17th September 2026

Living Water

"“Salvation is of the LORD.”

Jonah 2:9

Today's Bible Reading: Revelation 22:1–5.

Have you ever noticed that the Bible contains several significant rivers and bodies of water that point us to God's great salvation ? Here are three occasions for us to think about.

First, The Red Sea reminds us of deliverance. The Israelites were trapped between the sea and the Egyptian army, yet God made a way where there was no way. He brought His people safely through the waters and delivered them from slavery. In a similar way, sinners cannot save themselves, but God has provided salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Second, The Jordan River reminds us of inheritance. After forty years in the wilderness, Israel crossed the Jordan and entered the Promised Land. This pictures the believer entering into the blessings God has prepared for His people through Christ.

Third, The Jordan River at Christ's baptism reminds us of the Saviour. There the Lord Jesus publicly identified Himself with those He came to save and began the ministry that would lead Him to the cross. Through His death and resurrection, He secured both our deliverance and our inheritance.

The story does not end there. The Lord Jesus promised living water to all who come to Him by faith, and the Bible closes with the glorious vision of the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God. Those who trust in Christ will one day enjoy eternal life and everlasting joy in His presence.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for salvation through Christ; lead me safely to eternal glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

16th September 2026

The Holy Spirit

" . . . The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”

Genesis 1:2

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis 1:1-2.

Who is the Holy Spirit? He is God, just as God the Father and God the Son are also God. We speak of them as the Trinity. You ask me to explain the Trinity. Our minds can but dimly grasp these great spiritual facts, because we are finite and God is infinite.

It may help to remember that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit have all existed from eternity. The work of creation was given to the Son and we are told that, “All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3). But when you read the second verse of the first chapter of Genesis, you will find that the Holy Spirit was also there, moving upon the face of His creation. In time, the Son of God came into the world as a man, to redeem the world which He had created. After His death on the cross, and His resurrection, He went back to the Father in heaven.

During His earthly ministry His work and life were spent within a circumscribed area in Palestine. When He went back to Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to exercise a worldwide ministry. Today the Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of people, makes us yearn for God, and takes spiritual truth and makes it understandable to us. All over the world the Holy Spirit is wooing men to Christ, and He lives in the hearts of believers and helps us each day. To be Spirit-filled Christians is to be the kind of Christians that God wants us to be.

Prayer: Most holy God, the knowledge of Your Holy Spirit living in my heart gives me comfort and strength. I thank You for Him, in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

15th September 2026

A Distinct Cry

". . . He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry;

When He hears it, He will answer you.”

Isaiah 30:19

Today's Bible Reading: Isaiah 30:18–26.

When babies cry, it is a signal that they are tired or hungry. According to doctors at one university, subtle differences in a baby’s cries can also provide important clues for other problems.

Isaiah prophesied that God would hear the distinct cries of His people, determine their hearts’ condition and respond with grace. The people of Judah, rather than consulting God, had ignored His prophet and sought help in an alliance with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1-7). God told them that if they chose to continue in their rebellion, He would bring about their defeat and humiliation. However, He also longed “to be gracious to [them]; . . . to show [them] mercy” (v 18). Rescue would come, but only through their cries of repentance and faith. If God’s people did cry out to Him, He would forgive their sins and renew their spiritual strength and vitality (v 8-26).

The same is true for believers in Christ Jesus today. When our distinct cries of repentance and trust reach the ears of our heavenly Father, He hears them, forgives us and renews our joy and hope in Him.

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.