Author: Gospel Folio Press

Exodus 1:1-2:22; Psalm 31:1-24; Matthew 27:45-66

In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence,  incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Titus 2:7-8 NKJV

Overseers and leaders are to consistently showcase what appropriate Christian behaviour and testimony looks and sounds like. Titus himself was responsible to show how high the bar is set. Paul made it clear to him that he was to walk what he talked. Leaders lead by example. They, in particular, must be our Christian exemplars. But the expectation is no less for any of us. The only offense the unconverted should have against us is our devotion to Christ
and the Gospel. —Peter Ramsay

O Lord, with sorrow and with shame we meekly would confess,
How little we, who bear Thy name, Thy mind, Thy ways express. —J.G. Deck

Genesis 50:1-26; Psalm 30:1-12; Matthew 27:27-44

He said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things. John 21:17

Our Lord knew that Judas would betray Him. He knew Peter would deny Him three times and His disciples would forsake Him and flee. He knew there would be the agony of the garden of Gethsemane and the awful anguish of the cross. Knowing all this He went to the place called Calvary for you and me. Hallelujah, what a Saviour! —John M. Clegg

O Lord, when we the path retrace
Which thou on earth hast trod;
To men Thy wondrous love and grace,
Thy faithfulness to God.  —James G Deck

Genesis 49:1-33; Psalms 28:1-29:11; Matthew 27:1-26

He laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. Revelation 20:2

Today Chinese people all over the world celebrate their lunar new year—the year of the Dragon. It is popularly believed that people born this year have superb leadership, are ambitious, and have a strong drive to realize their dreams. However, in the Bible the Dragon (Cruelty) is just another name for the Serpent (Subtlety) of Eden, the Devil (Slanderer); Satan (Adversary). All of these descriptors demonstrate the kind of enemy he is. As Christians we need to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). —K. C. Ung

Stretch out Thine arm, victorious King, my reigning sins subdue;
Drive the old dragon from his seat, with all his hellish crew.  —Isaac Watts

Genesis 47:28-48:22; Psalms 26:1-27:14; Matthew 26:57-75

The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. Job 17:9

As if the extremities of Job’s ordeal were not enough, he had also to endure the insensitive words of thoughtless men. Determined to maintain a righteous course before God, Job was confident that strength would be provided, but he longed to be delivered from men devoid of compassion. What wisdom is needed when seeking to comfort the suffering saint! Often, a silent embrace is more eloquent than ill-judged words, and a brief prayer, committing them
to the One who knew most what it was like to bear reproach, is the greatest help. —Phil Coulson

Thine is the heart our griefs to feel,
And Thine the love each wound to heal.  —John Newton

Genesis 38:1-30; Psalms 15:1-16:11; Matthew 21:33-22:14

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. Philippians 1:29

Did you realize that suffering for Christ is a gracious gift? That God is favouring us by allowing us to feel what He felt? We may not enjoy suffering, but it is not a bad thing. Christ is our example. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (Heb. 5:8). God is teaching us through our suffering for Him. Are we learning obedience? —Warren Hagey

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.  —John H. Sammis

Genesis 37:1-36; Psalms 11:1-14:7; Matthew 21:1-32

Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh? Exodus 3:11
Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. Jeremiah 1:6

How many responsibilities and opportunities have some of us failed to carry out because we decided we were not up to the task? God says that it is not up to us to decide. In Moses’ case God’s reply was, “Certainly I will be with thee” (Ex. 3:12). In Jeremiah’s situation God said, “Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth” (Jer. 1:9). If He opens a door for us; it is not our job to decide if we can succeed. We must simply press on and trust Him to give us grace to finish the race. —Ken Gross

O Master, when Thou callest, no voice may say Thee nay,
For blessed are they that follow where Thou dost lead the way.  —S. Stock

Genesis 36:1-43; Psalms 9:1-10:18; Matthew 20:17-34

For the joy that was set before him endured the cross. Hebrews 12:2

Our Lord Jesus looked beyond His present moment of pain and crucifixion. He looked ahead to the joy that was to be His at the end of His pain and suffering. He knew that His Father had a good and eternal purpose in it all. We need to see things similarly in our own lives. It has been said, “Never judge a tragedy at the moment it is happening”. Our loving Father has a purpose, and we need to trust Him. It is through a daily disciplined life that we develop a
lifestyle of triumph. —Eleanor Isaacson

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of all before the judgment seat;
O be swift, my soul, to answer Him; O be jubilant my feet!
Our God is marching on. — Julia Ward Howe

Genesis 35:1-29; Psalms 7:1-8:9; Matthew 19:16-20:16

And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. Revelation 19:13
The Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white. Revelation 19:7-8

Here we behold our Saviour, clothed with blood-stained garments. Here, also, we see ourselves, His church, His bride, clothed with “fine linen, clean and white”! By His death on the cross for our sins, He has cast away the “filthy rags” and dressed us with His own “robe of righteousness” (Isa. 61:10). “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 Jn 1:7). What a wonderful Saviour! —Elizabeth C. Bishop

All these once were sinners, defiled in His sight,
Now arrayed in pure garments in praise they unite! —A.T. Pierson

Genesis 33:18-34:31; Psalms 4:1-6:10; Matthew 19:1-15

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

The essence of a true believer in Jesus Christ is not found in religious works or practices: evangelism, prayer, Bible reading, meditation, giving, charitable works, church attendance. While Scripture encourages the pursuit of such disciplines, these are not what makes a believer. A believer is one who longs for the presence, power and person of Jesus to be alive in them. Their focus is eternity, their gaze is upward, and their desire is for more of Him. Are we true believers in Jesus Christ? If so, we will welcome His promised return with daily expectation. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Come today! —Deborah Manera

The Christian’s great future is before him. Therefore, the whole direction
of the Christian’s look should be forward. —A. W. Tozer

Genesis 32:1-33:17; Psalms 1:1-3:8; Matthew 18:15-35

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14

Yes, how? God sends His preachers out for a specific purpose, to win souls for Him. Are you a preacher? Are you discouraged? Jeremiah wanted to stop preaching (Jer. 20:9) because of persecution. But God’s Word was so deeply embedded in him that he just had to proclaim it. Paul declared, “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16). Are you ready to give up preaching? Don’t! —K. C. Ung

Lord, send us forth to preach the Word,
Wherever man is found;
Till every soul of Thee has heard,
The whole wide world around. —J. R. Clements