Wednesday 4th February 2026

King James Version KJV

Matthew 7:12

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

English Standard Version ESV

Matthew 7:12

““So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

A Look in the Mirror

As humans, our default setting isn't exactly selflessness. We often judge ourselves by our intentions, but judge others by their actions. We can be quick to accuse without first looking in the mirror. 

But Jesus calls us to live differently:

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”

Matthew 7:12 NLT

Often referred to as the “golden rule,” it’s a brilliant litmus test for discerning how to respond to people in the face of hardship, uncertainty, and pain. 

Here are some ways we can apply this verse to our daily lives:

WHEN SOMEONE HURTS YOU...

Think: Have you ever hurt someone, either accidentally or intentionally? And when the mistake was made or realized, did you want to be screamed at and given a harsh consequence, or did you long for grace and a second chance? 

To the extent that we forgive, we are forgiven. So what if, today, we give others the same grace, compassion, and mercy that we'd like to receive?

WHEN SOMEONE IS STRUGGLING...

When you personally experience hardships, you might seek counsel from a pastor or mentor, but you probably also want a friend who will listen and help you process. You want someone to come alongside you who can handle your honest thoughts, and help you navigate the hurt in this world. 

Just as we need people to encourage us, we are also called to be that source of support to others. So today, consider what you can do to point people to God’s love and truth. 

WHEN SOMEONE HAS ANNOYED YOU...

People can be irritating at times. But if you're ever considered an annoyance by somebody else, would you rather that person talk bad about you, or have patience with you? We are all works in progress and are all called to show mercy and grace. 

So this week, when you’re tempted to lash out at someone requiring a little “extra” of you, or dismiss someone who’s getting on your last nerve, consider asking yourself: If I were them, what would I want? 

If we want to live like Jesus, we need to do what He asks of us. And Jesus explained a key mindset in following Him—to treat others how you want to be treated.

Tuesday 3rd  February 2026

King James Version KJV

Psalm  23:4

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

English Standard Version ESV

Psalm  23:4

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

He Comforts Us

In ancient Israel, the rod and staff of a shepherd protected and guided the sheep, and even reminded the sheep that the shepherd was there. And so King David (who was a shepherd as a boy) used the metaphor in Psalm 23:4 to convey this truth: God was his protector and guide. 

King David faced death many times and had enemies bent on killing him. He also dealt with his own sin issues and personal mistakes. But in the midst of all this, he repeatedly turned his attention to the faithfulness and assurances of God. 

Where did he find these assurances? 

King David would have been a student of the Hebrew Scripture, the Torah—the first five books in our Bibles. 

To a Hebrew, the Torah wasn’t just a story about God, it was the very Word of God. It was authority, promise, and guide. It was this Word that David based his life—and his psalms—upon. David could write about God’s character because: 

1. He knew the Word of God. 

2. He experienced the faithfulness and goodness of God based on that Word. 

We, too, have this—and more. We have the revealed Word of God from the ancient prophets in the Old Testament, the words of Jesus while on earth, and the revealed words of Jesus through the apostles and authors of the New Testament. In other words, we have what David had: 

1. We have the Word of God. 

2. We can experience the faithfulness and goodness of God based on that word. 

Read what Jesus said to His disciples: 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. 

John 16:33 ESV

Monday 2nd February 2026

King James Version KJV

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmitiesMonday 2nd February 2026, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

English Standard Version ESV

2 Corinthians 12:10

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The Strength of God in Usi

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:10 are a paradox. We don’t often think of hardship and difficulties in life as a sign of strength or joy. Our culture often celebrates the physically and mentally strong, and it’s easy to elevate those who are successful and talented.

But Paul says that God works differently among those who follow Him. Rather than looking for those who are naturally talented and strong, God likes to use those who are weak and humble.

Our natural successes and talents can get in the way of God working in our life, but when we are weak and helpless, we must rely on God’s strength alone.

That is why Paul says he delights in difficulty, persecution, and hardship—because it’s in those moments that God is able to be his strength and joy. God forms character in times of difficulty.

Paul was not a naturally gifted speaker or writer, and yet God worked mightily within his weakness to produce powerful speeches and letters that are part of Scripture. God’s strength worked through Paul’s weakness to accomplish things Paul couldn’t do on his own.

This perspective changes how we live. It’s in moments of anxiety, weakness, or difficulty, that God desires to be our strength. It’s in times of persecution and hardship that God is doing some of His deepest work within our lives. If we are in relationship with Him and depending on His strength, then He will be with us in times of weakness. He promises to be our strength in difficulty.

The Strength of God in Us

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:10 are a paradox. We don’t often think of hardship and difficulties in life as a sign of strength or joy. Our culture often celebrates the physically and mentally strong, and it’s easy to elevate those who are successful and talented.

But Paul says that God works differently among those who follow Him. Rather than looking for those who are naturally talented and strong, God likes to use those who are weak and humble.

Our natural successes and talents can get in the way of God working in our life, but when we are weak and helpless, we must rely on God’s strength alone.

That is why Paul says he delights in difficulty, persecution, and hardship—because it’s in those moments that God is able to be his strength and joy. God forms character in times of difficulty.

Paul was not a naturally gifted speaker or writer, and yet God worked mightily within his weakness to produce powerful speeches and letters that are part of Scripture. God’s strength worked through Paul’s weakness to accomplish things Paul couldn’t do on his own.

This perspective changes how we live. It’s in moments of anxiety, weakness, or difficulty, that God desires to be our strength. It’s in times of persecution and hardship that God is doing some of His deepest work within our lives. If we are in relationship with Him and depending on His strength, then He will be with us in times of weakness. He promises to be our strength in difficulty.

Sunday 1st February 2026

King James Version KJV

Luke 1:46-47

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

English Standard Version ESV

Luke 1:46-47

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour

The Story God is Writing

Mary had quite the unique journey to motherhood. An unmarried virgin, she carried the Son of God. Mary could have easily felt lonely or isolated, but she was not alone in the story God was writing.

For decades, Mary’s relative Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah prayed and asked God for a child. After many years, God answered their prayers. When an angel told Mary she would give birth to Jesus, the Saviour of the world, she went straight to Elizabeth, who was a few months along in her own miraculous pregnancy.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting upon her arrival, the baby in her womb leapt and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaiming, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1:42)

Keep in mind, Mary had only just found out about her pregnancy. It would have been so easy, so understandable to be overwhelmed, afraid, or distressed. Mary had not even yet wed her husband, Joseph. And yet, watch the trust and confidence in her response:

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” Luke 1:46-47

They celebrated the work of God together. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months. Imagine the conversations they must’ve had: prophecies fulfilled, the future of the Kingdom of God, what would their sons’ lives look like?

Mary made a choice to rejoice in the story God was writing, a story of trust and celebrating the work of God. 

Today, how does Mary’s story encourage you to trust God? What is your response to the story God is writing in your life? Take a moment to reflect on how you can glorify in the Lord and rejoice in God today.

Saturday 31st January 2026

King James Version

Hebrews 10:24

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

English Standard Version 

Hebrews 10:24

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

Motivation in Motion

Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

This verse is nestled within a powerful section of Scripture that urges us, as believers, to persevere in faith and stay connected in community. Hebrews 10:19–25 opens by reminding us that, through Jesus, we have direct access to God. His ultimate sacrifice tore the veil and made a way for us to draw near to God with confidence.

But the Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. That’s why the author calls us to look outward: to think deeply about how we can motivate each other toward love and action.

The phrase “spur one another on” isn’t passive. It’s about intentionally encouraging, challenging, and inspiring others to live out their faith in practical, tangible ways. In a world that often pushes us toward self-focus, Hebrews reminds us that one of the ways we endure is by investing in others.

And it also means when someone spurs you on toward love and good deeds, you should respond! One of the reasons we're designed to live in community is because other people can see things in us that we can't see ourselves. Like a coach of a sports team motivates athletes to perform at a higher level, your friends and leaders in your Christian community can motivate you to step out in faith, often in a way you might be afraid to do alone.

This kind of community doesn’t happen by accident. It takes time, vulnerability, and a willingness to walk alongside others in their faith journey. But when we live this way—pressing into God, holding tightly to hope, and building one another up—we create a church that reflects the love and mission of Jesus.

Friday 30th January 2026

King James Version KJV

James 1:22

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

English Standard Version ESV

James 1:22

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Hi

The Living Word of God

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Bible is that it’s just another book. 

In fact, many Christians treat Scripture as if it’s just a collection of ancient letters and books that inform us about God and religious matters.

While the Bible is certainly a collection of ancient documents, it is also much more than that. It is the very word of God. The Bible is inspired by God, which means He spoke through humans to create these letters and books.

More than that though, God’s Word is living and active. The Holy Spirit uses the Bible to speak to us even today. This is what makes Scripture distinct from any other book.

James tells us in James 1:22 that the power of Scripture doesn’t just come by hearing it, but by living it out. 

Scripture has the power to radically change the way we live, but we must take the effort to first read it, and then do what it says.

James goes on to say in verses 23 and 24 that anyone who reads Scripture and doesn’t follow God’s way is only deceiving themselves. We think we are following God simply by reading His Word, but God desires that we live out the truths of Scripture in our own life. 

This is what it means to follow God’s way rather than our own.

Take a moment to consider a few ways you can begin to live out the truths in Scripture. Spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal to you an area of your life that needs transformed by His Word. And then, resolve to not just hear God’s Word, but to do what He says as you follow after Him.

Thursday 29th January 2026

King James Version KJV

1 Samuel 2:2

There is none holy as the LORD: For there is none beside thee: Neither is there any rock like our God.

English Standard Version ESV

1 Samuel 2:2

“There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.

There is none holy like the LORD:

“There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.

Hannah desperately wanted a child, but she wasn’t able to conceive. Year after year, she was mocked, tormented, and left heartbroken because of her infertility. 

Have you ever known disappointment? Discouragement? Devastation?

Maybe you have desperately wanted something: a godly marriage, a healthy body, a thriving family, a hard-earned title, a close community, a restored relationship. Maybe you’ve looked around at everyone else’s seemingly full lives and wondered why your arms were empty. 

Eventually, after years of waiting, God answered Hannah’s prayer. And because of that, she was filled with wonder and worship, saying:

“No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.”

1 Samuel 2:2 NLT

Despite the excruciating years of longing and disappointment, Hannah knew there was no replacement for God. There’s no one else who’s able to create something from nothing. There’s no one else who holds the power of life.

There is no other Rock on which to build our faith. 

There’s no one else who sees the worst of us and loves us anyway. There’s no one else who has compassion for our deepest longings. There’s no one else who can be trusted with the most tender part of our dreams. There’s no one else who’s there to guide, teach, and comfort—when it feels like everyone else has left. 

There’s no one else who has the power to save.

Because God is holy, He is always good. Most of all, He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Rest assured, there is no one else who’s more worthy of your trust, your respect, and your heart.