Author: Gospel Folio Press

By the eye of faith we see our Saviour adorned with a wreath of glory, depicting the excellence of the Divine nature—manifested fully in Him. The character of the crown includes honour, of highest value. He is worthy of it, for the great work He has completed at Calvary. Interestingly, the same word is used in Matthew 27:6 as the price of blood, 30 pieces of silver. One day He will receive the crown of glory and honour, but the crown of thorns was a crown of honour too. It speaks of His great love for us. Through our worship may we crown Him with praises today. —Duncan Maxwell

Martin Luther was a monk in the Roman Catholic Church. He longed to know forgiveness and that he was right with God. He did what the church told him: he fasted; he prayed; he went to church services; he went on a pilgrimage to Rome. But he did not have the assurance of salvation. But as he was studying the book of Romans the truth dawned on his soul. Christ had paid for all of his sins; all he must do was to trust His finished work and he would be saved. “The just shall live by faith” gripped his heart. Thank God, Christ is enough. What are you trusting? —Donald L. Norbie

Why are some events repeated in detail in Scripture? Here the Holy Spirit emphasizes the need to repeat events correctly and in orderly sequence. Most of us, at times, are guilty of embellishing the facts, and not giving an orderly account. How important it is to carefully prepare what we are going to say, to do our research thoroughly and deliver accurately. Misinterpretation can become defamation, and can bring enormous problems and sadness. —Brian Russell

Michael Faraday (1791-1867), the celebrated chemist and physicist, a man of great intellect, was asked as he neared the close of his life this question, “What are your speculations now?” “Speculations?” he replied, “I have none. I am resting on certainties.” He then quoted today’s verse. How thankful we should be that we know the God of certainties, not speculations. Are you rejoicing in and resting on His certain salvation? —W. Ross Rainey

It was impressive to observe a 12 year old’s conversation with an adult. The youth’s manner was courteous and respectful and before parting he offered a handshake. It was evident he came from an exemplary home life. In our day of “anything goes", it is necessary that parents instill godly values in children at an early age. A Bible teacher exhorted his audience, “Don’t only read Bible stories to your children, teach them truths…foundational truths for a lifetime”. It is a blessing for parent and child to accept this challenge with diligence and joy. —E. Dyck

The blowing of the silver trumpets was not only to marshal Israel’s forces for war, but it was also an appeal to the Lord their God to save them from their enemies. We too are in a battle and the trumpets have been blown against the powers of darkness. As faithful soldiers, may we remember that “no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Tim. 2:4). Lord, help in the battle. —R. E. Surgenor

We are witnesses to the world’s problems every day through television, radio and newspapers. Listen to the conversations of co-workers, school friends or neighbours and you will hear of broken hearts and broken lives. But a little light shines bright in a dark place. Let Christ’s love shine through you. The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches have ensnared many, but go and tell the story of Christ, His love and forgiveness of sin. —Jerry Proctor

Believers, as holy priests, can minister to God and as royal priests to God’s people. The highest service is to minister to God Himself. The Lord’s Supper is the meeting of the Church most suitable for ministering delight to His heart. What is that which delights Him? “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased". May our remembrances have grace to leave the royal ministry to other occasions and, at the Lord’s Supper’s brief hour, minister to the Father’s heart. —J. Boyd Nicholson

Mattthew’s Gospel confirms Jeremiah’s prophecy. “And they that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads". Even today some care not that Jesus, the son of God was hanging on the cross for them. Indifferent sinners will perish. Be wise! Do not take a casual approach to your eternal destiny. Accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour today. He died for you! —E. MacLelland

Balaam stumbled badly where once he stood strongly. In this account, one of three indictments against him in the New Testament, we are told plainly that he loved the “wages of unrighteousness”. This was not always so. The actual biblical context (Numbers 22.1-20) speaks of his eager purity regarding money, even to the extent of refusing a palace full of silver and gold (22.18). One wonders where and when he slipped from his high standard. It is a powerful warning for all of us. Flee from the love of money! —N. Craig Funston