Author: Gospel Folio Press

The disciples discouraged the Lord Jesus from returning to Bethany. It was there Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived. His love for them exceeded any harm His enemies might inflict upon Him. Some time later, he said, “Behold, we go to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man shall be condemned to death”. At Bethany, He showed His love for these three dear ones. At Jerusalem on the cross, He showed his love for you and me. Today we join with Paul to say, “The Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). —Arnot McIntee

A friend observed two teenage girls looking at a shop display of necklaces. As they glanced at a collection of crosses one was heard to say in surprise, “Look there’s a man on that cross!” How thankful I am that there was a Man on that cross, but He’s not there anymore. Jesus Christ died for my sin, He was buried and He lives today! —J. Fleming

The tongue is a menace! It is wholly inconsistent because it at one moment praises God, while at the next it berates the sons of God. If you cannot control your tongue, your whole life is askew. Once spoken, words cannot be recalled, neither are they justified by an apology. “Sorry” is too late; the damage is done. Let us therefore be careful what we say and always ask these questions before we presume to comment about others, “Is it true, is it kind, is it even necessary?” —Roy Hill

What a close relationship the Lord had with Moses. He spoke with him face to face. As the Saviour, He speaks to us heart to heart so that we, as sinners, might see eye to eye with Him. As co-labourers together with God we serve shoulder to shoulder. As victors we’re seated side by side with Christ. As His church we stand hand in hand in the unity of His Spirit. What a God so near and what a Saviour so dear! —Rex Trogdon

Here are some qualities that should mark every genuine shepherd. He shouldn’t succumb to outward pressure, but an inward desire. Nor should he be eager for earnings, but eager for serving. He shouldn’t lord it over God’s people but lead them onward. The ready-minded shepherd is forward in spirit, literally, one who is “standing before”. When a local flock is led by shepherds who genuinely exhibit these qualities, they are in good hands! May we all be ready to lead by being ready to serve. —Craig Funston

Samson wanted to die. The Lord let him. He was “fruitful” in death, though a failure in life. Elijah wanted to die (I Kgs. 19:4). The Lord did not let him. He had not finished his work (I Kgs. 19:15-18). Jesus came to die and give his life a ransom for many. Unlike Samson, Jesus was fruitful in life and death. Unlike Elijah, Jesus finished His work. (Jn 19:31). Today He lives! —K. C. Ung

The sentence against our sin fell on the innocent head of Christ, at Calvary. Through faith in Him our sins are cast into the depths of the sea. But when we abuse the complete forgiveness we have in Christ, it is an indication of the love we have for our Lord. It will also result in a loss of reward in a coming day. Every believer enjoys a cancelled sentence. It should stir us to a deeper devotion and glad obedience to our Saviour. How much do we want to please Him? —D. Heels

None who saw Jesus on the cross dreamed that they were witness to the greatest battle the world has known, or that victory was to crown the Man of marred face and form. Victory was not in the minds of the disciples when they all forsook Him and fled, nor in the thoughts of those who abused Him. Pilate sealed the tomb and set a watch against theft, not triumph. Very early, on the first day of the week, women came to fulfill love’s last offices for the dead. They all missed the confidence in Jesus’ voice, “It is finished”. How we praise Him today as we hear his cry of triumph. —Les Rainey

What will it be like when the Lord Jesus is no longer hidden from view, but is seen and known by all? What a contrast to today when the daily life of most is lived with little acknowledgment of the One who created them and cares deeply for them. As Christians, we have been blessed to reveal the excellencies of the One who delivered us from the deception and darkness of this world. May we share the light to that same dark world today. —B. Crawford

Several years ago my husband received an apple tree as a Father’s Day gift. It grew year by year and now bears abundantly, unless hindered by a late frost. Likewise, spiritual maturity is not an overnight occurence. Nutrition from the Scriptures, prayer and learning from others contribute to growth. When we stray from the path or rebel at hardship, a chilling occurs and growth is stunted. The warmth of Christian fellowship helps restore development. May we not be a disappointment to the Keeper of the vineyard but keep on bearing the fruit of the Spirit. —E. Dyck