Author: Gospel Folio Press

1 Kings 13:33-14:31; Jeremiah 24:1-25:38; Colossians 2:8-3:4

Having on the breastplate of righteousness…take the helmet of salvation. Ephesians 6:14, 17

It has been remarked that a breastplate has no back, which indicates we are not to run from Satan. However, historical records show that both Roman and Greek breastplates had full protection for the back and front, as does a helmet. Our enemy is a master of what’s termed the “sucker punch”, and it’s the blow we don’t see coming which is hardest to defend against. God’s armour is vital for both seen and unseen attacks. It’s time to get dressed! —Rick Morse

Soldiers of Christ arise,
And put your armour on;
Strong in the strength which God supplies,
Through His eternal Son. —Charles Wesley

1 Kings 13:1-32; Jeremiah 23:1-40; Colossians 1:21-2:7

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:13

Two evils were committed: Forsaking the Lord and seeking satisfaction from this world. Many of us tried for years to make this fatal substitute. We tried to fill the void in our lives that only He can fill. Augustine said, “You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless, until they find rest in You”. —Rex Trogdon

I tried the broken cisterns, Lord, but ah! The waters failed!
E’en as I stooped to drink they’d fled, and mocked me as I wailed.
Now none but Christ can satisfy, none other name for me;
There’s love, and life, and lasting joy, Lord Jesus, found in Thee.  —Emma Bevan

1 Kings 12:1-33; Jeremiah 21:1-22:30; Colossians 1:1-20

Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.  2 Corinthians 6:2

High school Geography students are taught that there are three classes of resources: renewable (soil, plants, air, sun), non-renewable (fossil fuels, minerals) and flow resources. The latter are resources that must be used where and when they occur—like moving water, wind, and the rays of the sun. Opportunities for sowing the Word and for harvesting for the Kingdom are also “flow resources”. Time and opportunities cannot be revisited when it is more convenient. May we this day be alert to opportunities to share the good news and work “while it is day” (John 9:4). —M. MacMullen

Give of your best to the Master; Give of the strength of your youth,
Give Him your loyal devotion, Give Him the best that you have.  —H. B. Grose

1 Kings 11:1-43; Jeremiah 19:1-20:18; Philippians 4:2-23

And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? Luke 17:17

Ten were cleansed by the Lord but only one was thankful. Nine men who had just experienced a life changing event couldn’t be bothered to return to give thanks to the Lord for His caring and healing hands. We are kept by His hand and abundantly blessed each day. May we in turn be thankful daily for His blessings and benefits. We have much to be thankful for! —John M. Clegg

Praise the Saviour, ye who know Him!
Who can tell how much we owe Him?
Gladly let us render to Him,
All we are and have. —Thomas Kelly

1 Kings 10:1-29; Jeremiah 18:1-23; Philippians 3:1- 4:1

Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. 1 Kings 10:7

This visit by the Queen of Sheba to see Solomon’s glorious kingdom was far from what she had expected. She saw firsthand Solomon’s fame. His wealth, His wisdom, and how he went up to the house of the Lord captivated her attention and testified to the greatness of his kingdom. So too, it shall be for anyone who looks closely at Christ. You too, shall believe when you come and see for yourself. Behold, a greater than Solomon is here! —Mark Kolchin

His glory broke upon me when I saw Him from afar,
He’s fairer than the lily, brighter than the morning star;
He fills and satisfies my longing spirit o’er and o’er,
Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before. —W. Martin

1 Kings 9:1-28; Jeremiah 17:1-27; Philippians 2:12-30

That ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins. Matthew 9:6
I find no fault in him. John 19:6
That ye may know that ye have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

What wonderful things God has assured us that we may with certainty know. We may know forgiveness of sins through Him. We may know that He can forgive sins because there was no fault in Him. Finally we may know that we have eternal life if we confess our sin and trust Him. In an age when nothing seems certain, praise God for what we may know. —K. J. W.

But I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able,
To keep that which I’ve committed,
Unto Him against that day. —Daniel Webster Whittle

1 Kings 8:31-66; Jeremiah 16:1-21; Philippians 1:21-2:11

For the Lord had made the host of Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host. 2 Kings 7:6 

In a day when many Christians wrongly place too much emphasis on so called signs and wonders, we must not forget that our God is still the God of the impossible. Many of us that have experienced situations that were impossible to resolve, found that the Lord intervened in ways we could never have envisaged. He is still the God of miracles. —Brian Russell

Power and authority,
Splendour and dignity;
Bow to His mastery
Jesus is Lord.  —Timothy Dudley Smith

1 Kings 8:1-30; Jeremiah 15:1-21; Philippians 1:1-20

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
That ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Colossians 4:12

The literal meaning of our second verse is: “That you may stand fully mature and fully assured in all the will of God”. The Greek word for perfect, teleios, signifies maturity. How important for each of us to be growing in Christ, going on to meat instead of just milk (Heb. 5:12-14), and coming to a full maturity in our Christian faith. The Lord shows Himself strong on the behalf of those who are maturing in their relationship with Him daily. —E. C. B.

Have Thine own way, Lord, have Thine own way,
Thou art the Potter; I am the clay. —Adelaide A. Pollard

1 Kings 7:1-51; Jeremiah 14:1-22; Ephesians 6:10-24

Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments (just decrees) are a great deep (beyond our understanding). Psalm 36:5-6

This psalm opens with David writing, “An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked” (Ps. 36:1, NKJV). Our world is wicked. Continual focus on it will wither the heart. But here David lifts his heart heavenwards. His struggles end as he views the greatness of God. David rested on four of Jehovah’s delightful attributes—His mercy, His faithfulness, His righteousness, His judgements (His ways of dealing with us). No matter your day rest on these four attributes and rejoice in your God. —Jim Comte

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not,
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. —Thomas Chisholm

1 Kings 6:1-38; Jeremiah 13:1-27; Ephesians 5:22-6:9

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalm 25:5

“Did you see that beautiful lake?” “Did you stop to explore that historic landmark?”, the host asked. To their chagrin, his visitors realized they had forgotten to enjoy the journey on their way to their destination. Similarly, God desires that as we look ahead to heaven we also enjoy what He has planned today. Let us learn to listen and look for the truths the Lord wants to teach us, enjoying His fellowship along our pilgrim journey. —George Ferrier

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms!
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms!   —E. A. Hoffman