Author: Gospel Folio Press

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

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently. Deut. 4:9

The context here is Moses’ public reiteration of God’s goodness in relation to the history of Israel. Twice he exults, “What nation is there so great?”. But his practical concern is that Israel may depart from the Lord and fail to teach their children of His goodness. We, too, have been mightily blessed, far beyond Israel’s experience. We have received “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). We also need Moses’ reminder, to take heed to ourselves and keep our soul diligently [watch our inner life closely]. Then pass it on to the next generation. —David W. Oliver

Bride of the Lamb, there is for thee, one only safe retreat;
Where Jesus is, thy heart should be, Thy home at His dear feet.  —Boethia Thompson

Exodus 33:1-34:3; Psalms 83:1-84:12; Acts 20:1-16

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 NKJV

Paul expected hardship, imprisonment, and possible death but he did not count his life dear to himself. With joy, he spent his remaining days telling people the Gospel of the grace of God, which had saved a reprobate like himself. We, who have the Lord’s promise that He is coming to snatch us away at any moment, should also be using every opportunity to tell as many as possible about the Lord Jesus and His saving grace. —David Croudace

But if by death to living, they can Thy glory see,
I’ll take my cross and follow close to Thee. —Ira Stamphil

Exodus 32:1-35; Psalms 81:1-82:8; Acts 19:21-41

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, [Timothy] which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 2 Tim. 1:5

Dear mothers and grandmothers, be encouraged as you undertake the daily task of raising your children. Amid all the tiring “behind the scenes” routines, bear in mind that you have been given the honour of having an influence upon their minds and hearts to lead them to Christ as Saviour, and prepare them for future service in the things of God. —Willie H. Burnett

When mothers of Salem their children brought to Jesus,
The stern disciples drove them back and bade them depart;
But Jesus saw them e’er they fled, and sweetly smiled, and kindly said,
“Suffer the little children to come unto me.” —W. M. Hutchings

Exodus 31:1-18; Psalms 79:1-80:19; Acts 18:24-19:20

If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee. 2 Samuel 10:11

Joab spoke these words to his brother Abishai as they were about to engage the enemies of Israel. Here is one who is willing to come alongside another one in need. Is this not what an encourager does? Is there someone you know today who is struggling, maybe feeling overwhelmed, who needs a helping hand? Taking the time to pay them a visit and to be with them could be a real encouragement. Don’t let the opportunity pass. —Pete Smith

Some work of love begun, some deed of kindness done,
Some wanderer sought and won, something for Thee. —S. Dryden Phelps

Exodus 30:11-38; Psalm 78:32-72; Acts 18:1-23

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” … “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear”… Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:5-8 NKJV

Don’t let your familiarity with these words rob you of appreciating their relevance to you today. Those we love move out of our lives, leaving us only with memories and lessons they taught us. The shifting sands of life can make us feel vulnerable and faint-hearted about the future. Allow these verses to saturate your soul just now. In the past, He gave Himself for you; today, He intercedes for you. Forever, He will be the unchanging constant in your life. Fix your
eyes on Him. — Peter Ramsay

Trust in Him, ye saints forever; He is faithful, changing never.
Neither force, nor guile can sever, those He loves from Him.  —T. Kelly

Exodus 29:38-30:10; Psalm 78:1-31; Acts 17:16-34

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Psalm 34:19

This verse can be challenging, particularly if we are in the midst of navigating difficult circumstances. Yet, just as afflictions or trials come in many different shapes and sizes, so too do deliverances. The Lord may use a card of encouragement, a phone call, a visit, or even a meal delivered to our door. These kind gestures in and of themselves may not remove our trial, but will help to remind us that we are loved and prayed for. This will encourage our heart,
giving us strength to go on. How might we bless someone today? —E. V.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing;
Out of my life, may Jesus shine. —Ira B. Wilson

Exodus 29:1-37; Psalms 76:1-77:20; Acts 17:1-15

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct [make smooth or straight] your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

These verses are beloved by many and rightly so. They lay out the best path for us to travel and the richest blessings to pursue along the way. Trust is the key word and has two significant meanings: “to take refuge” as when a sudden storm unleashes its power; and “to cling to”, when another’s help is needed, using both arms and not letting go! Our God can be trusted! So commit yourself to Him, “with all your heart”. Find your refuge in Him and continue to cling
with both arms. —Jim Comte

For the favour He shows, and the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey. —John H. Sammis

Exodus 28:15-43; Psalms 74:1-75:10; Acts 16:16-40

Knowing the time … Romans 13:11

A church in Littledean in Gloucestershire has a quirky clock on its 14th-century tower. It never strikes 11 due to a design fault. Instead of the clock face showing the last four Roman numerals as IX, X, XI, and XII [9, 10, 11, 12], the numbers on the face are shown as IX, X, IX, and XII [i.e 9, 10, 9, 12]. It would be easy for somebody to read the 9
and think there are 3 hours left before 12, when in fact there might just be 1 hour left. We should take care to consider the time we have left. Now it is time to seek the Lord, time to right a wrong, time to visit a friend, time to forgive, time to serve the Lord, time to read the Scriptures, time to pray. —Brian Powlesland

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word. —William D. Longstaff

Exodus 27:20-28:14; Psalm 73:1-28; Acts 15:36-16:15

And they were afraid. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” John 6:19-20 NKJV

Are you fearing something today? We all have fears about an uncertain future. But Scripture repeatedly tells us not to be afraid. We are called to exercise faith in the Lord’s promise to care for us in every circumstance of life. Nothing is beyond His ability. Nothing is too complex for Him. Nothing is greater than God. We are to bring the Lord into every situation and learn to rest in the One who is greater than the most threatening of events. —Brian Gunning

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread,
Are big with mercy, and shall break,
In blessings on your head. – William Cowper

Exodus 26:31-27:19; Psalm 72:1-20; Acts 15:22-35

For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup … surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth drain and drink down. Ps. 75:8

The imagery of a cup occurs several times in Scripture. Jeremiah refers to the “wine cup of fury” as an indication of God’s judgment on a number of nations. John speaks of the “wine of the wrath of God” and “the cup of His indignation” (Rev. 14:10). We can be so thankful that the Lord Jesus submitted to the will of the Father will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). —Gary McBride

Death and the curse were in our cup,
O Christ, ‘twas full for Thee!
But Thou hast drained the last dark drop;
‘Tis empty now for me. —A. R. Cousin