Author: Gospel Folio Press

Genesis 19:1-38; Job 22:1-30; Matthew 10:24-11:1

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. John 4:42

The Samaritan woman was a true evangelist. She pointed people to Christ. They did not believe merely because of what she said, but who she pointed people to. Her hearers were encouraged to examine Christ themselves and came away convinced of her witness, turning to faith. This is the essence of witnessing. —Brian Gunning

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing.
Out of my life, may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today. —Ira B. Wilson

Genesis 18:1-33; Job 21:1-34; Matthew 10:1-23

When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

In the visitors’ centre at Pelee National Park in Canada, there is a display that explains how conservation officers worked to restore the natural landscape of the park after years of neglect. Entitled “Fires for Good”, it notes that carefully prescribed fires were used to destroy what was detrimental to the land, and allow what was beneficial to thrive. The explanation concludes: “These actions may appear destructive at first, but they are essential to restoration
and renewal”. How comforting to realize that if we are enduring what seems like destructive trials, the Lord has allowed them as an essential part of our restoration and renewal. —Lynn Shatford

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. —Unknown

Genesis 17:1-27; Job 20:1-29; Matthew 9:18-38

It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you… Jude 3

Jude, compelled by the Holy Spirit and godly love, was willing to contend seriously with his readers and confront difficult issues with them, in order that they might “earnestly contend for the faith”. Boldly, but graciously, he warned and exhorted the brethren to “Keep themselves in the love of God”. What about us? When we see danger lurking, do we keep silent for fear of being rejected? Or, like Jude, do we engage in honest, needful conversations? Small talk has its place, but in Christ we have the words of life! Let’s use them to their full potential, in love and guided by His Spirit in us, for His good, eternal purposes. —Eunice Free

Faith of the martyrs, holy faith,
We will be true to Thee till death.  —Frederick Faber

Genesis 15:1-16:16; Job 18:1-19:29; Matthew 8:28-9:17

And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple. Esther 8:15

Earlier in the story, all seemed lost. Mordecai was sitting outside the palace clothed in sackcloth and ashes. His enemy, Haman, was plotting to put him to death on the gallows. But in the sovereign power of God, Haman was defeated and hung on his own gallows and Mordecai took his power and position. What a wonderful picture of the work of the Lord Jesus! The cross meant defeat for Satan (Heb. 2:14), and the Lord Jesus has been exalted and given
honour and glory. —Gary McBride

Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious: see the Man of Sorrows now;
From the fight returned victorious, every knee to Him shall bow.  —T. Kelly

Genesis 13:1-14:24; Job 16:1-17:16; Matthew 8:1-27

Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. 2 Kgs. 19:6

The Assyrian army was poised to overrun Jerusalem. The commander had mocked the nation, derided King Hezekiah and blasphemed God. Humanly speaking it looked as if the Israelites would be defeated by the invading army. Hezekiah cried out to God in prayer and through Isaiah the prophet, was told there was nothing to fear. God had it all under control and relief from the siege was assured. Soon the Assyrian army was destroyed and peace and prosperity came to Judah. It is always true that our extremity is God’s opportunity. —Paul Young

God is still on the throne, and He will remember His own;
Tho’ trials may press us and burdens distress us,
He never will leave us alone. —Kittie L. Suffield

Genesis 11:27-12:20; Job 15:1-35; Matthew 7:7-29

Their soul melts because of trouble…and are at their wits’ end. Psalm 107:26-27 NKJV

Does this describe you today, dear child of God? Are you reeling under the weight of your present circumstances with no end in sight? At such a time it’s good to remember that yours is the same God who parted the Red Sea, brought water from the rock, made the blind to see, the lame to walk, and raised Christ Jesus from the dead! Nothing is too hard for Him. He is able to calm your storm and bring rest to your soul. —E. V.

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.  —Kathrina von Schlegel

Genesis 10:1-11:26; Job 13:1-14:22; Matthew 6:19-7:6

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth. Acts 9:11

It had been three days since Saul of Tarsus had encountered the Christ of God. What mighty changes had been enacted in his life! Now he is found on Straight Street. There is no longer the peril of being on the broad road that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13). No longer was there perversity in his walk and he manifested his new spiritual life by praying. He who had been running in all his ways counter to Christ, now walked in His will and desired  communion with Him—as should we. —Lloyd Cain

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer!  —Joseph M. Scriven

Genesis 8:20-9:29; Job 11:1-12:25; Matthew 6:1-18

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Paul tells us to forget the things that are behind and reach for the things that are ahead (v 13). For those who are getting older it’s so easy to look back on the good old days thinking that they were better than now. In some ways perhaps they were, but in others not as much. What the past held, good or bad, cannot be compared to what is ahead! Are you running for the prize? Your race may be a short sprint or a marathon, long and grueling! Persevere that you
may obtain the prize! – Jim Paul

Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open – We shall tread the streets of gold. —E. E.

Genesis 7:11-8:19; Job 9:1-10:22; Matthew 5:21-48

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:16, 26 NKJV

Not only does the Holy Spirit give us assurance that we are the children of God, but in our stumbling prayers, when we don’t know how or what to pray for, or even how to express ourselves, we can simply cry out in faith, “Abba, Father” (v 15), knowing that the Spirit intercedes with groanings which cannot be uttered and our prayers will ascend to the throne of God. —David Croudace

“Abba, Father”, we approach Thee, in our Saviour’s precious name;
We, Thy children, here assembled, now Thy promised blessing claim. —J. Deck

Genesis 6:1-7:10; Job 8:1-22; Matthew 5:1-20

Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed… Romans 12:2

I saw a banner which said, “What is popular is not always right (true) and what is right (true) is not always popular”. These words challenge us as to how we, as believers, should conduct ourselves when faced with the world’s degrading standard of acceptable behaviour. How do we discern what is right and true? Here are three suggestions:

1. Read God’s Word (Josh. 1:8).
2. Pray and ask the Spirit of God to help you understand God’s will (John 16:13).
3.Seek out the counsel of godly men and women (Prov. 15:22).

Always remember, we are not to be conformed to this world. —Bob Cretney

Give me a new, a perfect heart,
The mind which was in Christ, impart. —C. Wesley