Author: Gospel Folio Press

How can we sinful humans bless God? From this verse it seems that when we pray to God, lifting our hands, lifting our needs, lifting our families in prayer to Him, this is blessing Him. If the “greatest service we can do to God is to trust Him” then leaning hard on Him today, trusting Him hourly, counting on Him alone to satisfy our needs—this is blessing the Lord. How joyfully then can we lift our voices with the Psalmist to sing. —M. MacMullen

Much of the world's activity is driven by the pursuit of wealth. Those with little would like to have some and those who have much would like to get more. People ought to heed Paul’s words, they that will be rich have "pierced themselves through with many sorrows”(1 Tim. 6:10). It is also true that at the end of life it will all be left behind. The Lord Jesus invites you today to put your trust in Him as your personal Saviour! Then you will have an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled that fades not away—an eternal possession. —Jim Paul

That perfect life of the Lord Jesus, which manifested both glory and virtue at every step, stresses the two vital components that produce true salvation and discipleship in any who will hear—His peerless conduct and His powerful Word. We are to do and teach and so emulate the pattern of the One whose steps we are to follow. A holy walk and holy talk—inseparable traits that will help others find and follow Him. —Mark Kolchin

We love to read of the exploits of David’s mighty men. How encouraging to see what they were able to accomplish. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the forces of this world's darkness, against spiritual wickedness. In order to be successful we need to put on the full armour of God. Interestingly, Benaiah would have needed good footwear to defeat a lion in a snowy pit. So too in our slippery world, always having our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15) will be essential for our success. Being constantly ready to share our faith will give us victory too.—Rodney Parr

Christ was offered up for the lowest of sinners, to bear the sins of many. There is no sin so grievous that it cannot be washed away by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. His sacrifice was utterly worthy, but we, the recipients of that offering, are most unworthy. How loving God is to allow His own Son to be offered for such a sinful people. How marvellous that He sees worth and value even in me! Lay our hearts be full as we come to worship Him today.— M. Robins

Noted Christian educator and Bible teacher, Howard Hendricks, has pointed out that “There are about 3,000 people mentioned by name in the Bible. Of those 3,000, we only have enough information to evaluate the lives of about 100 of them. Of those 100, only about one-third of them finished well. Of those who failed, most failed in the last half of their lives.” What a sobering reminder these words are to all of us! God grant that we may finish well the race set before us! —W. Ross Rainey

Annie Garnett founded the Bowness spinnery in Windermere which produced exquisite fabrics. In a display of fabrics, I noticed a thought provoking line in a piece of embroidery which said, “Always make sure your best cannot be better.” Human frailty sometimes means we are prepared to settle for second best. But the things of the Lord demand the very best of our efforts and the best years of our lives. Are you giving him your best? —Brian Powlesland

Christ Jesus became a servant to all when He gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins on the cross. The Father’s love for His well beloved Son stretched from eternity past and is unsearchable in its depth. And so to us much has been given—the most valued Possession of the Father is ours. May we bow our hearts in humble worship moment by moment in our lives and walk in a manner that is well pleasing to the Father for we owe Him everything. —B. Crawford

We are not to dwell unduly on the past (particularly the short-comings and failures), but occupy ourselves with the joy of the Lord: what He is doing in our lives and what is in store for the believer in the future. “Forgetting those things which are behind (thankfully they are covered by the blood), and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark,” (Phil. 3.14). “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more,” (Heb. 10.17). What are you thinking about today? May God turn your focus to His person and His blessings.—W. H. Gustafson