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.

2nd August 2026

The Unpardonable Sin

“. . .Him that blasphemes against the Holy Spirit,

it will not be forgiven.”

Luke 12:10

Today's Bible Reading: Luke 12:8–12.

People refer to this extreme sin as the unpardonable sin, the unforgivable sin, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and the eternal sin. It is often feared and frequently misunderstood. Some people worry that they have committed it and are therefore beyond hope.

However, Luke 2:10 gives a wonderful word of comfort: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” The angel's announcement concerning the birth of Christ was good news for sinners. Jesus came into the world to seek and save the guilty, forgive the repentant, and reconcile sinners to God.

The unpardonable sin is not a moment of weakness, a sinful thought, or a season of backsliding. It is a wilful, settled rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony concerning Christ. Those who have committed this sin are not concerned about their spiritual condition; they have hardened themselves against the truth.

If you are troubled by your sin, concerned about your soul, and longing for God's mercy, those are not signs of a hardened heart. The very fact that you are seeking Christ is evidence that the Spirit is at work.

Therefore, do not look within for assurance—look to Christ. The Saviour announced in Bethlehem is able to save all who come to Him in repentance and faith. His message is still “good tidings of great joy” for needy sinners today.

Prayer: Lord God, for Christ, my hope, forgiveness, and salvation, I thank You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

1st August 2026

The Root Problem

"Yet in all these things we are more

than conquerors through Him who loved us.."

Romans 8:37

Today's Bible Reading: Romans 8:31-39.

The basic problem facing our world is not just social inequity, or lack of education, or even physical hunger. We are finding that highly educated and well-fed people have greeds, hates, passions, and lusts that are not eliminated by education. The root of sin in the heart of each of us is extremely deep, and this is the basic cause of the world’s problems; only the fire of the Lord can burn it out. This is precisely what Christ came to do. He did not come to treat the symptoms. He came to get at the very heart of man’s disease. The root problem is sin.

Prayer: Father, root out the sin in my life—the shortcomings that are there—and fill me with Your love, so I may fight against the evil present in the world today. In Jesus name, I ask. Amen.