21st April 2026

Strengthend By Trials

"We also glory in tribulations,

knowing that tribulation produces

perseverance; and perseverance,

character; and character, hope." - Romans 5:3-4

Today's Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-5.

People who endure trials and suffering are often changed by the experience. But the apostle Paul went further and said that the Christian is to “glory in our tribulations” because through them we develop perseverance. With perseverance comes character; and with character, hope (Romans 5:3-4). Paul certainly knew trials—not only shipwrecks but imprisonment for his faith. Yet he wrote to the believers in Rome that “hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (v 5) The apostle recognised that God’s Spirit keeps our hope in Jesus Christ alive when we put our trust in Him.

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, let us pray for the wisdom and courage we need to care enough to lovingly warn one another of the dangers of unrepentant sin. Then, together, we can seek the joys of being restored to our heavenly Father and other believers. Jesus will be “there . . . with [us]” as we do (v 20).

Prayer: Ever-loving God, You promise that You will never leave me. Help me to hold on to Your promises even when I am struggling. In Jesus name I ask. Amen.

20th April 2026

Courage to Stand Firm

"If anyone suffers as a Christian,

let him not be ashamed,

but let him glorify God in this matter."  

1 Peter 4:16

Today's Bible Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19.

There is a great problem in the Western Church today, and that is that we have an anemic and watered-down Christianity that has produced an anemic, watered-down, and spineless Christian that is not willing to stand up and be counted on every issue. We must have a virile, dynamic, assertive Christian who lives Christ seven days a week, who is ready to die, if necessary, for his faith. We need Christians who are ethical, honest, gracious, bold, strong, and devoted followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Is that you?

Prayer: My God and Father, I realise how spineless and pampered my Christian walk is. Give me Your courage, to walk in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus, devotedly. In His name I ask. Amen.

19th April 2026

A Loving Warning

"Moreover if your brother sins against you,

go and tell him his fault between you

and him alone." - Matthew 18:15

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 18:15–20.

Te Lord Jesus said His disciples had a responsibility to warn fellow disciples of things that could harm them spiritually—including unrepentant sin. He outlined a process in which a believer who’s been sinned against by another can humbly, privately and prayerfully “point out” the sin to the offending believer (Matthew 18:15). If the person repents, then the conflict can be resolved and the relationship restored. If the believer refuses to repent, then “one or two more” can help resolve the conflict (v 16). If the sinning person still does not repent, then the issue is to be brought before “the church” (v 17). If the offender still will not repent, the individual is to be removed from assembly fellowship. The Bible says: let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  Nevertheless, he or she can certainly still be prayed for and shown Christ’s love.

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, let us pray for the wisdom and courage we need to care enough to lovingly warn one another of the dangers of unrepentant sin. Then, together, we can seek the joys of being restored to our heavenly Father and other believers. Jesus will be “there . . . with [us]” as we do (v 20).

Prayer: Dear God, help me to love my brothers and sisters in Christ enough to lovingly warn them when I see them falling into sin. In my Saviours name I pray. Amen.