Author: Gospel Folio Press

Ten lepers asked Jesus to heal them. He told them to see the priest as an act of faith that they believed Him. On their way all were healed. One turned back, fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, and gave Him thanks. Jesus asked, “Where are the nine?” Nine were blessed but only one returned to thank the one Who blessed him—and he was a Samaritan! The others were interested in the blessings but not the Blesser. Do you know the Blesser of your blessings? Have you paused to thank Him? —K. C. Ung

To say that Jesus was anathema (accursed) was to accuse Him of being a blasphemer and an impostor. It meant that He was under the curse of God and bringing down the judgement of God on Himself. Thus the battle lines of opposing spiritual forces were drawn. It was either anathema or Lord! The Lordship of Jesus is a fundamental doctrine of apostolic teaching. It marks the beginning of a believer's life. Our confession that He is Lord gives proof of salvation (Rom. 10:9) and should manifest itself in our actions. —Drew Craig

This was a time of great difficulty for the nation. People did not know which way to turn. They were disappointed and fearful, and probably tearful as well. The message from the Lord, however, was, “This thing is from Me.” Dear child of God, today may be one of your darkest days, but do remember that God is in overall control and though He may be allowing something hurtful or debilitating in your life, He may be all the while whispering to you in a still small voice, “Do not fear—this thing is from Me.” If that be so, in the end all will be well. Trust Him. —Roy Hill

Nathanael posed an intriguing question. The answer was that every good thing came out of Nazareth in the person of our Lord. When the Saviour went into public ministry, Nazareth lost the best carpenter it ever had. No doubt furniture in the homes and farm implements in the field were made with the blessed hands of Christ. Yet a few years later nails and wood would be used again to place those hands on a cross. Such was His love for you and me. —John M. Clegg

Christians are the Bride of Christ. He is the Bridegroom. We are also the Body of Christ. He is the Head. But here Peter calls us living stones in a unique building—the Church. This temple is unseen to the world but precious to the Lord. He is its firm foundation, the Cornerstone who never fails and He will one day become the Head of the corner—the One who completes the marvelous edifice. Are you a stone in this building? —E. MacLelland

When the Lord came to Simon Peter, he asked, “Lord, dost Thou wash my feet?” His question was really a statement which grew into an exclamation. Thou shalt never wash my feet! The Lord warned, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me,” (John 13:8). Simon’s exclamation then turned into a request—for a bath! (John 13:9). We would do well to think about what we are asking, stating, exclaiming and requesting. It will do more than help our conversational skills. It will help us in our spiritual walk. —Rex Trogdon

In the entrance hall to Wychnor Manor in South Staffordshire hangs a wooden carving of a side of bacon. It is placed there as a memorial to a former landlord’s stipulation that if any tenant could prove that he and his wife had not disagreed for a whole year, they would be given a side of bacon. Apparently there never were any claimants! So many disagreements could be avoided if we were to emulate the injunction of Paul in our verse today. Let us be slow to wrath and swift to hear. Quick to praise and hold others dear (James 1:19). —Brian Powlesland

This verse sums up the absolute “centrality” of Christ. At the end of its anthem of praise, we are directed to the focus of all things—a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of everything that exists in the universe, whether visible or invisible. He is the Power, the Sustainer, the Enabler and the Owner of every minute detail of creation. Finally, as the Sum of all things, all streams flow back to His person because of His infinite worth. No wonder we must exclaim “To Him be glory forever. Amen." —S. D. B.

Sometimes, to act in accordance with God’s word can be embarrassing and painful. It can even affect our relationships with our closest family and friends, although naturally we do our utmost to avoid this. However, when it comes to the "crunch" the Lord must come first, and He has promised blessing to you and others if you honour His word. —Brian Russell

It had been a long and weary walk for the heavy-hearted disciples, as they grieved the crucifixion and entombment of the Lord they loved. He was the subject of their grief and tears, but then, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. He knew exactly where they were on their sorrowful journey home to Emmaus. Beloved, He knows exactly where you are with your heart-breaking load as He joins you today. The remainder of the journey home was much easier, as “He went with them.” Walk at a less concerned pace today, and enjoy His presence and love. —Arnot P. McIntee