23rd October 2026

Household of Faith

"“For the time has come for judgment to begin

at the house of God . . .”

 1 Peter 4:17

Reading:  1 Peter 4:17-19.

A loving Father does not leave His children unchanged; He works in them to make them more like His Son. This is one reason Peter reminds us that “judgment must begin at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17).

As believers, we are the household of faith, called to reflect the holiness, grace, and character of Christ. Our trials are not evidence of God’s rejection, but opportunities for spiritual growth, purification, and deeper trust in Him. The Lord lovingly refines His people so that our lives may increasingly honour Him.

We profess to be born again, set apart for Christ, and called to walk in His ways. Therefore, our faith should be evident in how we live, love, serve, and respond to life’s difficulties. God’s refining work begins with His own people because we belong to Him and bear His name. The good news is that our suffering is not punishment for our sins. Jesus Christ bore the penalty for our sins once and for all at the cross. Through Him, we have forgiveness, peace with God, and the assurance of His unfailing love.

So, dear saints of God, do not lose heart when the refining fire comes. Our faithful Creator is at work in us, strengthening our faith and preparing us for His glory. Let us rejoice that we belong to His household and continue to do good, trusting Him every step of the way.

Prayer: Father, refine my heart, strengthen my faith, and help me reflect Christ in all we do. May my life bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

22nd October 2026

Testimony Time

" Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! ”

Psalm 66:1

Reading: Psalm 66:5–12, 16–20.

Psalm 66 is a worship song praising God for rescuing His people from an enemy threat. It is the testimony of the writer of the Psalm, and is packed with praise as he testifies about what God had done for His people. “Come and see what God has done, His awesome deeds for mankind” (v 5). His deeds included miraculous rescue (v 6), preservation (v 9) and discipline that resulted in His people being brought to a better place (v 10-12). While there are God-experiences that we have in common with other believers in Jesus Christ, there are also things unique to our individual journeys. Have there been times in your life when God has particularly made Himself known to you? Those are worth sharing with others who need to hear how He has worked in your life. “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare to you what He has done for me” (v 16).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I rejoice in the varied expressions of Your kindness to me. Help me not to keep these things to myself. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

21st October 2026

Mementos

" am the Lord, that is My name;

And My glory I will not give to another . . . ”

Isaiah 42:8

Reading: 1 Samuel 4:1–11.

The Israelites had to learn a hard lesson. The Philistine army had just routed them in battle. As Israel reviewed the debacle, someone thought of taking the “ark of the Lord’s covenant” into a rematch (1 Samuel 4:31). That seemed like a good idea (v 6-9). After all, the ark of the covenant was a holy object.

But the Israelites had the wrong perspective. By itself, the ark could not bring them anything. Putting their faith in an object instead of in the presence of the one true God, the Israelites suffered an even worse defeat, and worse the enemy captured the ark (v 10-11).

It is not surprising the Philistines did not know much about God. But it is surprising that the Israelites also demonstrated little knowledge of Him (1 Samuel 4:1-11).1 The Philistines had heard of God’s greatness but misunderstood it. They recalled the plagues He used to free Israel from Egypt more than three hundred years earlier but remembered them as taking place in the wilderness, not in Egypt, and attributed God’s power to “mighty gods” (v 8). Israel mistakenly thought the ark’s presence meant the presence of God Himself (v 3). They were seeking military success instead of seeking the One who brings that success.

Mementos that remind us to pray or to thank God for His goodness are fine. But they are never the source of blessing. That is God—and God alone.

Prayer: Loving Father, forgive me when I am tempted to put my faith in anything but You. In Jesus name. Amen.