4th September 2025

He Gives Eternal Life

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God,

that you may know that you have eternal life . . .

1 John 5:13

Today's Bible Reading: Galatians 2:20-21.

Recently I read in a magazine article, that it will cost a hundred billion euros to get one man safely to Mars. It cost God the priceless blood of His only Son to get us sinners to heaven. By tasting death for every man, Jesus took over our penalty as He erased our guilt. Now God can forgive. In a moment of thanksgiving, Paul once exclaimed, “He loved me and gave Himself for me!” (Galatians 2:20). Will you repeat these words right now, even as you read? If you do, I believe you will have cause to be thankful too, and that you will experience the love of God in your heart. Try it and see. The Bible teaches that you can be absolutely sure that you are saved. Rejoice in your salvation, and give thanks to Christ.

Prayer: Father, although my finite mind cannot understand all the wonders of the Gospel, I thank You for the assurance of my salvation through Christ. Amen.

3rd September 2025

Drastic Measures

The king . . . renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord,

to follow the Lord and keep his commands.    

2 Kings 23:3

Today's Bible Reading: 2 Kings 23:3–7.

Josiah, king in Jerusalem, grew up with little knowledge of God’s expectations for His people. When the high priest rediscovered the Book of the Law in the long-neglected temple (2 Kings 22:8), Josiah wanted to hear it. As soon as he learned what God had said about idolatry, he ordered sweeping changes to bring Judah into compliance with God’s law, changes far more sweeping, far more drastic than merely cutting a charm from a bow (see 2 Kings 23:3–7).

Believers today have more than King Josiah did, much, much more. We have the entire Bible to instruct us. We have each other. And we have the vital in filling of the Holy Spirit, who brings things to light, large and small, that we might otherwise overlook.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, by the work of the Holy Spirit, help me to keep away from anything that is offensive to You, or would bring shame on Your name. In Christ, I pray. Amen.

2nd September 2025

Ichabod

Then she named the child Ichabod, saying,

‘The glory has departed from Israel!

1 Samuel 4:21

Today's Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 4:10–22.

The name Ichabod echoes a tragic moment in Israel’s history. The Ark of the Covenant, symbolising God’s presence, was captured by the Philistines. Eli’s sons, Phinehas and Hophni—corrupt priests—were killed in battle. Upon hearing the news, Eli died, and his daughter-in-law gave birth to a son, naming him Ichabod, meaning “no glory.” It was a name birthed out of grief, reflecting a spiritual reality: the glory of God had departed.

This was not merely about losing a sacred object—it was the result of disobedience, corruption, and spiritual compromise.

Sadly, this word Ichabod rings true in many churches today. As truth is traded for trends, and conviction for convenience, the Lord's glory departs. When churches conform to culture rather than Scripture, they may keep crowds, but lose God’s presence.

The Church was never meant to reflect the world—it was called to reflect Christ. Let us hold fast to the Word of God, seek holiness over hype, and pray for the return of His glory.

May Ichabod never be written over our hearts or churches.

Prayer:  Lord, restore Your glory in our lives and churches. Help us remain faithful to Your truth. For Christ's sake. Amen.