Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 9:15-10:27; Isaiah 50:1-51:8; 2 Cor. 11:1-33

For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. Psalm 116:8

We are so blessed. Not only have we been saved from perishing in hell, but we have also been spared a myriad of tears and a multitude of missteps. Imagine your life without Him—the misery you might have endured, the heartaches you may have had, the bad decisions you doubtless would have made. He may not spare us from all tears but praise God, we have been spared from useless ones. Our feet may have fallen but praise God, He has picked us up again and taught us the way we should go. We are so blessed! —Shane Johnson

Be still, let every heart be still, and all our sorrow quell,
We’ll bow submissive to His will, who doeth all things well. —Fanny J. Crosby

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 8:1-9:14; Isaiah 49:1-26; 2 Cor. 10:1-18

And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. 1 Kings 19:7

Here we find Elijah—God’s strong man—in a condition of depression and despair. But heaven recognized that his journey had been “too great,” and an angel was sent to minster to him. We learn here that even the strongest can fall into despair and discouragement. But it is good to know that heaven takes note, and in tenderness, resources will be brought alongside to restore and strengthen, and to make us useful in His service yet again. —W. H. Burnett

Though thy way be long and weary, eagle strength He’ll still renew;
Garments fresh and foot unweary, tell how God hath brought thee through. —J. N. Darby

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 6:1-7:17; Isaiah 48:1-22; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. Galatians 2:12

Paul was referring to Peter who hesitated to eat with those who were Gentiles. God had to teach him that in Christ, there was cleansing and salvation for them as well. Gentile believers were no different to Jewish believers—all were chosen and precious to God. Later Peter was able to write “Unto you therefore which believe” (1 Pet. 2:7), regardless of race. —G. Frear

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life our redemption to win,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in. —Fanny J. Crosby

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 4:1-5:12; Isaiah 47:1-15; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard. 1 Samuel 22:23

Hearing from Abiathar that Saul had killed the priests, David assured this lone survivor that in the presence of Israel’s anointed king he was safe. Similarly our eternal security rests in Christ, the Son of David, the anointed One. Sealing us with the Holy Spirit, God takes the responsibility to save all who are in Christ. No one can snatch us from Him. Not the world. Not the devil. Fear not beloved, priest unto God (Rev. 1:6), in Him you are safe. —George Ferrier

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. —Fanny J. Crosby

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 3:1-21; Isaiah 46:1-13; 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:16

Redeemed…so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Pet. 1:18, 21

A number of “what” questions are answered in this short section on redemption. We have been redeemed—from what? Our “aimless conduct” (v. 18). We been redeemed—through what? The “blood of Christ” (v. 19). But have you ever considered the following? We have been redeemed—for what? So “that your faith and hope might be in God” (v. 21). In other words, we have all been redeemed for a purpose. There is a point to our salvation. We’re not simply saved from hell, nor just for heaven. The blood of Christ has redeemed us from our aimless conduct and we can focus our faith and hope on God. —N. C. Funston

Redeemed and so happy in Jesus, no language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence with me doth continually dwell. —Fanny J. Crosby

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 2:1-36; Isaiah 44:24-45:25; 2 Cor. 5:11-6:10

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things. Revelation 4:11 
Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood. Rev. 5:9

We know our God created everything and that He deserves praise for who He is—the great Creator God. But when we think of Him being slain for us, our hearts cry out in wonder at what He has done. This creation will pass away but our souls are eternal and His sacrifice provides eternal life. Oh how our praise should flow! —Ken Gross

Worthy, worthy is the Lamb;
Worthy, worthy is the Lamb—that was slain!
Thou redeemst our souls to God;
Thou redeemst our souls to God—by Thy blood. —William Mackey

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 1:1-28; Isaiah 44:6-23; 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10

Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty. Revelation 15:3
For in this mountain shall the hand of the Lord rest. Isaiah 25:10

The Matterhorn is a majestic mountain in the Alps which has captivated the interest of many people over the years. Built into a wall of a railway station overlooking the Matterhorn is a text written in German “Groß und wunderbar sind deine Werke, Herr, allmächtiger Gott.” It means, “Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty.” Whilst we justifiably marvel at the handiwork of God in creation, let us marvel even more that God can rest in what was done on that smaller mountain—Golgotha. —Brian Powlesland

Great God of wonders! All Thy ways display Thine attributes divine;
But the bright glories of Thy grace above Thine other wonders shine. —Samuel Davies

DAILY READINGS: Ruth 3:1-4:22; Isaiah 43:1-44:5; 2 Corinthians 3:1-4:6

Let not your heart be troubled…In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:1-2

Thirty years ago I faced a move of over 2,000 miles. I didn’t know what lay ahead and the thought of a new beginning was overwhelming. But God assured me that He knew what I needed and that He would go ahead of me. Decades later, I can attest to His incredible faithfulness. Are you facing a daunting transition? Don’t let what lies ahead trouble you today. Trust and pray—and let God prepare the way! —Deborah Manera

Brightly doth His Spirit shine, into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall, trusting Jesus, that is all. —E. P. Stites

DAILY READINGS: Ruth 2:1-23; Isaiah 42:1-25; 2 Corinthians 2:1-17

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Another way to translate the “valley of the shadow of death” is as a “valley of deep darkness.” It occurs seventeen times in the Old Testament, and nine of those times are in the book of Job. Perhaps you are not exactly in the valley of the shadow of death, but you are certainly traveling through a very deep darkness. Do not fear. Be comforted. He is still with you! —Lynn Shatford

Under His wings, I am safely abiding;
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me;
I am redeemed, and I am His child. —W. O. Cushing

DAILY READINGS: Ruth 1:1-22; Isaiah 41:1-29; 2 Corinthians 1:1-24

And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. 1 Kings 10:6

The Queen of Sheba was attracted to Solomon by the things that he did and the things that he said. This important order of being known first for works then for speech is confirmed by Luke who summarised his gospel in Acts 1:1 as, “all that Jesus began both to do and teach.” Even if we never speak and only hear, we still have a responsibility for action as James states “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (Jas.
1:22). Let us be identified as belonging to Christ by what we do as well as what we say for His glory. —Dan Coulson

Channels only, blessed Master,
But with all Thy wondrous power, flowing through us,
Thou canst use us every day and every hour. —Mary E Maxwell