5th August 2026

Achan's Sin

. . . Now Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I beg you,

give glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession to Him"

Joshua 7:19

Today's Bible Reading: Joshua 7

The fall of Jericho was a spectacular victory. Israel obeyed God’s instructions, and the mighty walls came crashing down. It was a powerful reminder that when God’s people walk in obedience, God grants success. But victory was soon followed by defeat. When Israel attacked the small city of Ai, they expected another easy triumph. Instead, they were routed. Thirty-six men died, and the army fled in fear (Josh. 7:4–5). What had gone wrong?

The answer was hidden in the camp. God had commanded that the treasures of Jericho be devoted to Him, Achan, an Israelite from the tribe of Judah, secretly stole some of the spoils from Jericho that had been devoted to the Lord. What he thought was a private sin soon brought public consequences, affecting the whole nation. Israel's defeat was not because God had failed to keep His promise, but because one of His people had failed to obey His command. Eventually Achan was exposed. When confronted, Joshua urged him to glorify God by confessing his sin. Sadly, Achan had not come forward willingly; he was discovered. His story reminds us that hidden sin never remains hidden forever (Numbers 32:23).

Achan’s judgement may seem severe, but it teaches a vital truth: sin is serious. It dishonours God, harms His people, and brings painful consequences. As believers, we must not cherish secret sin but deal with it honestly and quickly.

Today, ask the Lord to search your heart. Is there any sin that needs to be confessed and forsaken?

Prayer:  Father God, Help me always to be mindful that you see and know all things. I ask in Jesus name. Amen.

4th August 2026

Grace And Peace

"But to each one of us grace was given

according to the measure of Christ’s gift."

Ephesians 4:7

Today's Bible Reading: John 16:25-33.

In today's Bible passage, notice, verse 33, the Lord said: “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus proclaimed the truth of His victory. This was an amazing statement from a man about to be arrested, forsaken, rejected, mocked, tortured and executed. Judas, the religious authorities, Pilate, the crowd, the soldiers or even death and the grave could not overcome Him. Instead, Jesus the Messiah could truly say, “I have overcome the world.” If it was true then, it is even truer now.

The Christian life is never spoken of in the Bible as a bed of roses. It is uphill, because society is coming one way and the Christian is going the opposite way. But Jesus the Lord said that in the midst of your problems, in the midst of your difficulties, He will be there to give you grace and peace. Underneath all the troubles, will be the “still waters” that the Great Shepherd can provide. Many people are trying to steady themselves by taking tranquillizers. Jesus Christ is the greatest tranquillizer of all. He can straighten out your life and put you back on track and on the up. Let Him take full control. You will go on your way rejoicing, as did those in the New Testament who met Jesus Christ.

Prayer: I need Your calmness and strength, for there are many trials to face, Lord Jesus. By faith I reach out to You, and receive the gift of Your peace in my life. In Your name. Amen.

3rd August 2026

Humbled But Hopeful

“. . . In the midst of the assembly I will praise You."

Psalm 22:22

Today's Bible Reading: Psalm 22:14-24.

In this psalm of lament by David, we find the words that the Lord Jesus spoke on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (v 1. Matthew 27:46). Some have believed this psalm serves mainly to predict the suffering of Christ. Others believe it is David’s experiences in his Old Testament context, but with a fuller meaning because of the Lord's use of it.

David’s words in Psalm 22 (which point to the sufferings of Jesus) are those of a battered man who felt forsaken by God (v 1), despised and mocked by others (v 6-8), and surrounded by predators (v 12-13). He felt weak and drained (v 14-18)—but he was not hopeless. “But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me;O My Strength, hasten to help Me!” (v 19). Your present challenge—even if it is not of the same variety as David’s, is just as real. And the words of verse 24 are just as meaningful: “For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; . . . But when He cried to Him, He heard.” And when we experience God’s help, let’s declare His goodness so others can hear of it (v 22).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I bring my feelings of helplessness to You. Breathe fresh hope into my heart and help me praise Your name. In Jesus name, I as. Amen.