7th September 2026

Seeking Glory

"Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”

Mark 10:35

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 22:34–40.

In 2021, an engineer with the ambition to shoot an arrow further than anyone in history. While lying on his back, he drew back the bowstring of his personally designed foot-operated bow and prepared to launch the projectile to what he hoped would be a new record. Taking a deep breath, he let the arrow fly. However, it did not travel far. In fact, it travelled down into his foot, causing considerable damage. Ouch!

Sometimes we can figuratively shoot ourselves in the foot with misguided ambition. The disciples James and John knew what it meant to ambitiously seek something good, but for the wrong reasons. They asked Jesus to “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory ” (Mark 10:37). The Lord Jesus had told the disciples they would “sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28), so it is easy to see why they made this request. The problem? They were selfishly seeking their own high position and power in Christ’s glory. The Lord told them that their ambition was misplaced (Mark 10:38) and that “whoever desires to become great among you must be your servant” (v 43).

As we aim to do good and great things for Christ, may we seek His wisdom and direction—humbly serving others as He did so well (v 45).

Prayer: Lord God, I desire to do great things for You, but for the right reasons. Help me I pray. In Jesus name. Amen.

6th September 2026

Yielding to God

"Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God.”

Deuteronomy 7:9

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 22:34–40.

Deuteronomy 7:9-11.

Happiness and all of the unlimited benefits which flow from the storehouse of Heaven are contingent upon our relationship to God. Absolute dependency and absolute yieldedness are the conditions of being His child. Only His children are entitled to receive those things that lend themselves to happiness; and in order to be His child, there must be surrender of the will to Him.

We must admit we are poor before we can be made rich. We must admit we are destitute before we can become children of adoption. When we realise that all our own goodness is as filthy rags in God’s sight (Isaiah 64:6), and become aware of the destructive power of our stubborn wills; when we realize our absolute dependence upon the grace of God through faith and nothing more, then we have started on the road to happiness.

Man does not come to know God through works—he comes to know God by faith through grace. You cannot work your way toward happiness and heaven, you cannot moralise your way, you cannot reform your way, you cannot buy your way. It comes as a gift of God through Christ.

Prayer: Ever impress upon us, Lord God, that it is through grace that we came to know You; that it is because of You that we stand righteous before You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

5th September 2026

Faith, Not Religion

"Each of us shall give account of himself to God.”

Romans 14:12

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 22:34–40.

II do not quarrel with Karl Marx's statement that "religion is the opiate of the people." I have no desire to defend religion as a system. Religion has spawned wars. Many so-called religious people have been characterised by prejudice, pride, bickering, and even tolerance of such wicked things as slavery.

However, I would call you, not to religion, but to Jesus Christ, who said, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). If you are truly concerned about the condition of society, then begin by looking at yourself.

It is easy to criticise the failures of others while overlooking our own. Yet the Bible reminds us that each of us will one day stand before God and give account of ourselves. Before we concern ourselves with the sins of society, we should first examine our own hearts.

Prayer: Forgive me, for so often failing to love my neighbour. May my life speak to others of Your love and compassion, Father God. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.