Author: Gospel Folio Press

Joseph, called Zaphnath-Panneah, or “Saviour of the world”, kissed each of his brothers and bade them good-bye. With wagons loaded with provision, they journeyed home. Joseph’s final words were, “See that ye fall not out by the way”. In other words, “Don’t quarrel as you journey back”. How could they disagree, having enjoyed their saviour’s forgiveness and parting kiss? It was good advice for brethren of Joseph’s day and ours. We have been blessed with provisions for our trip heavenward. It is His desire that we love each other on our journey to our Heavenly Father. — Arnot McIntee

After 40 years in the wilderness the people arrived at the Jordan in flood season. Could there have been a worse time to cross? The Lord told them to wait by the banks for three days—perhaps to assess the situation and to unanimously agree that crossing was humanly impossible. Are you facing an impossible situation? Perhaps, as with the Israelites, the God of the impossible is now ready to “do wonders among you.” —M. MacMullen

I found a tiny sea snail crawling along in the mud. On its back was an oyster that had already grown to the size of the snail. As I looked at that oyster which would soon be bigger than the snail and would eventually destroy it, it reminded me of sin’s awful work. In the same way, it gets a hold on us, grows and can ruin us. So be careful what you watch, what you read, what you do. These things can spoil our Christian testimony and our walk with the Lord. —J. Fleming

Before the blood went into the holiest, there must first be “the cloud of the incense.” Failure on Aaron’s part to obey would result in instant death! This is a beautiful picture of the fragrance of Christ, rising as worship from burning hearts for the delight of God first. One cannot help but wonder if the same judgement were applied today for empty hands, cold hearts, and human alternatives at the Lord’s Supper, how many of us would survive the day? —J. Boyd Nicholson

As an emergency room physician, I saw patients soon after they were injured. “What happened?” I would ask. Commonly they responded: “Well, it was so stupid, I was just…” In other words, they knew better, but did not take the time or care to prevent an injury. How tragic and terrible would it be for one who knew Christ died for their sins, and who knew that accepting Him as Saviour and Lord would mean eternal life; how tragic indeed for such a one to be cast into the lake of fire. Forever. —David Logan

The writings of these inspired men are the record of divine revelation. What God revealed, they recorded. The persons receiving it could not have discovered it by human means. In many instances, the writers confessed that they did not fully understand the full meaning of the message, but under the guidance of the Holy Spirit they recorded it. In the providence and protection of God we have in our hands and hopefully in our hearts, all that we need to live for the glory of the One who gave His life for us. —Drew Craig

In any ordinary person, goodness and severity might be seen as conflicting, but in the character of the Lord Jesus they are compatible and consistent. God’s severity with Israel opened up a means of blessing for Gentiles. If that be so, the apostle argues, when the Jews are restored, the blessing for Gentiles will be immeasurable! We recall that our God is both righteous and good and whichever He manifests in our circumstances is for our ultimate blessing. —Roy Hill

The church that honestly wants to be effective in a dark world must have the right attitude toward each other. We need to be gracious in our dealings with each other, both inwardly (“murmuring”) and outwardly (“disputing”). “Murmuring” is used extensively in the Greek translation of the Old Testament during those complaining years in Exodus and Numbers. As long as the Israelites murmured, they barely made progress and as long as they didn’t progress, they were vulnerable to enemy attacks. A whining Christian is not a winning Christian. —N. Craig Funston

This world is a harsh place. But nothing need come between believers and their enjoyment of the care and compassion of the Lord Jesus. While at times, our full consciousness of them may be obscured, yet the everlasting arms underneath us do not change. The world hurtles on its reckless way, baffled by the spring of compassion and joy which the believer has received. Perhaps you are bowed down by burdens and cares today. Cast them upon Him. He cares for you. —Mark Fenn

Time and again God had told Moses of the mission he expected him to accomplish, but repeatedly Moses presented excuses, in particular, focusing on his own inadequacies. In the end God commanded him to just “go”! In life the Lord gives us frequent confirmations that He is with us in our future plans, but we excuse ourselves because of our own limitations. Stop looking within and “go”—know of a surety He is with you and will always support you.—Brian Russell