10th October 2025

A Heart is Opened

The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.

Acts 16:14

Today's Bible Reading: Acts 16:11-24.

In Acts 16, after preaching the Gospel, the disciples expected God to do something! That, by the way, is missing in many churches today. Many have given up expecting God to do anything after the preaching of the Gospel. But here in our reading, the believers clearly did expect God to do something. They just preached the Word, and then they expected God to act.

In Acts 16, we find one of the ways the Lord frequently acts: In advance, He had prepared the hearts of men and women ready to respond to the Gospel. One of these was a woman called Lydia, who was already “a worshipper of God” (v 14). She was a businesswoman who sold purple goods, who handled the purple dye for cloth, which was so valuable in those days. She made a good living (v 14). She had her own home, and it was large enough to accommodate Paul and his party. Her heart was ready, having been prepared by God, and she was led of God to be there that day to hear the preaching.

For me, that is the first principles of preaching. I never step into any pulpit believing that everyone in the congregation is saved. Thus, I preach to edify the believer and challenge the unbeliever; And to do that, I am always very careful to make sure that the way of salvation is made clear.

This is what happened here, in Acts 16. Lydia was there, and she did not get upset by the message. She did not view it as a challenge to her Jewish faith, but immediately recognised that it was the fulfilment of all her Jewish hopes. So she opened her heart and received the Lord.

I wonder, do you expect great things to happen in your church after the preaching of God's Word?

Prayer: Lord God, use me, to reach those who are seeking after You. Use my ears, that I may hear the cry for help for those in need. Use my eyes to see and help those suffering injustices. Use me as You will. In the name of Your Son, I pray. Amen.

9th October 2025

Amos, The Farmer

Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling,

consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 3:1

Today's Bible Reading: Amos 1:1-15.

Who does God use? We often assume God chooses the most gifted, holy, or educated to serve Him. But the story of Amos shows otherwise.

The name Amos means “burden” or “burden bearer,” fitting for a man sent to deliver messages of judgment to Israel and its neighbours. Amos didn’t come from a line of prophets—he was a sheep raiser, a humble farmer/shepherd. The Hebrew word he used for his job emphasises this: he was not speaking metaphorically—he literally raised sheep.

God called this ordinary man during a time of national prosperity but spiritual decay. Israel had wicked kings, yet because of the weakness of surrounding nations, the country enjoyed peace and wealth. Into this setting, God sent a simple man with a strong message.

We might expect God to use someone with polished credentials and a powerful platform. But God chose Amos—just like He later chose fishermen to be Christ’s disciples.

Maybe you think God can’t use someone like you. Think again. If God used Amos, He can use you. Just ask Him.

Prayer: Lord God, use me, to reach those who are seeking after You. Use my ears, that I may hear the cry for help for those in need. Use my eyes to see and help those suffering injustices. Use me as You will. In the name of Your Son, I pray. Amen.

8th October 2025

Everywhere

“Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 23:23

Today's Bible Reading: Jeremiah 23:23-29.

The patron saint of the country of Ireland is St Patrick, and there are many stories abound about him, including the tale of him driving out all the snakes from Ireland. But these legends, written long after his death, are most likely entertaining tales. However, what we de know of this fifth-century man of God is remarkable. Despite having been a captive in Ireland for six years, Patrick later obeyed the Lord’s calling to return and preach the gospel there. “Daily I expect to be murdered or betrayed or reduced to slavery if the occasion arises,” he wrote. “But I fear nothing . . . I have cast myself into the hands of Almighty God, who reigns everywhere.”

Knowing that God “reigns everywhere” brings tremendous reassurance, especially in times of trial. God spoke this message to His people in Jerusalem when they were under threat. Within their camp, their leaders were corrupt, and the prophets were making up visions from God (v 25); on the horizon lay the threat of Babylon’s army. Yet God declared Himself to be “near at hand” despite the corrupt leaders and “far away” despite Babylon’s power (v 23). “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” God asked them (v 24).

God still “reigns everywhere.” We might be experiencing trials and hardship, but we can take courage in God’s promise that He reigns over everything. In all the situations we will encounter today, we know He is still our King and that He will exercise His love and saving grace.

Prayer: Thank You, heavenly Father, that You reign over me and over the whole world. Help me to serve You and to partner with You in extending Your love and goodness. In Jesus name. Amen.