Author: Gospel Folio Press

When English Reformer Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556), was burned at the stake he first thrust into the flame the hand which had previously signed a document recanting his Christian faith. For him it was a form of penance for his previous weakness. Every year thousands of believers pay the ultimate price of laying down their lives for their faith. Are we praying for the persecuted church, and taking seriously the call on us to be faithful when we encounter militant opposition?—W. Ross Rainey

John records these words of Pilate, spoken twenty centuries ago. Outwardly the listening crowd would have seen a man beaten, bruised, wearing a crown of thorns and a purple robe of mockery. Not by any means attractive. But what about inwardly? Here was the only sinless Man who ever walked the earth. Every thought, word and deed was in total harmony with a holy God. Here was the only completely fragrant life that was ever lived. No wonder Pilate admitted, “I find no fault in Him,” (John 19:6). These words may have been spoken in derision, yet they thrill the heart of faith. —S. D. B.

We live in a world filled with stress, a world that is unstable in so many ways. But the world is not where we are to look. As believers we need to refocus the eyes of our heart on the only One that gives us true grace and true peace. He loves us with an everlasting love. “His love is as great as His power, and knows neither measure nor end.” We are safe in His keeping and we can trust Him. He is God and we belong to Him. —V. Gaynier

Recently, I noticed a bank that had a rock for its logo. In today’s economic uncertainties, it is apparent that many banks are anything but rocks. God is the only One who will never fail us, and He has consistently proven Himself to be the only One that we can trust in. When all else fails, He will protect us when we place our trust in Him! —Jon Foster

In the last few years the world has undergone more dramatic changes than at any other time in history. Fear has gripped its inhabitants everywhere. Great floods, earthquakes, famines, disease, as well as wars and terrorism quail men's hearts. National and international leaders have spent endless hours trying to reach solutions. These events all point to the fact that our Jesus Christ will come soon. The only true place of security is in knowing Him as Saviour and Lord! —Jim Paul

A yoke joins oxen to help with their task of carrying heavy loads. The yoke is perfectly made to fit the oxen so they can work together. The Lord used this illustration to show that when we place our faith in Him we are now in a close personal relationship with Him. His yoke is tailor-made in that He will not allow us to bear more than we can handle, because He has been "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Heb. 4:15). Will you not submit to His will and give Him full control of your life? —Bob Cretney

The carnal Christians at Corinth were focused on the visible and the material. Is it any wonder that the apostle speaks of “things” over 60 times in the epistle? However, the true and enduring things are those precious and manifold blessings our God gives us. They can only be perceived by the child of God, remaining invisible to the natural eye. They are treasures in heaven, yet enjoyed upon earth—beyond human wisdom, beyond corruption and decay. Dear child of God, do you truly realize what is yours? —Rick Morse

Years ago I had a bookmark that read, “Nothing honours God more than the imitation of His Son.” That we can aspire to such a goal is staggering as is God’s suggestion that this is even possible. The hymn writer said it thus: “And is it so, I shall be like Thy Son?” Today let us purpose to live for God as the fragrance of Christ—to live in such a way that we may “perpetually remind God of the obedience, sacrifice, and devotion of the Lord Jesus and that our words and deeds may recall to His heart similar ones in the earthly life of Jesus.” —M. MacMullen

As creatures we are debtors to our Creator. As sinners we are debtors to God’s mercy. As believers we are no longer debtors to God’s justice because Christ paid the debt on our behalf. I owed a debt I could not pay. He paid that debt with His precious blood on the cross. God will not demand payment twice, first at my Saviour's bleeding hands and then again at mine. Conscious of the great debt He paid on our behalf, we should offer ourselves a living sacrifice, not to repay the debt but in an attitude of deep gratitude and worship. —Milton Haack