Author: Gospel Folio Press

2 Samuel 20:1-26; Jeremiah 4:3-31; Galatians 5:10-26

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” John 21:17 NKJV

Peter’s denials grew progressively stronger. First, he denied, then he denied with an oath, then he denied with cursing and swearing (Matt. 26). Here, after the resurrection, the Lord’s call on Peter’s love grew progressively weaker: Do you agapao (sacrificial love) Me more than these? Do you agapao Me (at all)? Do you (at least) phileo (brotherly affection) Me? God’s people may experience each of these three levels of love at some point in their life. Yet, even when it seems that all we can give Him is phileo, His command remains unchanged: “Feed My sheep…follow Me.” —Eunice Free

When our love is but a flickering flame,
He still says, “Come—Go in My name.” —E. Free

2 Samuel 19:9-43; Jeremiah 3:6-4:2; Galatians 4:21-5:9

Then Samuel said to Saul, “Be quiet! And I will tell you what the Lord said to me last night.” And he said to him, “Speak on.” 1 Samuel 15:16 NKJV
And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” Luke 7:40 NKJV

Both Saul and Simon expected to hear words of praise about what they had done. However, that was not the case. Each had acted in their own way and in their own strength. Only what is done for the Lord and by His strength will last and bring Him the glory He so richly deserves. In all our endeavours, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17). —Annette Baal

Only one life t’will soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. —C. T. Studd

2 Samuel 18:1-19:8; Jeremiah 2:1-3:5; Galatians 4:1-20

The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Matthew 13:44

I am really looking forward to the Lord’s return and going “home.” How about you? As we await our departure, may we be like the man in Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13. He was happy to give up everything he owned because he knew that what he had found in Jesus was so much better! Let’s search God’s Word to find the desires and heart attitudes that He wants us to have. Let’s ask that we will only be satisfied with what really brings joy. —Pam Hagey

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory! —E. E. Hewitt

2 Samuel 16:1-17:29; Jeremiah 1:1-19; Galatians 3:15-29

And he (the Lord) saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Matthew 8:26

The disciples had followed the Lord when He entered the ship (v. 23) and immediately a great storm arose which terrified these seasoned fishermen, to the point where in their terror they awakened the Lord saying “Lord, save us: we perish” (v. 25). The Lord gently chided them for their lack of faith and rose and stilled the storm. We learn here, that even when we closely follow the Lord, we will not be exempt from the storms of life, but we must rest in the assurance that He is in control and will bring calm to our troubled souls. —Willie H. Burnett

When the storms of life are raging, tempests wild on sea and land,
I will find a place of refuge, in the shadow of God’s hand.  —Mary E. Servos

2 Samuel 15:1-37; Zephaniah 3:1-20; Galatians 3:1-14

Mary…anointed the feet of Jesus. John 12:3

Just before going to Calvary, the Lord Jesus was honoured by Mary in a home in Bethany. Her silent devotion spoke volumes when she took a pound of ointment of spikenard—pure, plentiful, and precious, and anointed His feet. The men spoke up in protest, their harsh indignant words threatening to spoil the moment. Their hearts were out of tune regarding her sacrificial gift, seeing it as a waste. They knew nothing of the eloquence of silent adoration, but Mary did. The fragrance of her worship filled the house. When we gather to remember the Lord, may we experience the same blessedness. —Clark Logan

Praise the Saviour, ye who know Him!
Who can tell how much we owe Him?
Gladly let us render to Him, all we are and have. —Thomas Kelly

2 Samuel 14:1-33; Zephaniah 2:1-15; Galatians 2:1-21

Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51

Multitudes have fallen asleep in Christ. Many other believers will be added to their number, even today. Their journey here is finished but a new eternal vista has opened up before them—forever with the Lord. During life here, they came to know Christ. They lived for Christ. They died in Christ and they are presently “with Christ” (Phil. 1:23). But their bodies are sleeping, awaiting the resurrection day. And soon that day will come, when, along with those believers who are living, we will all be united with Him. Look up! He may come today! —L. Cain

God, my Redeemer lives, and ever from the skies
Looks down and watches all my dust, till He shall bid it rise.  —Isaac Watts

2 Samuel 13:1-39; Zephaniah 1:1-18; Galatians 1:1-24

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1

When I was a child, our family toured Tom Sawyer’s cave in Hannibal, Missouri. When we had descended deep into the cave, the tour guide turned off his flashlight, and we were immediately cast into complete and total darkness! He left his light off for about a minute, but to me, it felt like “the blackness of darkness forever” (Jude 1:13). What a relief when the light was restored, and we emerged once again into the day. Praise God for the spiritual “light of the world” (John 8:12), Jesus Christ our Saviour, who enlightens the hearts of all who believe in Him! —Elizabeth C. Bishop

Come to the light, ‘tis shining for thee;
Once I was blind, but now I can see,
The light of the world is Jesus. —Philip P. Bliss

2 Samuel 12:1-31; Habakkuk 3:1-19; Romans 16:1-27

Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To show that the Lord is upright. Psalm 92:13-15

Age may take away our youthfulness, but it should not take away our usefulness or our fruitfulness. Psalm 71 is “A prayer for old age”. If you are older and feel like your days of fruitfulness are waning, read and pray over this wonderful psalm. “Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come” (Ps. 71:18). Remember, He will “never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5 NKJV), even in your old age! —Richard I. Bishop

Teach us, all the days of our lives; to apply our hearts to wisdom and Thy will.
Establish Thou the work of our hands, and Thy beauty rest upon us still.—E. C. B.

2 Samuel 10:1-11:27; Habakkuk 2:1-20; Romans 15:14-33

Call to Me, and I will answer you. Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV

Returning home, Howard noticed a neighbour driving his tractor around the paddock. A voice spoke to Howard saying, “You must stop.” Howard continued, only to hear the voice again. Howard stopped and got out of his car. The neighbour also stopped and calling to Howard asked, “How can I become a Christian?” It turned out the neighbour had prayed, “God, if you are real, then let Howard stop!” Howard and his wife visited his home that evening  explaining the way of salvation. Ten days later they had the joy of seeing the man and his wife trust Christ. That was fifty years ago and they followed the Lord until recently when both went home to glory. —Janet Fleming

Tell others about Jesus, how He took your sins away,
That they can know forgiveness, by trusting Him today. —Janet Fleming

2 Samuel 8:1-9:13; Habakkuk 1:1-17; Romans 14:19-15:13

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:4

When the report of Gaius’ faithfulness reached John, he was moved by the Holy Spirit to write words of appreciation to him. Gaius was a faithful companion of the apostle Paul, and John was grateful to hear that he was continuing steadfastly. Sometimes all we need to do is be observant of each other and when we see a worthy example be quick to acknowledge that faithful brother or sister. Rather than wait for a funeral to send a bouquet or say good things about others, perhaps we should give them the flowers and verbal affirmation now. —Rick Morse

We are pilgrims on a journey, and companions on the road;
We are here to help each other, walk the mile and bear the load.  —Richard Gillard