28th March 2026

Obadiah's Message

"But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion,

and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. 

Psalm 86:15

Today's Bible Reading:  Obadiah 1:12-15.

The book of Obadiah, is the shortest book in the Old Testament with only twenty-one verses. The name Obadiah means ‘the servant of Yahweh’. Obadiah lived in the days of the Babylonians Empire, and was a descendant of King David through Zerubbabel (1 Chronicles 3:21). Recently, I was surprised to read that the book of Obadiah, is (allegedly) the most unpopular book in all the Bible. The three key themes of Obadiah are: God will restore His people; God always keeps His promises; & God cannot allow sin to go unpunished.

In Obadiah 1:12, the prophet addresses the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, who were neighbouring relatives of the Israelites. The Edomites took pleasure in the misfortune and destruction that befell the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Obadiah's message to them is a rebuke for their ungodly attitude and actions during Israel's time of distress.

The verse teaches us important lessons about how we should respond to the difficulties and sufferings of others, especially those whom we are connected to:

The Edomites lacked compassion and empathy for their fellow Israelites. Instead of showing concern and support, they gazed upon them in their captivity and rejoiced in their destruction. As believers, we are called to have a heart of compassion and kindness towards others, especially in times of distress. We should strive to be a source of comfort and encouragement.

Let Obadiah's message challenge us to examine our hearts and attitudes. May we strive to be compassionate, humble, and supportive towards those facing distress, realizing that our words and actions have the power to impact others profoundly. By doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and demonstrate His love to the world around us.

Prayer: God of great mercy, grant me a heart of compassion. In Jesus precious name I pray. Amen. 

27th March 2026

God's Memorable Name

"The Lord is His memorable name.' 

Hosea12:5

Today's Bible Reading: Hosea 12:1-14.

In the book of Hosea, the prophet brings forth a powerful declaration about the nature of God. Amidst the challenges faced by the people of Israel, the Lord reveals His memorable name (Hosea12:5). This name is not merely a title or label, but it encompasses the essence of His character and His unwavering faithfulness towards His people.

In our lives, names are important. They carry the weight of identity, history, and purpose. The name of the Lord, as revealed in Hosea 12:5, speaks volumes about who He is and what He desires for His creation.

Firstly, the Lord is referred to as "God of hosts." This title emphasizes His sovereignty and authority over all creation. It highlights His supreme power and rulership over the heavenly realms and earthly kingdoms. The Lord is not limited or confined by human limitations; He commands angelic hosts and governs the universe with wisdom and might.

Secondly, the verse declares, "The Lord is His memorable name." The Hebrew word used for "memorable" can also be translated as "remembrance" or "fame." This signifies that the Lord's name is worthy of being remembered and celebrated. It carries an enduring legacy throughout history, reminding us of His marvellous acts, steadfast love, and unmatched faithfulness.

As we reflect on the memorable name of the Lord, we can find comfort and assurance in our lives. In a world that often changes and disappoints, His name remains constant and reliable. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). We can place our trust in Him, knowing that He will never forsake us.

Moreover, the Lord's memorable name invites us to seek a deeper relationship with Him. By knowing His name, we can better understand His character and align our lives with His will. It is through this intimate knowledge of the Lord that we discover purpose, meaning, and true satisfaction. We are called to honour His name and make it known to others through our words and actions.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your memorable name to me. Help me to comprehend the depth of its meaning and significance. May Your name be exalted in my life as I seek to know You more. In Jesus precious name I pray. Amen. 

26th March 2026

God Can Harden Hearts

"But the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh. "

Exodus 9:12

Today's Bible Reading:  Exodus 9:8-12.

In yesterday's devotion, we looked at how Pharaoh hardened his heart towards God, and the the consequences of such an action. But God, can also harden hearts, and today, I want us to look at why God hardened the heart of Pharaoh, so that he could not repent.

Exodus 9:12 the Bible says: "But the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh." This verse may raise questions and seem puzzling at first glance. Why would God harden someone's heart? What does it mean for Pharaoh and for us today?

First, we must understand that Pharaoh was not an innocent victim of God's manipulation. Throughout the narrative, we see Pharaoh repeatedly rejecting God's commands to let the Israelites go. His heart was already resistant to God's will, and God allowed Pharaoh to continue in his stubbornness (Ex 8:32).

The hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves a twofold purpose. On one hand, it reveals the consequence of persistent rebellion against God. Pharaoh's hardened heart was a result of his own choices and actions. It highlights the importance of responding to God's promptings and not resisting His will.

On the other hand, God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves a greater purpose in His divine plan. The plagues and the hardened heart of Pharaoh were part of God's demonstration of His power and sovereignty. Through these events, God showed His authority over all things, including the rulers of the earth.

As we reflect on this verse, we can draw valuable lessons for our own lives. We are reminded of the significance of responding to God's promptings and avoiding a hardened heart. We should not allow pride, rebellion, or unbelief to hinder our relationship with God.

Additionally, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty even when we encounter difficult or puzzling circumstances. God's ways are higher than ours, and He works all things together for His purposes and glory (Romans 8:28). We can find comfort and peace in knowing that God is in control, even in situations that may seem confusing or challenging.  

Prayer: Gracious God , soften my heart, guide me in Your will, and help me trust in Your sovereignty. In Christ Jesus I ask and pray. Amen.