Author: Gospel Folio Press

2 Chronicles 3:1-4:22; Ezekiel 28:1-26; John 10:19-42

God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Genesis 50:20 NKJV

As a teenager, Joseph had revelations from God in the form of dreams. Yet he did not know exactly how God’s plan would unfold. Undoubtedly, He never envisioned separation from his family, becoming a slave, and years in prison. This is often true in our lives. God is working but often in unexpected and sometimes painful ways. But we rest in this, “that all things work together for good to those who love God” (Rom. 8:28). May we accept that God will fulfill His perfect purposes in us regardless of circumstances. —Gary McBride

Deep in unfathomable mines,
Of never-failing skill;
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will. —W. Cowper

2 Chronicles 1:1-2:18; Ezekiel 27:1-36; John 10:1-18

Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. Psalm 119:67 NKJV
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes (word). Psalm 119:71 NKJV

The psalmist is here assured that God’s hand of discipline was never vindictive, but always with a caring and loving purpose. We all have times of distress and wonder why. The Father loves and cares for us, reminding us that “No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11). —Jim Comte

Farther along we’ll know all about it,
Farther along we’ll understand why;
Cheer up, don’t worry, live in the sunshine,
We’ll understand it all by and by. —W. B. Stevens

1 Chronicles 29:1-30; Ezekiel 26:1-21; John 9:18-41

Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. 1 Cor. 15:3

Between July and November, 2014, a visual art project, entitled Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, was open for public viewing at the Tower of London. 888,246 red ceramic poppies were installed in the moat of the tower. Each poppy represented a British or Commonwealth life lost in the First World War. The effect was stunning. A staggering display of suffering and loss! Millions passed by and paid their respects. Today we remember those who died for our freedom. We are grateful for them and honour their memory. But we also think of another place of suffering, Calvary.
There the precious blood of our Saviour was shed. There He won for us forgiveness, peace with God and a glorious hope. – S. M.

A thankful heart, a simple faith, a life of love in You each day;
Til we are one and face to face, and all is joy and endless praise! —K. Bible

1 Chronicles 28:1-21; Ezekiel 24:1-25:17; John 9:1-17

And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning…And there Abram called on the name of the Lord. Genesis 13:3-4 NKJV

Abram had gone to Egypt to escape a famine. While there he got rich in sheep and cattle but had no freedom to worship God. Compromise may make us “fat in the land” but we will soon hunger for better things—God Himself. Better to go without, to be in a place where we can worship Him, trusting for our needs. Blessed is the one who clings to the Lord without compromise, even when times are hard. Blessed are we if we do the same! —Deborah Manera

The true Christian ideal is not to be happy, but be holy.  —A. W. Tozer

1 Chronicles 26:1-27:34; Ezekiel 23:1-49; John 8:31-59

The Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Luke 9:58
He said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the Spirit. John 19:30
The napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes. John 20:7

A place to lay one’s head is associated with rest. Our Lord found no rest in the world He created. Taken by His sinful creation, a crown of thorns was placed on His head, and He was nailed to a cross. After completing His sacrifice, He bowed His head and gave up the Spirit. Then for three days, His body lay at rest in the grave. But then—resurrection! It was an event like no other. May we rejoice in it as we remember Him today. —Ken Gross

Looking off unto Jesus, my spirit is blest,
In the world I have turmoil—In Him I have rest. —Anna Warner

1 Chronicles 24:1-25:31; Ezekiel 22:1-31; John 8:12-30

The things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places. Philippians 1:12-13

Paul was thrown into prison but realized it was a marvelous opportunity to give the Gospel to those he had never met and who had never heard it before. Whatever adverse circumstances I may face, such as a broken water pipe, an illness, or a financial problem, remember God has allowed them so that others like my plumber, my doctor, my bank manager, and whoever else God may bring into my life, may hear the Gospel. —David Croudace

I love to tell the story; for some have never heard
The message of salvation, from God’s own holy Word.  —Katherine Hankey

1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32; Ezekiel 20:45-21:32; John 7:31-8:11

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee. Mark 5:19

In the task of worldwide evangelism, our Lord calls for action. “Go!” The Gospel is to be proclaimed anywhere and everywhere, to anyone and everyone. Every believer is a missionary, one sent with a message. But where might one begin? Begin at home, telling family and friends of the wonderful difference the Saviour has made in your life. God may not be calling you to cross an ocean to be a soul-winner. He may be simply calling you to go next door and speak to your neighbour. —Clark Logan

Christians, go and tell of Jesus, how He died to save our souls.
How that He, from sin might free us, suffered agonies untold. —E. Hammond

1 Chronicles 21:1-30; Ezekiel 20:1-44; John 7:12-30

Because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. Hosea 4:1

We now live in a time of “fake news” sometimes called “posttruth,” when it is difficult to know what to believe and what to accept as valid. Social media enables falsehood to spread quickly and there is no mercy for those who seem to deny the “accepted norm.” It all finds its origin in a denial of God and a rejection of His standards. This makes life for the Christian harder than ever. It can be costly to swim against the tide, but we must accept God’s Word and be absolutely committed to truth and mercy which reflects the character of our God. —Paul Young

We’ll walk for truth, speak out for love, in Jesus’ name we shall be strong,
To lift the fallen, to save the children, to fill the nation with Your song.  —Graham Kendrick

1 Chronicles 19:1-20:8; Ezekiel 18:1-19:14; John 6:41- 7:11

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials. 1 Peter 1:6 NKJV

Peter goes on to say that these various trials are used by God to refine our faith, resulting in praise, honour, and glory to the Lord. We live in a fallen world that is steeped in sin. This brokenness is the cause of much of our sufferings. Yet God can still use it for His work in us. However, there are other trials that are specifically directed by God for His intended purposes (John 9:3). May our faith grow to accept God’s hand in the trials that come our way, and seek to grow in them bringing praise, honour and glory to Him. —Sam Thorpe

I thank you Lord,
for the trials that come my way.
In that way I can grow each day
as I let you lead. —Dan Burgess

1 Chronicles 17:1-18:17; Ezekiel 17:1-24; John 6:22-40

He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

As we look at the beauty of nature all around us, God’s majestic touch is evident. It is a constant reminder that He is in control of this world and its events. He has promised to be with His people and will never fail or abandon us. What a comfort, not only for the good times but also for the moments of trial we will inevitably encounter through this journey of life. —Olive Wilson

Oh love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee.
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths,
Its flow may richer, fuller be.  —George Matheson