DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 2; Psalms 146-147; Mark 12:18-44
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers…governments. 1 Corinthians 12:28
The word “governments” comes from a word that means “to steer”—a shipmaster, a helmsman. This pictures what spiritual leaders do in the local assembly. They are to keep the ship in the channel, away from dangers. The Lord in His wisdom has appointed and gifted those who can do this. An assembly without “government” is like a ship without a helmsman. We should pray for those who guide the saints and allow them to steer us, guided by the Lord. And those who govern need to study the charts (the Word) and keep a sharp eye out for dangers. —Carl Knott
Jesus, Saviour, pilot me, over life’s tempestuous sea, Unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treacherous shoal, Chart and compass come from Thee: Jesus, Saviour, pilot me. —E. Hopper
Gospel Folio Press is pleased to announce its newest book and welcome its newest author: The Bitter Spirit: The Deadly Effects of Bitterness Paul Young Paul Young lives in Maesteg, South Wales and is married to Alison. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and International Politics as well as a Master’s in Theology. He is a trained teacher and taught High School before entering full-time ministry for the Lord in 1981. Much of his work is with the assembly in Maestag: preaching, teaching, and children’s work. He also goes into all the local schools to teach the Gospel and travels in ministry extensively through the UK and to many countries overseas. He has done a great deal of radio work and written eleven books and many articles for magazines. He is also a trustee of Echoes of Service, Hebron Hall Christian Centre and Stewards Company.
DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 1; Psalms 144-145; Mark 11:27 to 12:17
And he (Samson) knew not that the Lord was departed from him. Judges 16:20 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God. Ephesians 4:30
Samson’s mighty deeds were the result of the Spirit of God coming upon him. But the day he sinned the Lord left him. He was captured, blinded and put to work like an ox. Today the Holy Spirit dwells in a believer and will never depart from him. But through unconfessed sin I can grieve the Holy Spirit and hinder His working in me and through me. How sad! When the Spirit convicts me of even the smallest sin, I must immediately confess and forsake it. Only an un-grieved Holy Spirit will use me for God’s glory. —David Croudace
We cannot be channels of blessing, if our lives are not free from known sin; We will barriers be, and a hindrance to those we are trying to win. —H. G. Smyth
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 27; Psalms 142-143; Mark 11:1-26
Who was delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification. Romans 4:25
As we look back to the cross, we exclaim, “What has God done?” and as we look at the empty tomb, we again exclaim, “What has God done?” At the cross the Lord Jesus “obtained eternal redemption for us,” (Heb. 4:12). In His glorious resurrection He triumphed over sin, death and the grave and He assures us, because “I live ye shall live also” (John 14:19). Today as we look into an empty tomb we proclaim, “This is the glory of the risen Christ.” What assurance we have in this living hope! —Jim Comte
Because He lives I can face tomorrow; Because He lives all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives. —W. and G. Gaither
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 26; Psalm 140-141; Mark 10:32-52
He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:11
The Lord sent Peter and John to prepare for the Passover. He told them they would meet a man carrying a pitcher of water and to follow him (Luke 22:10). They followed him to the house, but they didn’t follow his example of servanthood. When they met for the Passover there was no one to wash the feet of the guests. Oh, they had what they needed (remember the pitcher of water), but they were too busy arguing over which of them was the greatest. So the Lord showed them true greatness by serving. —Rex Trogdon
Wouldst thou be chief? Then lowly serve. Wouldst thou go up? Then go down. But go as low as you will, The Highest has been lower still. —Author Unknown
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 25; Psalm 139; Mark 10:1-31
Israel loved Joseph…and made him a coat of many colours. Genesis 37:3 And he left his garment in her hand. Genesis 39:12 Pharaoh…arrayed him in vestures of fine linen. Genesis 41:42
Three garments are mentioned in Joseph’s life. The first is the coat of many colours. It speaks of a father’s deep love for his son. The second is the garment he left in the hands of Potiphar’s wife. It speaks of unjust suffering and humiliation. The third is the fine linen that Pharaoh arrayed him in, speaking of exaltation. What a lovely picture when we trace the path of our Saviour! From the place of love, to the place of humiliation, to the place of glory. —Sid Halsband
O Lord! When we the path retrace, which Thou on earth hast trod, To men Thy wondrous love and grace, Thy faithfulness to God. —J. Deck
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 24; Psalms 137-138; Mark 9:33-50
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. John 20:17
Seeing Mary Magdalene about to touch Him, the Lord responded that the time to cling to Him was after His ascension. No longer seeing Him physically she would then depend upon Him through spiritual eyes. We begin our Christian life by grasping Him for salvation but it doesn’t end there. Surrendering our will, we find that by depending on Him, His strength is revealed in our weakness. Jacob learned it (Gen. 32); Paul learned it (2 Cor. 12). We must learn it too. Let us daily cling to Him. —George Ferrier
Emptied that Thou shouldest fill me, a clean vessel in Thy hand; With no power but as Thou givest, graciously with each command. —Mary E. Maxwell
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 23:23-44; Psalms 135-136; Mark 9:14 -32
For what is your life? It is even as a vapour, that appeareth for a short time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14
The latest research establishes that the iceberg, which was struck by the Titanic had been spotted when it was 2,000 feet away, almost a minute before the impact. The ship had held its course for around half of that time. Had the officer in charge reacted even 15 seconds sooner, the ship may have missed the iceberg, and the lives of 1,476 persons might well have been saved. We know that individuals can pass away very quickly, much less than 30 seconds. At this moment, you have an opportunity to trust the Saviour. Don’t wait another moment. —Arnot P. McIntee
Life at best it is very brief, Like the falling of a leaf. Like the binding of a sheaf, Be in time. —Author Unknown
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 23:1-22; Psalms 132-134; Mark 8:27 to 9:13
And the men…asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord. Joshua 9:14
George Müller was once consulted by a man who had a business offered to him that promised great financial profit.“ I have to give an answer within an hour,” the man said. Mr. Müller quietly replied, “Then the answer is ‘No’, for that cannot be right, that leaves a man no time for prayer.” When an important decision must be made, let us always see to it that we make time to spread the matter before the Lord. —W. Ross Rainey
O how praying rests the weary! Prayer will change the night to day; So in sorrow and in gladness, Don’t forget to pray. —Mary Ann Kidder
Buy now! “I anticipate that this book will rapidly become an essential resource for those seeking to understand and enjoy the way in which the New Testament unfolds the meaning of the Old Testament. David Gooding’s analysis of texts that are often found difficult is both penetrating and accessible. I have personally found the material contained here extraordinarily helpful.”
—John C Lennox, Professor of Mathematics, University of Oxford; Fellow in Mathematics and Philosophy of Science, Green Templeton College
“I recall seeing a wine expert who successfully identified the province in France where the grapes were grown that yielded the bottles he sampled. He explained that the telltale taste and bouquet resulted from the distinctive soils in which the vintage grew. So I have discovered, through the discriminating palate of Professor Gooding, how the various writings of the Hebrew Scriptures have left their distinctive marks on the fruit borne by the writers of the New Testament. The Riches of Divine Wisdom is clearly a masterwork of scholarship but written so it makes available to any devoted Bible student a largely unexplored field of both profitable and enjoyable study.”
—J. B. Nicholson, President, Uplook Ministries
“I would not use the word lightly, but this really is ‘Vintage Gooding’. All the great characteristics are here: his very special ability to discern the literary structure of books and passages, his love of the Bible as the Word of God, his ability to express each nugget of truth with conciseness, clarity and helpfulness. If you do not have time to read this whole book, then don’t open it. You will be gripped from page one, as I was. And I certainly would not have wished to miss a single sentence or page. Gooding subtitles his book ‘The New Testament’s Use of the Old Testament’ but in fact has given us a comprehensive (and highly readable) account of the basic principles of biblical interpretation.”
—Alec Motyer, Author, formerly Principal of Trinity College, Bristol
“I carefully read two earlier books in this series, on Luke and Acts, from start to finish. I am doing the same with this book for the same reasons: The opportunity to gain deep insights into biblical truth which only a master of the Scriptures could give, and to be devotionally enriched while doing so. This book is particularly important because it clearly and skilfully addresses a key area of biblical interpretation which all sincere students of the Word should develop skills in handling. I am refining some of my views on how I should approach the Old Testament as I read this book, and I am learning, learning, learning . . . .”
—Ajith Fernando, Teaching Director, Youth for Christ; Author, Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God
“This book is vintage David Gooding—Christ centred, scholarly yet immensely readable exposition. With verve and skill, he tackles one of the most challenging issues facing every Bible student, presenting many of the rich insights of his teaching ministry. This is a landmark contribution. I found my thinking stimulated and sharpened as I read it.”
