Author: Gospel Folio Press

Lotteries are common-place in most nations and many dream of winning the big prize. However, recent studies have revealed a phenomenon known as the “lottery curse”—describing the heartache that has come to many who have won. There are accounts of divorce, suicide, murder, and untold problems for those who “will be rich.” Trust not in “uncertain riches,” God says. “Godliness with contentment is great gain,” (1 Tim. 6.6). We may not be buying lottery tickets, but what does the focus of our life reveal about what we think is truly valuable? —W. H. Gustafson

Having failed in his temptation of Jesus, the devil left “for a season.” Was the agony (derived from Greek agon, “contest” or “struggle”) in Gethsemane the result of a renewed attack? That an angel strengthened Him there seems amazing. He humbled Himself to the extent that, becoming a man, He would, as a man, operate within this boundary condition to complete the victory for all mankind over sin, death, and hell. —Tom Steere

In England we noticed a sign, “Mind your head!” In the United States, signs read, “Watch your step.” These warnings from head to toe, are similar to heavenly warnings in the Scriptures. We are to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, for as we think, so are we. God also exhorts us to walk as we have received Christ—by faith. Mind your head and watch your step —two good reminders for the day! —Rex Trogdon

This word “minister” refers to the under-rower, the oarsman in the lower decks who rowed the ship—unnoticed, unappreciated. Typically a slave, he received the meanest of rations and the barest of life’s necessities. Is Christ enough for me? This burning question must be answered if we truly desire Him to “make us” what He wants us to be. Will I allow Him only to be my sufficiency (2 Cor. 12:9) and my reward (Isa. 45:13)? —Rick Morse

The soldiers of Caesar mocked our Lord’s kingship, giving Him a crown, a royal robe, a reed for a sceptre, and feigned homage as they said “Hail, King of the Jews!” But the thorny crown which He wore was a victor’s crown. The Caesars are gone, their bodies are decomposed with their empire, but the despised Man who wore the crown of thorns lives on in glory, in the power of an endless life, and shall yet reign on earth. —Jim Flanigan

Trekking across the Ngangela plain we were hot, tired and terribly thirsty; longing to reach the well we had heard about. Suddenly there it was! But our hopes were crushed—it was broken and dry! Have you spent years seeking satisfaction in the broken cisterns of this world? With all your shattered hopes, come to the Lord Jesus Christ who said, “The water that I shall give him will be a fountain… springing up to eternal life,” (John 4:14). —David Croudace

What a blessing to know that in my times of deepest despair I can go into the throne room of my heavenly Father and He hears me. I can go day or night to Him. And He hears me. He never sleeps. He never slumbers. He is always there to listen to the cries of my heart. My Father loves and cares for me. What joy! Lord, give me strength to take it all to You. —V. Gaynier

Do we count it a pleasure to serve fellow believers in whatever capacity we can? Indeed can we point to a single thing done in service for the Lord which has been for their blessing and benefit? May God help us to examine our hearts today. May we follow in Christ's humble steps and faithfully meet the needs of others. —Brian Powlesland

Amazing delight! That the highest glory of God the Son should be won by His humiliation, agony, and death at Calvary. And that this glory should be the transcending theme of heaven, where He will eternally be exalted as the Redeemer and Saviour of men. And more yet—that the glory He thus achieved should be bestowed on those saved by His death, “The glory which thou gavest Me I have given them,” (John 17:22). It was for the joy that was set before Him that He endured the cross. —Doug Kazen

Hudson Taylor, the pioneer missionary to China, chose as the motto of his life the words of the Lord Jesus Christ in Mark 11:22, “Have faith in God.” Commenting on the subject of faith, he said: “Reckon not only on your own faith, but also on God’s faithfulness to you. All my life I’ve been fickle: sometimes I could trust and sometimes I couldn’t; but when unable to have faith, it was a great encouragement to realize that God would still be faithful to me.” —W. Ross Rainey