20th July 2026

One in Christ

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free,

there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

Today's Bible Reading: Galatians 3:23-29.

In the first century, Jews stuck with Jews, Greeks with Greeks, and the rich and poor never mixed. And yet, in Romans 16: 1-16, Paul could describe the church in Rome as including Priscilla and Aquila (Jewish), Epenetus (Greek), Phoebe (a “benefactor of many,” so probably wealthy) and Philologus (a name common for slaves). What had brought such different people together? Christ Jesus—in whom there is “neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free” (Galatians 3:28). The Gospel had broken down every barrier and made them one family in Him. “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” (Ephesians 2:14).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You for working to bring our fractured world together. Help me to do my part for You. Amen.

19th July 2026

Unity in Scripture

“. . . holy men of God spoke as they were

moved by the Holy Spirit."

2 Peter 1:21

Today's Bible Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-21.

Although one can derive inspiration from any portion of the Scripture, it is better to have an understanding of the general structure of the Bible to get the most out of it. The Old Testament is an account of a nation, Israel. Out of that nation came Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. The New Testament is an account of a Man, the Son of man, the Saviour. God Himself became a man, so that we might know what He is like. His appearance on the earth was the central, most important event of history. The Old Testament gives the background for this event; the New Testament tells the story of its fulfilment. You will find a unity of thought and purpose which indicates that one mind inspired the writing of the whole. When read carefully and prayerfully, we come to see that from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible points us to the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom God’s plan of salvation is perfectly fulfilled.

Prayer: Inspire me, Lord God, as I read the Bible so that I may be able to understand more clearly Your divine teachings. In Jesus name. Amen.

18th July 2026

The Lamplighter

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works

and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 5:14-16.

Twilight gave way to darkness across Victorian London. The horse-drawn cab carrying Charles Spurgeon clattered towards the bottom of the hill. A single light appeared up ahead. Then another. And another. Ascending, one by one, to the summit. A lamplighter, invisible in the gloom, was igniting the wicks of the streetlamps. 

Preacher, author and activist for the poor, Spurgeon was a well-known figure. Yet he was deeply stirred by the influence of the humble, unknown lamplighter. “I do wish,” he wrote, “that my life may be spent igniting one soul after another with the sacred flame of eternal life.” Significantly, he added, he himself should remain, as far as possible, unseen. 

It is natural to want to be noticed for the things that we do. Yet the unseen lamplighter’s influence beautifully illustrates what it means to live as “the light of the world” (v 14). When we are prepared to turn the focus away from ourselves, others “will see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (v 16). What a privilege that our lives have been infused with the self-giving nature of Christ’s love and grace so that others may be drawn to His distinctive beauty through us (v 16).  

We bring Christ’s presence to everyone we meet. May we gently dispel any darkness of fear or unbelief by shining His light into their lives, rather than seeking to focus on ourselves. 

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord Jesus, when I seek praise for myself. Inspire me as Your light-bearer to turn other’s attention to You. In Your wonderful name I pray. Amen.