Author: Gospel Folio Press

1 Samuel 18:6-19:7; Isaiah 59:1-21; Romans 4:23-5:11

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things. Psalm 119:37 NKJV
Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. Psalm 119:18 NKJV

Here are two requests we would do well to emulate. First, that our eyes would be turned away from worthless things. Second, that our eyes would be opened to wondrous things found in God’s Word. Worthless things are on every hand, but as we search the Scriptures, may our eyes be opened to the things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Phil. 4:8). Then our eyes will be turned from the worthless to the worthwhile. —E. V.

Open the eyes of my heart Lord;
I want to see You. —Paul Baloche

1 Samuel 17:32-18:5; Isaiah 58:1-14; Romans 4:1-22

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

The Creation account presents God as all-powerful, all-wise, and abounding in goodness. But Satan raises two questions in Genesis 3. Is God really good? And can God’s Word really be trusted? The evil one was successful with this line of attack then and still today he deceives and distorts with these same insinuations. And many are happy to suppress the evidence that God has plainly given to the contrary (Rom. 1:18-20). But to those who seek Him diligently, He still demonstrates His grace and goodness. —David Wilson

Ponder anew, what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee. —Joachim Neander

1 Samuel 17:1-31; Isaiah 56:9-57:21; Romans 3:1-31

Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches. Jeremiah 9:23

‘Tis far better to glory in the One through whom the Father gives us the Spirit of wisdom (Eph. 1:17); the One who strengthens us with might by His Spirit according to the riches of His glory (Eph. 3:16); and supplies all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). May those who dwell among us see the glorious Saviour who dwells within us. —David J. Reed

When I look into the face of Jesus,
And behold the beauty of my King,
Then, transformed, into His blessed likeness,
To His glory, I will ever sing. —Eliza Hewitt

1 Samuel 16:1-23; Isaiah 55:1-56:8; Romans 2:1-29

I have waited for your salvation, O Lord! Genesis 49:18 NKJV
And you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 NKJV
For my eyes have seen Your salvation. Luke 2:30 NKJV

The first Biblical mention of “salvation” is used here in Jacob’s prophecy. Literally, he says, “I have waited for your Yeshua, (your Jesus).” Many centuries passed until the angel announced to Joseph “And you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Salvation had arrived and Simeon, from the OT era, held the
Lord Jesus and said, “My eyes have seen Your salvation, (Your Yeshua; Your Jesus).” Make Him your salvation today! —Jim Comte

Jesus, name above all names, beautiful Saviour, glorious Lord.
Emmanuel, God with us, blessed Redeemer, living Word. —N. Hearn

1 Samuel 15:1-35; Isaiah 54:1-17; Romans 1:18-32

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

The young man sat dejectedly. He had come to an auction to bid on the police car that his late father had used while on the force. Despite his best attempts, the car eventually sold for much more than he could pay. What he so desired was unobtainable on his own. Imagine his joy when the purchaser offered him the keys and said: “Take it. It’s yours!” Do you long to know that your sins are forgiven? You will never be able to work hard enough to make that happen. The Lord Jesus has already paid the price and offers salvation as a gift. Do not turn it down! —Lynn Shatford

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. —E. Hall

1 Samuel 14:1-52; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Romans 1:1-17

I … will bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfort to her. I will give … the Valley of Achor as a door of hope. Hos. 2:14-15 NKJV

How often we wish to escape the wilderness seasons of our lives. But in Scripture, the wilderness is an almost sacred place, a place where the Lord meets with His people and speaks intimately to them. For me too, the wilderness may become a life-changing encounter with the living God, as I turn aside to notice the bush that is burning. Then let me remember the truths I learned in the desert and carry their sweetness with me. —Marilyn MacMullen

Long the blessed Guide has led me,
By the desert road;
Now I see the coming splendour,
Splendour of my God. —G. Tersteegen

1 Samuel 13:1-23; Isaiah 52:1-12; 2 Corinthians 12:14-13:14

In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided. Gen. 22:14 NKJV
The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. Psalm 24:1 NKJV
For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. Psalm 50:10 NKJV

When in need, we often look at our meagre provisions and assume that is all God has to work with. Not so! We are reminded here that He owns it all. He can make something out of nothing and something become nothing. God isn’t limited like we are; His power and His resources are infinite. Nothing is out of His reach or ability. Trust Him today. —Deborah Manera

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. —John H. Sammis

1 Samuel 11:1-12:25; Isaiah 51:9-23; 2 Corinthians 12:1-13

My Lord and my God. John 20:28

We never read of Thomas putting his finger into the print of the nails. After seeing the Lord, Thomas bowed the knee and said “my Lord and my God”. Soon we are going to see Him. I wonder what we shall say in that day? —John M. Clegg

Oh what shall we feel in Thy presence when first,
The visions of glory, upon us shall burst!
Since now our soul longeth and seeketh for Thee;
Oh, when blessed Saviour, Thy face shall we see? —E. Grimley

1 Samuel 9:15-10:27; Isaiah 50:1-51:8; 2 Corinthians 11:1-33

From the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard … Daniel 10:12 NKJV

When they need it, God gives His people glimpses of what He is doing. God encouraged Daniel by letting him know that his prayer had been heard the first time it was presented. God knows when we need a spiritual lift and at the right time He gives it to us. He pulls back the curtain and allows us to see His hand at work. Let us humble ourselves as we seek His purposes. —Laura Fraser

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. —Katharina von Schlegel

1 Samuel 8:1-9:14; Isaiah 49:1-26; 2 Corinthians 10:1-18

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:16

Because Christ paid the price for our sin we have the privilege of coming boldly into the very presence of a holy God. For an unsaved sinner to do so would mean instant judgment and death. But trusting in Christ’s death, we now, as His children, can approach, not only a “Holy God,” but a “loving heavenly Father”, who cares about the smallest detail of our lives and is waiting to graciously answer every prayer we may make. —David Croudace

By grace alone somehow I stand, where even angels fear to tread.
Invited by redeeming love, before the throne of God above,
Christ pulls me close with nail-scarred hands, into His everlasting arms. —Rend Co