Author: Gospel Folio Press

1 Kings 20:1-43; Jeremiah 32:1-25; Hebrews 3:1-19

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

Were these men of wealth and education with infatuated followers? No, they were ordinary men, whose defining features: their speech, boldness and conduct marked them as men who had been with Jesus! Oh, that our lives would emulate such ones! That others would perceive from our dialogue, our actions and way of life, the reflection of Christ’s image and the fragrance of His presence. In all we say and do may we live to point others to Christ. —Deborah Manera

You’re the only “Jesus” some may ever see,
And you’re the only words of life, some will ever read. —The Imperials

1 Kings 19:1-21; Jeremiah 31:1-40; Hebrews 2:1-18

Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not. Jer. 45:5
For a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21

Where is your heart today, dear child of God? Are you treasuring up the things of God (Luke 12:21), or are you trying to serve two masters? (Luke 16:13). Let us determine today to serve Him with a whole, undivided heart (Ps. 86:11). Remember that the things of earth, whether position or possessions, are temporary, but those treasures that we lay up in heaven are eternal! —E. C. B.

Take my love, my God, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee. —Frances Ridley Havergal

1 Kings 18:1-46; Jeremiah 30:1-24; Hebrews 1:1-14

And he went a little farther…and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:39
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory. Hebrews 2:9
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:37

As we contemplate the lovely Man of Calvary, may our hearts be thankful for His loving submission to His Father’s will, that led to His lowly sufferings upon the tree—for us! May they also thrill at the thought that perhaps today, we will hear His shout and be forever with Him, who is now crowned with glory! —Pete Smith

We praise Thee, O God! For the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus who died, and is now gone above. —B. & G. Gaither

1 Kings 17:1-24; Jeremiah 29:1-32; Philemon 1:1-25

He will guard the feet of His saints. 1 Samuel 2:9 NKJV
Kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:5 NKJV

Our Lord looks after us from head to toe (Matt. 10:30)! He guards our feet and we are kept by His power. With this great source of strength we go forth boldly to proclaim the gospel. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Prov. 18:10). “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:19).
—Annette Baal

Boldly we proclaim,
The glory and wonders,
Of Your mighty Name;
All praise to You! —Annette Baal

1 Kings 15:33-16:34; Jeremiah 27:1-28:17; Colossians 4:2-18

They feared the Lord, and served their own gods. 2 Kgs. 17:33 
Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served. Josh. 24:14

Would Israel trust the Lord or their own gods? They tried to do both! This compromise resulted in the demise of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Lord said, “No man can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24). James says “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (Jas. 1:8). If you are trying to walk hand-in-hand with the world listen to Elijah’s voice, “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him” (1 Kgs. 18:21). —David Croudace

He is Lord, He is Lord; He has risen from the dead and He is Lord;
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  —Marvin V. Frey

1 Kings 15:1-32; Jeremiah 26:1-24; Colossians 3:5-4:1

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone. 1 Thessalonians 3:1

Loneliness is a persistent problem in the world. Like anyone, Paul loathed it—especially because he laboured in pioneer evangelism in difficult areas. This passage tells us that he recently had faced persecution that drove him to Athens, an unfamiliar city to him. Yet he was willing to bereave himself of Timothy’s company to ensure the young Thessalonian converts’ ongoing spiritual development. He sent his co-worker to encourage and edify them (1 Thess. 3:2). Serving fellow saints sometimes necessitates relinquishing our comforts, but our reward in heaven shall be great (Mark 10:39-42). —K. R. Keyser

God speed the day, when those of every nation,
“Glory to God!” triumphantly shall sing. —James McGranahan

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

It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life. 1 Kings 19:4

Have you ever felt depressed? Often believers are too ashamed to admit it. If we are honest most of us are often challenged by the state of our minds. In spite of the tremendous blessings in Christ we still allow our minds to dwell on the negatives. Often depression strikes after a personal high or great achievement. Poor
Elijah! “Take away my life” he said. The day before he was on the mountaintop enjoying a resounding victory over the prophets of Baal. Peter says, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end” (1 Peter 1:13). —Sid Halsband

Looking off unto Jesus my heart cannot fear,
Its trembling is still when I see Jesus near;
I know that His power my safeguard will be,
For, “Why are you troubled?” He saith unto me.—J. Darby & A. Warner

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

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. Mark 12:42 

If anyone had an excuse for not giving to the Lord it was this woman. She is described as “poor” and so had little of earthly wealth. She was also a “widow” so had no one to gain regular income for her. Yet she draws one of the greatest commendations from the Lord and stands as a great rebuke to the materialism of
the Western world. She had learned the truth that things such as money and possessions should be held lightly and not grasped tightly. May we follow her example. —Paul Young

Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold. —Frances Ridley Havergal

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

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. John 17:18

In this prayer the Lord clearly describes the believer’s relationship to the world. Christ has positionally called us out of the world (17:6). Though citizens of heaven, we have been physically left in the world (17:11). Possessing a different outlook and desires, the world hates us for our identification with Christ, the One they crucified. God’s Word sets us apart from the world as we feed upon Him, growing in Christlikeness (17:17, 19). Ambassadors sent into the world, we represent the glorified Christ (17:18). In the world but not of it. How are we doing? —George Ferrier

We must show our Christian colours,
If we are to be true to Jesus Christ. —C. S. Lewis

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

Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools. Ecclesiastes 5:1 NKJV 

The southern steps leading up to the Temple Mount differ in length making it impossible to hurry along. Worshipers must slow down and think about each step as they make their approach. Heads bow to pay attention to their feet, conversation quiets to concentrate, hearts fill with anticipation while ears listen to hear His voice. We would do well to practice this principle as we gather in His name. —Rex Trogdon

Speak to my soul, Lord Jesus, speak now in tend’rest tone;
Whisper in lovingkindness; “Thou art not left alone.”
Open my heart to hear Thee, quickly to hear Thy voice,
Fill Thou my soul with praises, let me in Thee rejoice. —L. L. Pickett