Author: Gospel Folio Press

1 Chronicles 7:1-40; Ezekiel 10:1-22; John 2:23-3:21

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Luke 5:24 NKJV

The Lord Jesus had power to forgive sins, but the Pharisees wanted proof. The Lord answered with a question, “For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?” (Matt. 9:5), and provided that proof. The man rose up, forgiven, and went on his way, glorifying God. The world is still looking for proof—in our lives. —Rex Trogdon

You are writing a Gospel, a chapter each day
By deeds that you do, by words that you say.
Men read what you write, words faithful or true;
Say, what is the Gospel according to you? —Paul Gilbert

1 Chronicles 6:1-81; Ezekiel 8:1-9:11; John 2:1-22

Lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Numbers 23:9

We with heavenly citizenship will not be accepted in this world, and neither should we expect to be. We represent a Governor who is holy, a Lord who is just, and a Master who is morally perfect. Why would those bent on self-gratification without consequences want us around? Once we are called upward, the celebrations will be global in scope and unanimous in purpose. Yet after three and a half years, their rejoicing will turn to regret, with the lament of despair: “What have we done to ourselves?” —Rick Morse

‘Tis conflict here below,
‘Tis triumph there, and peace;
On earth we wrestle with the foe,
In Heaven our conflicts cease. —Thomas Kelly

1 Chronicles 4:24-5:26; Ezekiel 7:1-27; John 1:19-51

Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things. Deuteronomy 28:47

Nothing speaks to me more than when I see suffering saints in the Middle East and other deprived countries serving the Lord with joy and gladness. Father forgive me for every moan, groan and complaint, and may I pray for those dear Christians more fervently. —Brian Russell

Count your blessings,
Name them one by one;
And it will surprise you,
What the Lord has done. —Johnson Oatman

1 Chronicles 3:1-4:23; Ezekiel 5:1-6:14; John 1:1-18

I die daily. 1 Corinthians 15:31

Asked the secret of his service, George Müller said, “There was a day when I died, utterly died—died to George Muller, his opinions, preferences, tastes, and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died even to the approval or blame of my brethren and friends—and since then I have only to show myself
approved unto God.” This man of faith and faithfulness learned living for God is dying to all else. May you and I also learn this secret of successful service. —Arnot P. McIntee

Breathe on me, breath of God
Till I am wholly Thine,
Until this earthly part of me, 
Glows with Thy fire divine. —Robert Jackson

1 Chronicles 2:1-55; Ezekiel 3:16-4:17; 2 Timothy 4:1-22

She hath done what she could. Mark 14:8

With hearts full of hatred “the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death” (Mark 14:1). At the same time, there was a dear woman with a heart full of love who sought opportunity to honour Christ. Mary’s act of devotion was clearly sacrificial—the ointment was very precious—and her appreciation of what lay before Him made her oblivious to the scorn of others. Powerful public testimony for Christ has its roots in holy private communion with Him, and Scripture testifies that
Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word” (Luke 10:39). Her Saviour’s commendation should be our challenge. —Phil Coulson

Oh that I may forever sit, like Mary, at the Master’s feet—
Be this my happy choice! My only care, delight, and bliss,
My joy, my rest on earth be this, to hear the Bridegroom’s voice.—C. Wesley

1 Chronicles 1:1-54; Ezekiel 2:1-3:15; 2 Timothy 3:1-17

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” Luke 15:18 NKJV

What a beautiful picture of a sinner’s reconciliation to God. The son’s rebellious attitude towards his father led him to take his portion and leave home. His fellowship with the father was severed though his father longed for his return. Once his resources failed, his friends left and he hit bottom. Is this where you are? The way back was through the confession of his sin and the mercy of his father. Great rejoicing ensued as the father received him back into his household. The same can be true for you today. —Jim Paul

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me.
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
Mercies for you and for me. —Will Lamartine Thompson

2 Kings 25:1-30; Ezekiel 1:1-28; 2 Timothy 2:1-26

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel. Psalm 80:1
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them. John 10:27
I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick. Ezekiel 34:16

What lovely portrayals of God as the Gentle Shepherd! His ear hears the faintest bleating. His voice is known; “he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out” (John 10:3). His eye is seeking, watching, noting each and every need. Aren’t you glad today that you can say—“The Lord is my shepherd” (Ps. 23:1)? —Pete Smith

The King of love my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His and He is mine for ever. —H. W. Baker

2 Kings 24:1-20; Lamentations 4:1-5:22; 2 Timothy 1:1-18

Peter…said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And [Jesus] said, Come…But when [Peter] saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. Matthew 14:28-30
Then shalt thou call, and…he shall say, Here I am. Isaiah 58:9

How comforting it is to know that when we are sinking, either in sin or in our circumstances, the Lord Himself says, “Here I am.” Let us be quick to confess our sin and unbelief, and then allow Him to pull us to safety. “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe” (Ps. 119:117). —E. C. B.

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I. —James Rowe

2 Kings 23:1-37; Lamentations 3:1-66; 1 Timothy 6:1-21

Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Blind para-Olympian runners run races loosely tied to a seeing guide. This helper matches their speed and stride and shouts directions as their surrogate eyes. Obviously, closeness is required; they must exhibit harmonious cooperation. A partnership like this is an excellent reflection of the Christian’s need to run life’s race closely tethered to our guide: the Lord Jesus Christ. —K. R. Keyser

Guide me, O my great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but You are mighty; hold me with Your powerful hand.  —William Williams

2 Kings 21:19-22:20; Lamentations 2:1-22; 1 Timothy 5:1-25

And may the Lord do what is good in His sight. 2 Samuel 10:12 NKJV

Joab prepared as well as he could to overcome the Syrians (vv. 9-10). However, he also recognized that God might have far better ideas and that they would be superior to all that he had been done so far. So he deferentially submitted to Him to do what He saw was the best. It is only as I spend time in the presence of my Lord that He can guide me into His perfect plan for each situation in my life. If I have already made my plans I must humbly submit them to Him to either bless or replace as He sees fit. —David Croudace

Thy way, not mine, O Lord,
However dark it be;
Lead me by Thine own hand,
Choose out Thy path for me. —Horatius Bonar