; Matt. 10:1-23

Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Psalm 119:11

 

I saw an interesting picture of a chef sitting in his kitchen, surrounded by the most delicious cakes and reading a book about healthy eating. What an example to the Christian! In this world we are surrounded by sin and its defiling potential. Simple daily living itself brings us into contact with things that have potential to contaminate us. We do not need to surround ourselves with needless temptation. Keep yourself from sinful situations and temptations and to have victory over those things you cannot avoid, keep your heart immersed in the Scriptures. It is God’s book for healthy living. —Johannes Bruwer

His Word is my delight, His will I now obey;
And all the time I’m singing, “Glory every day!” —L. R. Minor

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 17; Job 20; Matt. 9:18-38

O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14

 

The deep dark of the pre-dawn sky drew our eyes overhead to the bright morning stars. But off on the horizon, faint rose hues signalled the coming of the sun. The light of those stars began their journey toward us many years ago. In the dark night of the soul, the light of God’s Word, written many years ago, will also cheer our hearts and turn our eyes with joy to the certain dawn. —M. MacMullen

Shadows around me, shadows above me,
Never conceal my Saviour and Guide;
He is the light, in Him is no darkness;
Ever I’m walking close to His side.­ —H. J. Zelley

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 15-16; Job 18-19; Matt. 8:28 to 9:17

Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto (Thus far) hath the Lord helped us. 1 Samuel 7:12

 

This can be translated, “Up to this point has the Lord helped us.” He has helped us through all of the deep valleys and raging rivers of life. He has helped us through all kinds of storms and dangers seen and unseen. His gracious hand has been faithfully with us. There are milestones in each of our lives at which we can set up our “stones” and say, “Ebenezer”. Does this not give us the assurance that for every tomorrow and for every mile yet to come, He is still faithful and He is our Ebenezer! —Jim Comte

All my tomorrows, all my past—Jesus is Lord of all.
I’ve quit my struggles, contentment at last! Jesus is Lord of all.—William J. and Gloria Gaither