Author: Gospel Folio Press

Leviticus 3:1-17; Psalm 102:1-28; Acts 26:1-18

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:18-19

Mary’s memory, affections and intellect were all involved in her appreciation of the Lord Jesus. When Mary heard the message from the shepherds, her memory was involved, “Mary kept all these things”. Her affections were involved. “Mary kept all these things…in her heart”. Her intellect was involved. “Mary…pondered them”. When we bring a message to the Lord’s people will it be remembered? Will it stir up our affection for the Lord Jesus and does it challenge our intellect? —Sid Halsband

O Lord, it is Thyself to meet, to this sweet feast we come;
Like Mary, resting at Thy feet, we learn of Thee alone.  —B. Thompson

Leviticus 2:1-16; Psalms 99:1-101:8; Acts 25:13-27

The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice. Psalm 18:4-6

Many nights of sobbing in the Lord’s presence won’t reverse the tragedies of the past. “What ifs”, “maybes”, and “might have beens” haunt our helplessness. But He does hear, and is able to liberate us from the overwhelming grief that pins us down. Crying during life’s journey is inevitable, and effectual if those tears flow heavenward. —Rick Morse

In suffering, be Thy love my peace,
In weakness, be Thine arm my strength.  —John Wesley

Leviticus 1:1-17; Psalms 96:1-98:9; Acts 24:24-25:12

Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day. Exodus 14:13

So spake Moses to Israel when the Red Sea was before them, and the might of the Egyptian army behind them. We can well imagine that Israel found it was difficult to “stand still” under these circumstances, and to feel that they had to do something to deliver themselves. So it is with us. When we face insurmountable problems, it is so difficult to “stand still”, and allow God to bring peace to our troubled hearts. Israel found that when they left things to God, He
did not fail them, and so also will we who trust Him. —W. H. Burnett

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest,
Finding as He promised, perfect peace and rest. —J. Mountain

Exodus 40:1-38; Psalms 94:1-95:11; Acts 24:1-23

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. 1 Peter 3:18, NKJV 

We are living in the “un-generation”. Paul begins this list and calls them undiscerning, untrustworthy, and unmerciful (Rom. 1:31). They are ungodly (Rom. 5:6) and unrighteous (1 Cor. 6:9). He further warns of the last days when people will be unthankful, unholy, unloving, and unforgiving. The final summary statement comes from John. He says they are unbelieving (Rev. 21:8). We had our part in this un-generation. Like Isaiah, we were undone and
unclean and unable to do anything about it. That is, until we heard of the One who gave Himself for us—the Just for the unjust. —Rex Trogdon

Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading,
Blind and unheeding, dying for me! —Avis B. Christiansen

Exodus 39:1-43; Psalms 92:1-93:5; Acts 23:12-35

Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. Jonah 1:3

Disobedience has identifiable symptoms. We must be watchful for them. Disobedience takes paths contrary to God’s known will (1:3); is desensitized to present danger (1:5); is easily discouraged (1:3); denies our part in negative circumstances (1:6); and in the end leads to disgrace (1:10). In contrast obedience gives boldness before our enemies (3:4); it leads to belief and blessing for those who have not yet heard the message (3:5, 10); and also reveals God’s grace, as He draws us back into the wonders of our relationship with Him (4:3-11). —David J. Reed

Simply trusting every day, trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus, that is all.  —Edgar P. Stites

Exodus 38:1-31; Psalms 90:1-91:16; Acts 22:22-23:11

The children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone. Exodus 34:35

It was very evident by his face and demeanour that Moses had been with the Lord. Not many of us can be  “Hollywood good lookers” but the world should see by our expressions and behaviour that we are different. I trust that others may not regard me as that “old misery” down the road. I believe that the Lord who was the “man of sorrows” (Isa. 53:3) always had a warm and winsome way with everybody. —Brian Russell

Face to face with Christ my Saviour,
Face to face what will it be,
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ who died for me?  —Carrie Breck

Exodus 37:1-29; Psalm 89:19-52; Acts 22:1-21

For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. Psalm 47:7

Compared with our God, how futile man-made false gods are! When Elijah gathered the people together to decide who the true God was, the prophets of Baal couldn’t get any response for all their dancing and rituals. Elijah exposed the emptiness of their claims and then prepared his sacrifice and prayed to his God. Fire fell and burned it up. What a difference! This is our God and He does wonders for His people still. Let us be sure to give Him the praise that is due to His holy name! —G. Frear

O Lord my God! How great art Thou!
With honour and with glory crowned;
Light’s dazzling splendours veil Thy brow,
And gird the universe around. —J. Q. Adams

Exodus 36:1-38; Psalm 89:1-18; Acts 21:17-40

I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3
Where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1

We are assured by the Lord that one day He will come and take us to be with Him. But as we wait, what is Jesus doing now for us in heaven? He is our Great High Priest (Heb. 6:20). He is our Intercessor in our prayer life (Heb. 7:25). He is our Advocate when we sin (1 John 2:1). One day He will come for those who are in Christ (1 Thess. 4:16-17). We shall see Him face to face. Will He come for you? Only if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).
—Bob Cretney

Wonderful, wonderful Jesus, who can compare with Thee!
Wonderful, wonderful Jesus, fairer than all art Thou to me! —Benjamin A. Baur

Exodus 35:1-35; Psalms 87:1-88:18; Acts 21:1-16

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11

The Lord Jesus called His followers a “little flock” (Luke 12:32). Believers are all precious to the Good Shepherd. He delights to feed and lead His people and has a special concern for the young! Note His protection and affection for the lambs. May we each have the same deep care for all God’s people, but keep a special look out for young believers. —Pete Smith

Hear, Holy Father, great I Am!
Come, tender Shepherd, fold this lamb,
Within Thy dear embrace! —J. G. W

Exodus 34:4-35; Psalms 85:1-86:17; Acts 20:17-38

Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer. Proverbs 6:6-8, NKJV

Summer is the loveliest of seasons. However, sometimes while picnicking outdoors you can be invaded by an army of ants looking for food. You soon find that they are industrious little creatures. But that work ethic is guided by wisdom. Their summer labours provide for their preservation through the cold winter months. What a lesson for us. We are to redeem the time for the days are evil (Eph. 5:16). Are we being as active as we can? Or are we wasting precious time? —Jim Paul

Go labour on, spend and be spent, thy joy to do the Father’s will;
It is the way the Master went, should not the servant tread it still?  —Horatius Bonar