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.

3rd September 2026

Infinite Desires

"For here we have no continuing city,

but we seek the one to come."

Hebrews 13:14

Today's Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58.

One of the basic desires of the soul is to live on and on. Self-preservation is the first law of nature. People may grow tired of aches and pains and the decrepitude of old age, but very few grow tired of life itself. God has arranged to satisfy this yearning of the soul to live forever, and the desire to be free from pain and sickness and trouble. People are little creatures with big capacities, finite beings with infinite desires, deserving nothing but demanding all. God made people with this huge capacity and desire in order that He might come in and completely satisfy that desire. God made the human heart so big that only He can fill it. He made it demand so much that only He can supply that demand … Jesus Christ is the only one who holds the keys of death. In His death and resurrection He took the sting out of death, and now God offers eternal life to every person who puts their trust and faith in His Son Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, when I come to the end of this earthly life, You will be there to guide me to my heavenly home. Thank You, my loving Father God, for Your Son. Amen.