Author: Gospel Folio Press

2 Kings 20:1-21:18; Lamentations 1:1-21; 1 Timothy 4:1-16

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

I recently had cataract surgery on one eye. I didn’t think I needed it, but afterwards, the difference in colours was amazing and I could even differentiate between navy blue and black again. As my sight improved the above verse came to my mind. Now we only see the glories of Christ through a glass darkly. Our perception of Him and His glory is dim. Let us look forward to that joyful day when we shall see Him in fullness, face to face. —Mary Robins

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 E. Breck

2 Kings 19:1-37; Jeremiah 52:1-34; 1 Timothy 3:1-16

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NKJV

To the world, peace is calmness and the absence of conflict. But to the believer, the Lord Jesus offers an excelling peace that the world knows nothing about. In this verse, we have the assurance of trouble in this world but also the availability to us of His peace. This peace is not controlled by circumstances or culture but rather by allowing the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts. We have a peace the world cannot give and that the world cannot take away. —Gary McBride

Peace, perfect peace in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.  —E. Bickersteth

2 Kings 18:1-37; Jeremiah 51:25-64; 1 Timothy 2:1-15

Then he (Elisha) said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. 2 Kings 4:3

The widow in this story, through no fault of her own, found herself in debt. It must have been a humiliating experience for her to ask for help from her neighbours, but she acceded to Elisha’s request. No doubt when she returned the vessels, having paid her debts, it was a powerful witness to the neighbours. Never forget the Lord freely paid our sin debts at the cost of His life (Col. 2:14). —Brian Russell

A debtor to mercy alone,
Of covenant mercy I sing;
Nor fear, with God’s righteousness on,
My person and offerings to bring.  —Augustus M. Toplady

2 Kings 17:1-41; Jeremiah 51:1-24; 1 Timothy 1:1-20

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped. Job 1:20

Suffering hurts. But God is never indifferent to our pain. Why was Job able to worship God amidst his suffering? Because he knew that God cared and he trusted in His providence. Often our response to times of trial falls short because we view suffering as something God does to us and not for us. The tears He allows always have a purpose
in our sanctification, and though today we may be traveling the path of suffering (1 Pet. 2:21), one day we will also follow Christ into eternal glory. —Tim Hansford

Your cross, O Lord, taught me to sing,
For now my captive soul is free!
No guilt, no fear, no suffering,
Can tear away Your love from me! —Thomas Brewster

2 Kings 15:32-16:20; Jeremiah 50:21-46; Titus 2:9-3:15

The child was young. 1 Samuel 1:24

How was little Samuel going to manage when left in the care of a weak priest like Eli and the company of his wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas? Was it inevitable that his innocence would be scarred, and his spiritual development marred by all of the evil around him? Significantly, his godly mother was a woman of prayer and faith. Hannah would have continued praying for her son each day and so, “The child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men” (1 Sam. 2:26). Parents, when your children must venture out into a dark and sinful world, keep praying for them and keep trusting God. —Clark Logan

Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong; they are weak, but He is strong. —Anna Bartlett Warner

2 Kings 14:23-15:31; Jeremiah 50:1-20; Titus 1:1-2:8

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines…Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18

Every good and perfect gift is from our heavenly Father, so it is our honour and responsibility to thank Him for loving families, health, comfortable homes, and bountiful tables. But there is another side to life: loved ones may break our heart; the doctor’s report may be terrifying; finances may cause distress. Yet I will rejoice. I will be
joyful. Why? “The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God…and I will exalt him” (Ex. 15:2). Life is never perfect, but we have much to be thankful for today. —Caroline Webb

Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One;
Give thanks, because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son. —Don Moen

2 Kings 13:1-14:22; Jeremiah 49:1-39; Hebrews 13:7-25

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. Romans 14:9

The death of Jesus on the cross was not the death of a martyr, but was God’s acceptable sacrifice for our sins. That God raised Him from the dead testifies to this truth. The death of Jesus on the cross was far more than a shameful act of a sinful people. It is a glorious act of redemption that is full of splendour and blessing. He has triumphed over all foes who were against Him. Sin has been paid for in full. Reconciliation with God is now possible. New life begins! And as we live it, may we bring forth “much fruit!”  —Gaius C. Goff

I will praise my dear Redeemer, His triumphant pow’r I’ll tell,
How the victory He giveth, over sin, and death, and hell.  —Phillip P. Bliss

2 Kings 11:1-12:21; Jeremiah 48:1-47; Hebrews 12:18-13:6

The Lord is my shepherd. Psalm 23:1
The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11 NKJV

Psalm 23 is one of the most treasured portions of Scripture. In the first section, David highlights the fact that God cares for us each day (vv. 1-3). In the psalm’s final section, David notes that God will care for us in the days ahead through His promises (vv. 4-6). An individual cannot experience these blessings unless they have made the Lord their personal Shepherd and Saviour. This is done by believing what the Lord Jesus did for you in His sacrificial death on the cross (Rom. 5:8). Make Jesus the Shepherd of your soul today. —Bob Cretney

The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want; He makes me down to lie,
In pastures green; He leadeth me, the quiet waters by. —Francis Rous

2 Kings 10:1-36; Jeremiah 45:1-47:7; Hebrews 12:1-17

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

The Christian life should be one of continual development. When we trusted Christ as Saviour it was the start of a journey to be completed when we arrive in heaven. The journey is about a personal increase in knowledge and understanding of the Lord, His ways, and His Word. That understanding has to move from head to heart, from inside to outside. The Christian character needs to be increasingly like the Saviour and revealed outwardly in gracious dealings with others. Grace is bestowing favour to those who don’t deserve it. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ
and such qualities need to be seen in His followers. —Paul Young

Grace, our highest thought transcending,
“Grace and truth” in Him are blending. —Douglas Russell