Author: Gospel Folio Press

Why was this converted Pharisee and one-time hater of Jesus the Nazarene now so passionate about the cross on which He was crucified? And why was the preaching of that cross so vital to him? Paul gives his answer to us in an amazing statement, “It pleased God … to reveal his Son in me”(Gal. 1:15, 16). He was from that point integrated into the very heart of the One he calls, Lord! That experience was much more than a revelation to him. For him to live, the totality of all that he was, was Christ. May it be so with us too. —Drew Craig

The adversary delights to make us fret. Then we’re of no value to the Lord and of no encouragement to His people. David surely had cause to fret because of circumstances in his life, yet instructs us three times in this psalm not to do so. If I don’t fret, how am I to occupy my heart and mind? Again David helps us: trust in the Lord (v. 3); delight in the Lord (v. 4); commit thy way unto the Lord (v. 5); rest in the Lord (v. 7); wait on the Lord (v. 9). Keeping our mind on the Lord totally changes our outlook! —W. Ross Rainey

What we in glory soon shall be, it doth not yet appear;
But when our precious Lord we see, we shall His image bear. —R. Boswell

Not many folks in our culture are teachable. Even Christians feel they have all the answers and don’t need advice from others—particularly from older saints. How gracious of the Lord to give us these godly teachers in the local church who have walked this way before us and can draw from years of experience with God’s faithfulness. King David realized his need for wisdom and direction and pled with the Lord to provide that for him. The Lord is the same today— willing and able to teach us. —Wm. H. Gustafson

Do you want to be contemporary? To be contemporary is to be dated. Popular music is constantly changing. The songs of 50 years ago are not popular today. Advertising is driven by change. Clothing styles change so people will buy a new wardrobe. And popular morals have changed vastly from fifty years ago. But the church is not called to change. It is called to be stable and steady, a rock in a sea of change. The Bible does not change. God’s instructions for the churches have not changed. His moral absolutes have not changed. Sin is still sin. Beware of being swept along by contemporary ideas. Cling to God’s Word for stability in your life. —Donald L. Norbie

As Jesus, Saviour, He saves us from our sins. But there is more! As the Prince of Peace, He will confront our anxiety and fear. The great Physician touches our hurts. The Bread of Life satisfies our physical and spiritual needs. As Light of the World He opens our eyes to His beauty and His goodness and as Emmanuel He promises to be with us always. Truly, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Prov. 18:10). —M. MacMullen

God remembered Noah through the flood. God also remembered Abraham when He rained fire and brimstone upon Sodom and Gomorrah. God remembered Rachel and Hannah and gave them Joseph and Samuel. But the Lord does not remember our sins! (Heb. 10:17). Our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev. 21:27). Now the Lord Jesus has asked us to remember Him. (I Cor. 11:24, 25). Can we do any less? —K. C. Ung

Man’s history has been one of hiding from God. In Genesis, he hid because he had sinned. In Revelation, he will hide from God’s wrath against sin. But Isaiah says there is a God-provided hiding place in the man Christ Jesus. I have enjoyed His safe and secure hiding place for 66 years. I encourage you to come by faith to Jesus to enjoy the same. — Arnot McIntee

Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee. —Wm. O. Cushing

The struggle for personal holiness is indeed a difficult one. Distraction from the world, disappointment with others and discouragement with our own spiritual progress may resign us to life on a lower plane. David knew the struggle well, as did Paul. But undergirded by the right Hand and pressing toward the mark, both these men of God committed themselves to “keeping on”. And so should we, when we are tempted to do anything less. —Mark Kolchin

The wise son gathered at an appropriate time, “summer”. He acted wisely and brought honour to his parents and family, but those who sleep in harvest cause shame. The word shame here means, “regret or consciousness of guilt”. We are living in the day of grace. Our Lord said the fields are white unto harvest. Therefore, now is the time to be wise sons and daughters, being productive for the Lord, gathering glory, honour and praise unto Him who alone is worthy of such. —Jerry Proctor

What an enormous hardship! Why allow this extra burden on the children of Israel? In being scattered, the Israelites got to know the layout of the land of Egypt and the people who occupied that land. When the time eventually arrived for the Exodus, they knew where to find the Egyptians who could supply them with the necessary gold and silver. The Lord always wins in the end. —Brian Russell