Author: Gospel Folio Press

2 Chronicles 35:1-27; Daniel 2:24-49; 1 John 5:1-21

I pray for them, I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou has given me, for they are thine. John 17:9
Those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost. John 17:12

How wonderful that our Lord Jesus Christ considers every believer a special gift from the Father. How unique and precious we all are to Him. This certainly lifts our spirits to greater heights and helps us rise out of any feelings of depression and worthlessness. John 3:16 tells us what He has done for us. 1 John 3:16 tells us what we now need to do for one another. Let’s look at all believers as special gifts straight from the heart of God to the Lord Jesus Christ.
—Eleanor Isaacson

Once more to tell it, would I embrace;
I’m only a sinner saved by grace! —James M. Gray

2 Chronicles 34:1-33; Daniel 2:1-23; 1 John 4:21

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. John 11:15

Consider our Emmanuel’s emotions. The Man of Sorrows (Isa. 53:3) wept with Mary and Martha over their sorrow at the death of Lazarus (John 11:35), and over Jerusalem because of the city’s impending judgment (Luke 19:41). We read of His “strong crying and tears” in Gethsemane (Heb. 5:7). But in our text He was glad. Also, He “rejoiced in spirit” and said, “even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight” (Luke 10:21) We see pictured the glad Saviour’s
rejoicing in His parable of the Shepherd (Luke 15:3-7). —L. Cain

But all thro’ the mountains,
Thunder-riv’n, and up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of heav’n,
“Rejoice! I have found my sheep!” —E. Clephane

2 Chronicles 33:1-25; Daniel 1:1-21; 1 John 3L1-24

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. Ephesians 6:7

We speak of the “missionary call” as a prerequisite to overseas service. But what of the faithful Christian working at his secular job? Every believer in every job, regardless how laborious, and difficult, has a divine calling. Whether a clerk at the store, the mother of a young family or a school teacher. We are all called to be faithful in fulfilling our duties. Perhaps our vocation does not attract much notice from the world but remember God notices! Being
called and being faithful in performing secular work is as important as faithfulness in overseas missionary work. —Sid Halsband

Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, by the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, and my will be lost in Thine.  —Fanny J Crosby

2 Chronicles 32:1-33; Ezekiel 48:1-35; 1 John 2:12-29

What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? Genesis 24:65

Abraham’s servant was returning from Mesopotamia with Rebecca, the future bride of Isaac. The long weary days of travel in the wilderness were about to end, and Rebecca sees her bridegroom coming to meet her, and to escort her to his home. So it will be with ourselves as the Bride of Christ. Soon the weary days of wilderness travel will end, and our beloved will meet us in the air, and escort us to our heavenly home. —Willie H. Burnett

O the blessed joy of meeting, all the desert past,
O the wondrous words of greeting, He shall speak at last!
He and I together ent’ring those fair courts above;
He and I together sharing, all the Father’s love. —Gerhardt Tersteegen

2 Chronicles 31:1-21; Ezekiel 47:1-23; 1 John 1:1-2:11

He said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30
I declare unto you the gospel…Christ died for our sins…he was buried…he rose again. 1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-4

When our Lord said “It is finished”, He spoke of His completed sacrifice for our sin. But the Father wasn’t finished. His plans were not complete. He had two disciples lovingly bury His Son. After three days God prompted others to come to the tomb to witness the tomb and empty grave clothes. He later arranged for above 500 brethren to see Him at once. And He has given Him a name which is above every name (Phil. 2:9). Worship Him today! —Ken Gross

Who died and lives again, who liveth evermore;
Who loved and washed us in His blood,
Who made us kings and priests to God. —Horatius Bonar

2 Chronicles 30:1-27; Ezekiel 46:1-24; John 21:1-25

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

John 3:16 is probably the best-known verse in the Bible. Someone has called it “the Bible in brief” because the whole message of the Bible is contained in its twenty-five words. The first half of John 3:16 is all about God. The last is all about us. It’s the greatest verse, about the greatest Giver, of the greatest love, who gave the greatest Gift ever given, to meet our greatest need! Share it with someone today. —Rex Trogdon

Oh, believe it! Oh, believe it!
Christ has died upon the tree,
That from sin you might be free;
Jesus died for you and me, Oh believe it! —John Ferguson

2 Chronicles 29:1-36; Ezekiel 45:1-25; John 20:19-31

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Waiting is not easy – even if we are waiting on God. It can be frustrating and sometimes when we have to wait, we can even begin to question God and His goodness. Easy as these thoughts are to have, may God deliver us from such doubts. This verse assures us that waiting time is not wasted time. It is not a problem but an opportunity. David says that if we will wait, our hearts will receive divine strengthening. What a wonderful blessing! We can always trust in God’s timing. Wait on Him. —Caleb Riordan

Not now, but in the coming years,
It may be in the better land,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, some time, we’ll understand. —Maxwell N. Cornelius

2 Chronicles 27:1-28:27; Ezekiel 44:1-31; John 20:1-18

All things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly. Eph. 3:20

The word “redound” is the verb form of “exceeding abundantly” that we see here in Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians. Isn’t it amazing that when God does “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think”, we can “redound” with thanksgiving, all to the glory of God! Let us give back to Him our “superabundant” thanks during this season of
Thanksgiving, as well as all year long! —Elizabeth C. Bishop

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home:
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God, our maker, doth provide for our wants to be supplied.
Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home. —H. Alford

2 Chronicles 26:1-23; Ezekiel 43:1-27; John 19:17-42

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8

The professional chorister never once took her eyes off the conductor. During every song in the concert, she was completely focused on the one leading the choir. When I asked her about it after, she explained: “The conductor sees the big picture and knows if any adjustments need to be made. Focusing on her prevents me from getting distracted, and she is so encouraging after a job well done”. In these tumultuous days, let us remember to keep our eyes on our Conductor, trusting that He will lead, focus, correct and encourage us. —Lynn Shatford

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace. —Helen H. Lemmel

2 Chronicles 25:1-28; Ezekiel 42:1-20; John 18:28-19:16

In the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by. Psalm 57:1 NKJV

This verse brings to mind the story of a mother hen trapped and facing a raging fire. Gathering her young chicks under the safety of her wings, their lives are spared, but at the cost of her own. Jesus too, gave His life enduring the fire of God’s wrath against sin, so that we might be saved. Now, as His children, we can run to Him with whatever calamity is currently raging in our lives. His loving arms will gather us close, sheltering us and providing just what we need. —E. V.

Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever. —William Cushing