6th September 2026

Yielding to God

"Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God.”

Deuteronomy 7:9

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 22:34–40.

Deuteronomy 7:9-11.

Happiness and all of the unlimited benefits which flow from the storehouse of Heaven are contingent upon our relationship to God. Absolute dependency and absolute yieldedness are the conditions of being His child. Only His children are entitled to receive those things that lend themselves to happiness; and in order to be His child, there must be surrender of the will to Him.

We must admit we are poor before we can be made rich. We must admit we are destitute before we can become children of adoption. When we realise that all our own goodness is as filthy rags in God’s sight (Isaiah 64:6), and become aware of the destructive power of our stubborn wills; when we realize our absolute dependence upon the grace of God through faith and nothing more, then we have started on the road to happiness.

Man does not come to know God through works—he comes to know God by faith through grace. You cannot work your way toward happiness and heaven, you cannot moralise your way, you cannot reform your way, you cannot buy your way. It comes as a gift of God through Christ.

Prayer: Ever impress upon us, Lord God, that it is through grace that we came to know You; that it is because of You that we stand righteous before You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

5th September 2026

Faith, Not Religion

"Each of us shall give account of himself to God.”

Romans 14:12

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 22:34–40.

II do not quarrel with Karl Marx's statement that "religion is the opiate of the people." I have no desire to defend religion as a system. Religion has spawned wars. Many so-called religious people have been characterised by prejudice, pride, bickering, and even tolerance of such wicked things as slavery.

However, I would call you, not to religion, but to Jesus Christ, who said, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). If you are truly concerned about the condition of society, then begin by looking at yourself.

It is easy to criticise the failures of others while overlooking our own. Yet the Bible reminds us that each of us will one day stand before God and give account of ourselves. Before we concern ourselves with the sins of society, we should first examine our own hearts.

Prayer: Forgive me, for so often failing to love my neighbour. May my life speak to others of Your love and compassion, Father God. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

4th September 2026

The Priesthood of all Believers

"You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother,

for glory and for beauty.”

Exodus 28:2

Today's Bible Reading: Exodus 28:1–8, 40–41.

Imagine standing among the people of Israel as Aaron approaches the tabernacle. His garments are unlike anything else in the camp. Every colour, every thread and every precious stone has been carefully crafted by gifted workers whom God Himself had equipped (Exodus 28:3). These were not merely beautiful clothes—they proclaimed a message.

The names of the twelve tribes were engraved on onyx stones and carried on the priest's shoulders "as a memorial before the Lord" (v. 12). The embroidered tunics, woven sashes and finely made caps gave the priests dignity and honour as they represented the people before God and led them in worship. Their clothing reminded Israel that drawing near to the holy God was no ordinary privilege.

Today, under the new covenant, Jesus Christ is our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). Through Him, all who trust in Him are part of a royal priesthood, called to worship God and encourage one another in His service (1 Peter 2:4–5, 9). We no longer wear special garments to identify us, but God calls us to be clothed with something even more beautiful: "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12). The finest clothing we can wear is not found in our wardrobe but in a Christlike character, displayed each day by His grace.

Prayer: Please clothe me, Father God, in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.