Author: Gospel Folio Press

The Ark was a symbol of God’s presence with His people. In these instances, we read of the Ark leading the way, resulting in a great demonstration of God’s power. The Lord desires to lead us in our journey, and as we allow Him, we too will experience His presence and power in our lives. In Joshua 6, as they circled Jericho, the Ark was in the centre as they marched, indicating His desired position in our lives. When He is in our midst, we will experience great unity and great victories over the enemy. —James Comte

James gives believers some very stern warnings regarding the tongue. He says it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. He later exhorts us not to speak against one another. One of the reasons for this is found in James 3:9, we have been "made in the likeness of God". We are precious to God and we need to respect that intrinsic value in each other. Let us endeavour therefore to encourage and build up one another, especially in what we say to each other. —C. Oriold

The world cannot offer quietness or assurance. Those without Christ run frantically to and fro seeking both because they refuse to accept these gifts from the Saviour. Only where righteousness prevails will quietness and peace be found. If you’re still looking, the key is, “In returning and in rest shall ye be saved.” Come to Christ and trust Him today! —W. H. Gustafson

Having come through the wilderness, Israel stood at the border of the promised land. But before they entered in, God reminded them that there was a land to possess, as they advanced in faith (v. 3); a law to obey, from which they were not to turn (v. 7); a lesson to learn from the two and a half tribes who settled for second best (v. 15); and a leader to follow if they were to enter into their inheritance (v. 16). The same truths apply to us, if we are to move from wilderness living to victory in Christ. —Mark Kolchin

Peter Lewis writes, “Christ’s Lordship is more glorious here than anywhere else. He could produce the world with a word. But it took His own incarnation and death to produce a church of ransomed sinners.” The Old Testament recounts the preparation for Christ’s coming. Then He came. He walked without sin on the earth, then suffered and died—so that we could be redeemed. Christ asks us to “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Have you prepared to worship Him today? —Donald MacMullen

Samuel had anointed David as the future king of Israel. Jonathan, Saul’s heir, had admitted that the throne would be David’s one day. Time and again the Lord rescued David from Saul—yet he still doubted, and decided to go down to the land of the Philistines for safety. We must continually remind ourselves that "our times are in His hand," and when we feel down and defeated, quietly rest in Him, and not panic. —Brian Russell

Jeremiah’s letter to his fellow Jews exiled in Babylon was full of assurance. The Lord would have them know that all was under His control, and that He would accomplish His own good plans for them. Today’s challenge for perplexed believers is the same—to trust the One who in love is planning for them. Be assured that He knows the way through your present adversity. —George Hall

Having rocks for pillows would not be very comfortable. Our Lord had even less comfort—no place to lay His head. Born in a manger He knew no comfort when He came into this world and He had none when He left it. Yet having experienced all that mankind can suffer, He is surely the God of all comfort. May we rest in His compassion today. See from His head, His hands, His feet; —Tom Steere

Entering the Jordan is a picture of entering death. Men enter different ways. Voltaire cried out desperately, “I am abandoned by God and man! I will give you half of what I am worth if you will give me six months’ life. Then I shall go to hell; and you will go with me. O Christ! O Jesus Christ!” The nurse that attended him exclaimed, “For all the wealth in Europe I would not see another infidel die.” As Stephen was martyred he calmly said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” How will you enter? —R. Surgenor

The power behind the words of Ezekiel did not come from within himself, but from the Spirit of God. Similarly, in Acts, God used humble men, "full of the Holy Spirit," to lead that mighty work that saw thousands saved, and continents evangelized. So often this is forgotten and the Spirit is displaced by man-made programmes and organization, rather than allowing Him to have His way in us and through us. Let us hear again the exhortation of the Lord, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches," (Rev. 2:7). —W. H. Burnett