Author: Gospel Folio Press

One hundred and twenty princes and three presidents (of which Daniel was the first), ruled over the Kingdom of Darius. These men were undoubtedly some of the most gifted men in the world, brilliant intellectually and administratively. Daniel stood above them all. Jealousy spurred them to destroy him and so this group, all 122 of them, set as their task to find fault with him. Yet after sifting his life with utmost scrutiny all they could find fault with was his faithful prayer life to his God. If our life were scrutinized would this be all that our accusers would find? —S. L. L.

On January 6, 1843, the 15 year old C. H. Spurgeon heard an inexperienced preacher speak from this text. On that snowy morning, the church was almost empty. Nevertheless, God’s Spirit moved the sinburdened youth to heed the message and "look to Jesus." That very hour, he was saved as he simply trusted in the Lord Jesus. As he walked out into the deep snow, he rejoiced that, in God’s sight, he was "whiter than snow, through the precious blood of Christ," (1 Jn. 1:7). —George Hall

Kosmos is the Greek word for “adorning,” it means “orderly arrangement” or “decoration”. It is normally translated “world.” The word “cosmetics,” is derived from kosmos. Biblically speaking, the gray head testifies of acquired wisdom (Prov. 20:29) and a meek and quiet spirit is beautiful to God (1 Pet. 3:4). Why would we cover up what God deems is beautiful and garnish that which is but a fading garment? “In vain you will make yourself fair,” (Jer. 4:30). It is not our exterior, but the inner-man that God appreciates. —Warren Henderson

Here we have three key words associated with the place called Calvary. What love—forgiving even His enemies! What hope—that by His sacrifice we can be drawn into fellowship with God! What peace—the sin question dealt with forever and God fully satisfied! —Pete Smith

Walking with God is a precious blessing for His children. It is especially appreciated when one is reminded that one walks through the fearsome valley of death’s shadow. Nonetheless, the Lord’s perfect love and unfailing presence banish fear from the faithful mind (Heb. 13:5; 1 Jn. 4:18). In this tumultuous and uncertain world, the saints are comforted by the Lord’s shepherd ministry in their lives. His correcting rod and protecting staff will safely guide them home. —K. R. Keyser

What a challenge is found in these words particularly in view of the preceding verses about the coming of the Lord. It is to be noticed that it does not say to abound in work for the Lord, but in the work of the Lord. We must first find out what He wants us to do, before we can do the work of the Lord. Much that is done for the Lord today is not the work of the Lord. Let us take care to do what He commands and not what we think is best. —Harold G. Smith

What a testimony these two believers shared! Their exciting story of meeting the risen Lord on the Emmaus Road has encouraged many troubled children of God through the centuries. Your testimony and mine concerning God’s faithfulness can encourage distressed and discouraged souls in our own age. We can share with the fretting and fearful that our God is in control, and His Son, the Lord Jesus, has said, “Behold, I come quickly.” And we say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”—Arnot P. McIntee

Calvary was the ultimate expression of God’s love. To show that love “God gave His only begotten Son” for sinners like us. It was also the ultimate expression of God’s holiness. To satisfy His holiness He laid upon His own Son the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6). Christ “Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree," (1 Pet. 2:24). Now, in the words of a gypsy girl, comes a searching question, “You must love Him very much if He did all that for you?” Do you? Do I? —David Croudace

The sense of this word “bless” is “to speak well of”, both in Old and New Testament usage. The witness of the believer is to be a daily occupation of speaking well of our Saviour to others. Shining out from our daily communion, daily obedience, daily enjoyment, and daily growing in Christ will be the inevitable desire to tell someone—anyone—about the most amazing and wonderful Person we know. Most people don’t know anybody like that at all. Perhaps they’ll hear about Him from you today. —Rick Morse

Hold up the Scriptures continually in your thinking. Let their truths shine on all the steps that you take, on all the decisions that you make. Let their pure light infuse all your thoughts today. — D. Picku