Author: Gospel Folio Press

A cottage in a vineyard conjures up an appealing picture. But here it is different. As harvest neared, a vineyard owner would erect a small, temporary booth so that his workers could be on site constantly to protect the grapes, cucumbers or other crops. However, as soon as harvest was finished, the booth would be abandoned and in the wind, without maintenance, it would soon fall down and become a sorry sight. If we are not alert our testimony may collapse under the rigours of worldly affairs. Let us therefore keep close to the Lord and maintain relationships with Him, read the word, pray and fellowship with saints.—Roy Hill

When physical illness or bereavement enter a believer’s life, the saints will often rally round, as they can see the suffering. Sometimes, however, the "not so obvious" trials leave one in the dark alone—a darkness which can be felt. Never forget that these situations are known by our God. Rest assured that He understands your "low estate," and, more than that, will bring you into the light again. You will be a better and more understanding Christian because of the valley experience. —Brian Russell

The Bible is a book that tells us first, the bad news, then the good news. It is good news for bad people. The verses above describe the world in which we live. There are fears on every hand and there is no rest for wicked people. However, there is for believers in Christ a rest that is offered to all.The good news is, Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” (Matt 11:28). Now that is good news. We do not know what tomorrow brings, but we can always know that beneath us are the “everlasting arms.” Is your rest in Him? —Harold G. Smith

The darkness of evil has never been able to overpower or extinguish the Light which came down from heaven. Great men and women have burst brightly upon the world's stage, but eventually their inadequacies and failures surface and their brilliance fades. He never diminishes! The Light of the world is Jesus, and when we walk in His Light we find our life is in the radiance and warmth of its heavenly glow.—Milton Haack

The present wicked world has little good to say about Christians anymore. Even western society which was largely founded on Biblical principles only tolerates us, because they require these same “freedoms and rights” to protect their sin. We can only imagine the reaction of the world when we are caught up to be with Christ—perhaps ranging from “good riddance” to “woe is me.” May our light shine brightly in these dark times as we beseech others—in Christ’s stead, to be reconciled to God. —Rick Morse

Materialism dominates the modern world, but Christ showed that man requires more than the physical to exist. The Israelites seemed always to forsake the spiritual in favour of the physical. Our Lord did the opposite: He refused to put the material ahead of His Father’s word. Even in the face of extreme personal need, Christ would not use His power independent of His Father’s will. The Christian life is designed for living in dependence on God’s instructions. Like our Lord, we must daily immerse ourselves in His Word for guidance, strength, and spiritual sustenance. —K. R. Keyser

Excitedly the two Emmaus disciples joined the eleven in Jerusalem’s upper room. What news they had to share! But unlike their friends, Jesus had joined them in their home for an evening meal, and they had enjoyed the risen Christ as He broke their bread. This was not worship on the Lord’s Day, but it was friends enjoying a meal together. It was no ordinary day but it was in an ordinary home, over an ordinary meal. What an experience! May we not limit our fellowship with our Lord to the Lord’s Supper, but enjoy Him in every experience of life. —Arnot P. McIntee

Jeremiah lived in a time of great departure from God. It was a difficult time to be Jehovah's servant but he recognized that the Lord was sovereign over his life. He alone had the right to direct his steps. Often we are satisfied with our limited view of life, but remember, God has a complete overview. It is better to submit to His will and let Him “direct our steps”. We may not understand His purposes, or the path of His choosing, but if we “delight in His way” we will soon find out His way is best! —James Comte

No!? A curious answer to a question that seems clear. The problem was that Joshua had asked the wrong question. The Lord answered the one he should have asked. Joshua wanted to know if the Lord was on His side. The Lord wanted to know if Joshua was on His side. As we face the challenges of life we may wonder if God is on our side. He always is! But what about our allegiance to Him? Often He chooses to use trials and adversity to restore us to Himself. May we be loyal and true. —S. McEachern

Eli is often seen sitting. It reflected his relaxed attitude towards God's work. Our Lord was always active in ministry for His Father. But, when He had finished that work and purged our sins, He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Eli sat and died! Our Lord died, and He sat down! He is now seated on the throne of Grace so that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in time of need. We have a great High Priest! —K. C. Ung