24th August 2026

The God of Surprises

"They immediately left their nets and followed Him.”

Matthew 4:20

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 4:18-22.

The Lord Jesus often surprised those He met, including the fishermen He called to follow Him. When Christ gave them a new mission to fish for people, Peter and Andrew left their nets “immediately and followed Him” (Matthew 4:20), and James and John also “immediately left their boat” (v 22). They set off on this new adventure with the Lord, trusting Him, yet not knowing where they were going. The “immediate” response of these disciples is a great example to us. Then the first disciples did what all disciples of Jesus Christ should do: they “followed Him.”

God, of course, calls many people to serve Him in different way right where they are! Whether staying or going, we can all look to Him expectantly to surprise us with wonderful experiences and opportunities to live for Him in ways we might never have dreamed possible. This has been my experience, is it yours too?

Prayer: Loving Jesus, You call people to follow You in unique and amazing ways. Teach me to discern Your voice and respond to Your call. Amen.

23rd August 2026

The Cheerful Giver

"God loves a cheerful giver."

2 Corinthians 9:7

Today's Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-14.

The greatest blessing of giving is not on the financial side of the gift but on the spiritual side. You receive a sense of being honest with God. You receive a consciousness that you are in partnership with God—that you are doing something constructive—that you are working with Him to reach the world for Jesus Christ. You are also enabled to hold on to this world’s goods, and wealth loosely because the eternal values are always in view. How do you give? Is it liberally and cheerfully? Or is it sparingly and grudgingly? When writing to the believers in Corinth, the apostle Paul said: “So let each one give” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving is for “each one,” each believer. Every Christian should be a giver. Because of small resources some cannot give much but it is still important that they give, and that they give with the right kind of heart—cheerful!

If you have been giving God the leftovers of your money and your life, you have been missing the true joy and blessing of Christian giving and living.

Prayer: Forgive me, almighty God, for so often giving You the leftovers. In my heart I know I can never out give You. In Christ I pray. Amen.

22nd August 2026

The Eternal Abode

" I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever."

Psalm 23:6

Today's Bible Reading: Psalm 23.

What will Heaven be like? Just as there is a mystery to hell, so there is a mystery to Heaven. Yet I believe the Bible teaches that Heaven is a literal place. Where is it? I do not know, I cannot even begin to speculate, because the Bible does not inform us. However, I am not worried or concerned about where it is. But this I know; Heaven will be where the Lord Jesus is. Christians do not have to go around discouraged and despondent, leaning forward with their shoulders bent. Think of it—the joy, the peace, the sense of forgiveness that He gives you, and then Heaven, too. David was able to say “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:26). I might not know where Heaven is, but I do know that Jesus Christ is the way.

Prayer: Whatever I face, Lord, God my heart rejoices in the knowledge of my ultimate destination—heaven—where I will live with You for eternity! I thank you, and praise you in the Saviour's name. Amen.