Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY READINGS: Ex. 1:1-2:22; Psalm 31:1-24; Matt. 27:45-66

He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Proverbs 29:1

I well remember a mother telling me the tragic words of her teenage son, “Mum, if you talk to me any more about Jesus or being saved, I’ll leave home and you’ll never see me again.” She replied, “I won’t mention it again, but I won’t stop praying for you son.” Sadly, a few weeks later he was killed in a tragic car accident and went into eternity, and as far as I know without Christ. How important to “Prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12). “Behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). Come to the Lord Jesus, today! —Jim Comte

Almost persuaded now to believe; almost persuaded Christ to receive:
Seems now some soul to say, “Go Spirit, go Thy way:
Some more convenient day on Thee I’ll call. —Philip P. Bliss

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 50:1-26; Psalm 30:1-12; Matt. 27:27-44

The King of kings and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. 1 Timothy 6:15-16

In our present, weak, and mortal state we cannot, nor can the angels, bear the brilliance of the King of Kings. Angelic beings must employ two of their six wings to cover their faces, as they encircle the glory-filled throne, praising, and adoring the King of kings. Their God, and ours, is light and clothes Himself in light. We enjoy the sight by faith today, and will do so in reality throughout eternity when we are at home with the Lord. —Arnot P. McIntee

Only faintly now I see Him, with a darkling veil between;
But a blessed day is coming, when His glory shall be seen. —C. E. Breck

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 49:1-33; Psalms 28:1-29:11; Matt. 27:1-26

And they continued steadfastly… Acts 2:42, NKJV

We tend to overlook the “continued steadfastly” component of a New Testament church. In those early days, the norm was that anytime a gathering occurred, the believers were there, week in and week out. The Greek reads a little differently in various passages; a strong phrase, it is often translated ”devoted.” Our devotion is first and foremost to the Lord, of course. “Continuous commitment” to the local body has fallen on hard times these days, for some reason. One way to reverse this trend is to put every effort into supporting the local church on a regular basis. May God help us to do so. —N. C. Funston

Rise up O church of God! Have done with lesser things;
Give heart and mind and soul and strength, to serve the King of kings. —William P. Merrill

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 47:28-48:22; Psalms 26:1-27:14; Matt. 26:57-75

And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife?…I will not do this thing. 2 Samuel 11:11

Uriah’s exploits earned him inclusion among the mighty men (2 Sam. 23:39). This Gentile loyally fought for God. The king’s coverup of adultery manifested Uriah’s lustrous character. He refused to attend to his private interests—even legitimate family pleasures—to faithfully serve the Lord. May we emulate this loyalty to our God, putting Him ahead of everything else in life. —K. R. Keyser

Let us leave to those behind us, the heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives. —R. Rambo-Maguire

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 46:1-47:27; Psalm 25:1-22; Matt. 26:31-56

And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. 1 Samuel 23:16

The bond that existed between Jonathan and David was very special. It was based on their devotion to God and their commitment to carry out His purposes. Jonathan was a sensitive man who felt the injustice that David was experiencing in the wilderness. He found him and strengthened his hand in God. Do you know anybody in the “woods”? Sometimes you have to look for them, but many of the Lord’s people are discouraged and would benefit from having their hand strengthened in God. —Sid Halsband

Fear not, He is with thee; oh, be not dismayed!
He—He is thy God, and will still give thee aid. —Richard Keene

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 45:1-28; Psalms 23:1-24:10; Matt. 26:1-30

Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. Luke 23:47

How true these words of the centurion were. He also acknowledged that the one they were crucifying was the Son of God (Matt. 27:54). As he went to work that day, little did he realise he was to experience an event that he would never forget for the rest of his life. What does Calvary mean to you? Outside the city of Jerusalem around 2,000 years ago, a truly righteous man died for the unrighteous like you and me. Give God the glory today. Hallelujah what a Saviour! —John M. Clegg

When I survey the wondrous Cross, On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain, I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. —Isaac Watts

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 44:1-34; Psalm 22:1-31; Matt. 25:31-46

Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. John 13:23
But Peter followed him afar off. Matthew 26:58

One of the benefits of God’s grace is that the door is always open for the believer to draw near to Him. It’s when we follow at a distance that we begin to have doubts, lose our joy, and fail to comprehend His love. On the other hand when we come to His open arms each day we experience His assurance that we are loved, accepted and welcomed. Daily fellowshipping with Him in His Word we learn how to follow Him, deepen our faith, and find strength for service. When others see us, do they know that we have been with Jesus? —George Ferrier

Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,
Draw me, my Saviour, so precious Thou art. —Lelia N. Morris

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 43:1-34; Psalms 20:1-21:13; Matt. 25:1-30

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee. Isaiah 26:3

We may be tempted to accept these words in our heads, as truth, but fail to be convinced in our soul; particularly so if we are enduring affliction. Underlying these words is God’s desire to strengthen, stabilise and teach His beloved children—to see His actions as His permissive will and not punishment. —Drew Craig

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing,
Our helper He, amid the flood, Of mortal ills prevailing. —Martin Luther

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 41:50-42:38; Psalm 19:1-14; Matt. 24:29-51

Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. John 19:5

He wore the crown of thorns that identified Him with the curse of our sin (Gen. 3:17-18). Remarkably this dreadful crown was also a portion of the glory that He had prayerfully requested of His Father (John 17:1). Even as His blood dripped from its lacerations, this crown spoke of love, compassion, grace and mercy—essential glories of our lovely Saviour. Only He could wear it in such a fashion. May we glorify Him today. —Sam Thorpe

Crown Him the Lord of love! Behold His hands and side,
Rich wounds yet visible above, In beauty glorified! —Matthew Bridges

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 41:1-49; Psalm 18:30-50; Matt. 24:1-28

But Barnabas took [Paul], and brought him to the apostles. Acts 9:27

Barnabas, whose name means “son of comfort,” sensed the reality of Paul’s conversion and call of God. Thus he befriended and supported him. At one time or another in life we all need a friend like Barnabas. It has been suggested that had Barnabas been a literal part of the body of Christ, he would have been a nose. He sniffed and liked what he smelled. By God’s grace he possessed the spiritual gift of discernment, a gift much needed today (1 Cor. 12:10). —W. Ross Rainey

Lord, speak to me, that I may speak, In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek, The erring ones, the lost and lone. —Frances R. Havergal