6th January 2026

Three Gifts

Being divinely warned in a dream that they

should not return to Herod, they departed

for their own country another way.

Matthew 12:2

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1-13.

Today, in the Church Calendar, is Epiphany—from the Greek for “appearance” or “manifestation.” It celebrates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world, and so today’s reading tells of the wise men who came to worship Him. These men, likely astrologers or astronomers, followed the star they believed signified the birth of the King of the Jews—the Messiah—and they came bearing gifts.

Mary and Joseph were very poor. When they brought Jesus to the Temple, they could offer only two turtledoves or two young pigeons—the sacrifice permitted for the poor (see Leviticus 12:8).

So when the wise men arrived with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they must have been overwhelmed. Scripture does not say what they did with these gifts, but immediately after the wise men departed, Herod’s jealousy erupted. Fearing a rival to his throne, he ordered the slaughter of the children in Bethlehem.

Yet God protected His Son. He warned Joseph in a dream: “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt… for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him” (Matthew 2:13). Without the wise men’s gifts, the journey and their stay in Egypt would have been impossible.

As you begin this year, what gifts will you bring to the Lord? Will others experience His love through your generosity? Above all, may you offer Him the gift of your life—this year and always.

Prayer: Eternal Lord God, may I seek after You with faith, devotion, and wisdom, offering You my gifts of praise, worship, and service. In Jesus' name, we pray.

5th January 2026

Search The Scriptures

[They] Searched the Scriptures daily

to find out whether these things were so.

Acts 17:11

Today's Bible Reading: Acts 17:10-15.

In today's Bible lesson, we again join Paul and Silas as they continue their missionary journey and arrive in the city of Berea. They begin preaching in the synagogue, and the people there are more open-minded than those in Thessalonica. The Bereans eagerly receive the word and examine the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul and Silas are saying is true (v 11). As a result, many of them believed, both Jews and Greeks (v 12). 

However, when the Jews from Thessalonica hear that Paul is preaching in Berea, they come and stir up trouble (v 13). Paul is forced to leave and travel to Athens, but Silas and Timothy remain behind in Berea (v 14) . 

The example of the Bereans teaches us an important lesson about receiving the word of God. We should be like them and receive the word with all readiness, examining the Scriptures to see if what we hear is true. This is how we can discern truth from error and increase our knowledge of God's Word, and grow in our faith. 

We should also be aware that there may be those who will try to stir up trouble and hinder us in our pursuit of truth. But we should remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God to guide us and protect us.

Prayer: Dear God, help me be like the Bereans—ready to receive Your word and faithful to search the Scriptures daily. When opposition comes, keep me steadfast and trusting in Your guidance and protection. In Christ’s name, Amen.

4th January 2026

Eternal Life's Path

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,

and you will be saved.

Acts 16:31

Today's Bible Reading: Acts 16:25-31.

The passage, before us, tells us the story of how Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi for preaching the Gospel. Despite their difficult circumstances, they chose to pray and sing hymns to God in the middle of the night. As they worshipped, an earthquake shook the prison, freeing all the prisoners from their chains.

The jailer, thinking that all his prisoners had escaped, was about to take his own life. But Paul called out to him, assuring him that everyone was still there (v 28). The jailer was amazed by this, and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He asked them, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (v 30).

This question is one that we all need to ask ourselves. How can we be saved? The answer, as Paul and Silas told the jailer, is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is found in Him alone.

But what does it mean to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? It means to put your whole trust and faith in Him as your Lord and Saviour. It means to acknowledge that you are sinner in need of a Saviour, and to accept the gift of salvation that Jesus offers you through His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the tomb.

Like the jailer, we too can be saved by believing on Jesus. We, too, can experience the freedom and joy that comes from knowing Him. Put your faith in Him today, and trust Him to lead you on the path of eternal life.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the example of Paul and Silas, who worshipped You in hardship. Help me trust You daily and live in the freedom and joy that come from knowing Christ as my Lord and Saviour. In His name, Amen.