24th August 2025

Ebenezer

Then Samuel took a stone . . . and called its name Ebenezer, saying,

“Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

1 Samuel 7:12

Today's Bible Reading: Psalm 42:1-5.

A friend of mine, living in Wiltshire, England, lives in a house named by her parents “Ebenezer” as a testament to the Lord's goodness and help. What a lovely name it is.

In the Charles Dickens’ tale 'A Christmas Carol,' the central character is a mean man by the name of Ebenezer Scrooge. As a boy, I enjoyed very much reading the book, and as an adult seeing the film on DVD. But sadly, for many, the name Ebenezer has been spoiled and tarnished by the bad character of Ebenezer Scrooge in the Dickens' tale. But its original meaning is a wonderful testament to the Lord and His help. In 1 Samuel, following a decisive battle with the Philistines, the Israelites erected a stone as a reminder of the Lord’s help in the battle. They named that stone Ebenezer, which means “Stone of Help,” to remind people of how God rescued them from their enemies (1 Samuel 7:12).

What a contrast! A name that many have come to associate with man’s selfishness can actually serve as a reminder of the readily available help of God. As we move through life, may we focus on the faithfulness of the Lord and not the selfishness of man. Let us each look unto the Lord as our true Ebenezer, our help in the challenges of life.

Prayer: Merciful God, Thank You, that You are indeed my Ebenezer, my stone of help. You are always faithful in my time of need. I praise You, In Jesus name. Amen.

23rd August 2025

Revivals And Spiritual Awakenings

If my people . . . will humble themselves . . . ,

then I will hear from heaven.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Today's Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:11–16.

Urukun is a small town in northern Australia—its Aboriginal population is drawn from seven different clans. The gospel came to Aurukun a century ago, however, eye-for-eye retribution sometimes remained. In 2015, clan tensions grew, and when a murder happened, payback required someone from the offender’s family to die in return.

But something remarkable happened in early 2016. The Christians of Aurukun started seeking God in prayer. Repentance followed, and a spiritual awakening began sweeping through the town: The Church had a revival and there were mass baptisms, and instead of enacting payback, the family of the murdered man forgave the offending clan. Soon 1,000 people were in church each Sunday—in a town of just 1,300 people!

We see revivals and awakenings like this in Scripture, as in Hezekiah’s day when crowds joyfully returned to God (2 Chronicles 30), and on the day of Pentecost when thousands repented (Acts 2:38–47). Although revival in the Church and spiritual awakenings among those outside the Church are God’s work, done in His time, history shows prayer precedes it. “If my people . . . will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,” God told Solomon, “I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

As the people of Aurukun found, revival in the Church, and a spiritual awakening among those outside the Church will bring joy and reconciliation to any village, town or city.

How our own village, town and cities need such transformation today! Father, bring revival and an awakening to us too.

Prayer: Dear Father, please bring revival to my church, and a spiritual awakening to my country, starting with me. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

22nd August 2025

Temptation

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

Psalm 119:11

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 4:1-11.

When temptations come, let me suggest that you ask God for strength, and also to show you the way He has prepared for your escape. One other word of counsel; be very sure that you do not deliberately place yourself in a position to be tempted. All of us are not subjected to the same weaknesses and temptations. To one, alcohol may be the temptation; to another, it may be impure thoughts and acts; to another, greed and covetousness; to another, criticism or an unloving attitude. Regardless of what it may be, be sure that Satan will tempt you at your weak point, not the strong. Our Lord has given us an example of how to overcome the devil’s temptations. When He was tempted in the wilderness, He defeated Satan every time by the use of the Bible.

Prayer: With the shield of Your Word, help me to face temptation, Almighty God. In Jesus name. Amen.