Author: Gospel Folio Press

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

The first mention of bread in our Bible is linked with the failure of the first man and the subsequent curse and sorrow. Later, when God rained down the manna, this bread from heaven was a foreshadowing of the second Man, the Bread of God. For thirty years He was hidden in Nazareth and for twenty centuries He has now been hidden in the heavens. The promise to the faithful is that one day they shall eat of that hidden manna which has satisfied the heart of God. In glory we shall feast on Him. —Jim Flanigan

"Cheating may just be human nature”, was the news item in our paper. After years of study, psychologists have made this amazing discovery. They report that lying and cheating are almost universal. Most people reported telling lies fairly regularly and being untroubled by doing so. What psychology is just discovering, the Bible has taught for centuries. David wrote in about 1,000 B.C., “Behold. I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me” (Ps. 51:5 NKJV). We are flawed from birth. This is why we desperately need a Saviour. Thank God for the Lord Jesus! —Donald L. Norbie

That man of Calvary has won my my heart from me,
And died to set me free, blest Man of Calvary. —M. P. Ferguson

Thomas Guthrie (1803-73) was a Scottish preacher and philanthropist. Ill health, as a result of over-work, led to his retirement in 1864. After this, until his death in 1873, he engaged himself in a prolific writing ministry, especially as editor of the “Sunday Magazine.” What he said years ago is equally true today: “If you find yourself loving any pleasure above prayer, any book better than the Bible, any house more than the house of God, any table more than the Lord’s table, or any person more than Christ…take alarm.” Selah.—W. Ross Rainey

These people were having a problem with God’s daily menu. The mixed multitude despised the manna, God’s gracious provision. Their minds reflected back to the “good old days” of Egypt when they had fish, melons and other foods to eat. But they had forgotten about the harsh slavery, cruel taskmasters and painful bondage. Sometimes, we too forget where we once were, and get our eyes off Christ. May God deliver us from selective memories. —Jim Comte

What a wonderful promise, yet how often we neglect to take advantage of it. Note that the verse refers to “all” our ways, not just some of them. We often think that the only things we need to take before the Lord are the big issues in life, and that we should manage the rest ourselves. No. There is no matter that is too small, or too big that we cannot bring to Him. The wonderful guarantee is that “He shall direct your paths”. Make it a habit, when faced with any decision, to take the matter to the Lord in prayer before making any moves. You are promised His direction. —W. H. Burnett

At the grave of Lazarus, the Son of God was glorified by overcoming one death. At the cross, the Son of Man was glorified by becoming obedient to the point of death. Then He rose again and conquered death itself. At His return He will give us, along with Lazarus, new bodies, never to die again. —Tom Steere

On two occasions only do we read of the Lord Jesus that He marvelled. Once He marvelled at the faith of a Roman Centurion, and once He marvelled at the unbelief of the men of Nazareth. The Gentile, with his disadvantaged pagan background, brought the Saviour pleasure by believing. His own people, Jews of Nazareth, dishonoured Him by their unbelief. May we believe His word, implicitly and unreservedly, and bring Him joy by trusting Him. —Jim Flanigan