Author: Gospel Folio Press

What is more valuable than rubies? Four times Proverbs states that divine wisdom and knowledge are more precious than rubies. The only other biblical reference to a ruby’s worth is in Proverbs 31:10: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Divine wisdom should be sought after; its worth is far more than rubies. Likewise, when a man finds a virtuous wife, her worth cannot be measured, indeed, he has obtained favour from God (Prov. 18:22). Scripture puts a premium on virtuous women and so should we.—Warren Henderson

Have you, my dear backslidden friend, marred your life by sin and foolish behaviour? Satan has been telling you, “All is hopeless, there is nothing you can do—just give up." But we are here reminded that the Saviour is able and longing to forgive the past and restore your life into something beautiful. Before the clay hardens, come back to Him, in brokenness, confessing sin, and He will make you over anew. —David Croudace

"Out of the mire, and into the choir" aptly describes the spiritual change which takes place when we are saved. It is entirely of God’s grace, and is ours in our Lord Jesus Christ. What joyful songs of praise should fill our hearts and mouths, in appreciation of our great deliverance! —George Hall

Earth is endowed with glories, put here by the Creator. Much of the human race seeks to use those glories for self; using the gifts from God for human and even evil pleasures. Thus the creation is marred. Let mankind beware; God will not yield His glories to any other. He created earth for His glory; and ultimately He will reclaim its full lustre for Himself. Meanwhile, those who honour Him will respect the glorious wonders found in this creation. —Doug Kazen

On September 25, 2008, father of three, Austin Hemmings of Auckland New Zealand was fatally stabbed after going to the aid of a woman who was being assaulted. Austin, a Christian, stepped in to save the life of a stranger and in doing so gave his own life. In a vastly greater way that’s what Jesus did! He sacrificed His life for the whole world. When we were unable to help ourselves Jesus died in our place so that we might live. Have you received Him as your Saviour. Have you thanked Him for taking your place? —J. Fleming

In his preface to the English Bible of 1535, Miles Coverdale had this to say about studying and understanding the Bible: “It will greatly help you to understand Scripture if you mark not only what is written, but of whom, to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering that which goes before and that which follows.” What a great deal of misunderstanding of the Bible would have been avoided over the centuries—and still could be avoided—had Coverdale’s words been heeded and applied. —W. Ross Rainey

Jonah was a substitute for a boatland of sailors. He said, “Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm for you.” Our Saviour is a greater substitute. He died for all mankind. Jonah was a sacrifice that the storm might be appeased; the Lord Jesus was an infinite sacrifice that the wrath of God might be appeased. Jonah was a sufferer, but for his own disobedience; our beloved Lord suffered for the sins of others. Jonah was saved from death by being cast out of the great fish; the Lord Jesus conquered death, never to die again! –J. B. N.

The walk of the Lord was unfailingly fragrant. Every step He took had a sense of purpose and direction. He never faltered, neither did He ever have to retrace a step. We never read of the Saviour running, for He was never late for an appointment. He was not only in the right place but it was always at the right time. His walk took Him to Calvary to die for each one of us. Indeed never man walked like Him. —John M. Clegg

How well David knew his God! He knew God would answer his prayer and help him through the trouble. He knew he could depend on His love and care. We need our times of trouble to teach us that when we call on the Lord, He will answer. Shortly after I read those words trouble came to my life. As I write I have not seen the whole picture, but have perceived again how the Lord is working to make His children more like our Saviour. —M. Robins

If we are tempted to think that God’s commandments are burdensome, we need to assess our love for God. Oswald Chambers said, “To talk about cost when you love someone is an insult.” In other words if we love God, we will not be concerned with what we have given up to obey His commands. The Lord Jesus gives rest, not a burden to those who come to Him (Mt. 11:28), and we know the commands which He gives us are for our good. May we ask God to revitalize our love today such that we eagerly keep His commandments. — M. J. H.