Accordion Content

THE TRUE SOURCE

 Isaiah 8: 18-22

 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Psalms 20:7.

Judah was facing threats and instability, and they were tempted to seek guidance from mediums and spiritists instead of turning to the Lord. Most times, people run to different sources seeking answers, validations, and solutions. In Ancient Greece, it was common for nations to consult psychics and diviners during times of uncertainty. Prophet Isaiah warns the people against consulting spirits and mediums that whisper and mutter. He questions the idea of seeking answers from the dead rather than from the living God.

Prophet Isaiah reminds them that God had already given His word and promises. Seeking other sources or answers from the dead shows a lack of faith in God’s power and authority. Why should the living seek answers from the dead when we have access to the Living God? As believers, when we are faced with challenges, confusion and threats, our right response should be to seek God through His word and through prayer rather than relying on sources that contradict His will. It is God’s word that breaks the fetters and sets the captive free. It is His word that saves souls from destruction.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me trust You alone as my true source. Amen.

ONE YEAR BIBLE READING

DAY 196 Amos 1, Amos 2; Roman 2:17-29, Rom. 3:1-8; Proverbs 17:5-14

THE GREAT LIGHT

 Isaiah 9:1-5

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5

The regions of Zebulun and Naphtali had suffered greatly from oppression, fear, and invasion. The people lived in the gloom of darkness. Darkness in our text today symbolises doom, suffering and separation from God. God promised these regions that they “have seen a great light.” In Hebrew, the great light depicts a powerful, overwhelming, and significant light. A light so powerful to dispel darkness, bring direction and restore Joy. The coming of the Messiah would bring restoration, hope, and gladness to Israel. Jesus is the great light that will deliver us from every darkness.

The promise of the great light ultimately points to God’s work of salvation, revealing His desire to rescue and restore everyone who accepts and believes in His Son. This light does not come from human effort, but rather it emanates from God Himself. When the light of Jesus shines, it changes everything, and life begins. God also promises joy in place of sorrow because the people had suffered great loss, and it was time for them to rejoice. Isaiah compared this joy to the celebration after having victory in battle. When God steps into our lives, He not only removes darkness, but He fills our hearts with joy. Today, many people still walk in darkness, but God’s invitation to light is open, for there’s no darkness that His light cannot overcome.

 Prayer

Dear Lord, may Your light shine in every area of my life. Amen.

ONE YEAR BIBLE READING

DAY 197 Amos 3, Amos 4; Roman 3:9-31; Psalm 85:8-13

GOD’S WORKMAN

  Isaiah 10:5-16

 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10. 

God revealed that He would use Assyria as an instrument to draw Judah back to Himself. Although Assyrian’s intention became different from the divine plan. Certain things in life ring the bells and call our attention back to God. From today’s text, we can see that the Lord uses the picture of an axe, a saw, a rod and a staff to describe how an instrument should never take credit for what the workman does with it. The strength and the skill are in the user, not the instrument. Therefore, our strength, wisdom and success are never truly independent. Everything we accomplish is only possible by the mercies of God because He gives the ability, power, and grace. When we forget this truth, pride quietly creeps into our hearts.

We are reminded today that we are vessels in the hands of God. Just as a craftsman uses his tools to accomplish His work, God uses us to carry out His plans in this world. The problem arises when the “tools” begin to glorify themselves. This was the mistake of the Assyrian King. He believed his victories came solely from his power and wisdom, forgetting that it was God’s plan. Are you available and willing for God to use you? How can you surrender your plans and achievements to God so that He receives the glory?

 Prayer: Dear Lord, I surrender myself to You as an instrument for Your use. Help me, Lord, to fully yield to Your will. Amen.

ONE YEAR BIBLE READING

DAY 198  Amos 5, Roman 4:1-15; Psalm 86:1-10

A BRANCH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

 Isaiah 11:1-5

 “Behold, the days are coming”, says the Lord, That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; Jeremiah 23:5a.

Prophet Isaiah declared the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ as one who will be endowed with supernatural character and anointed by the Spirit of God. We can see that our Lord Jesus sprang not only from the Davidic dynasty, but more significantly from a ruined and sinful world. When Jesus came forth, it was like a new green Branch springing from an already dead stump. He became a Tree of Life to rescue everyone lost in sin and darkness. God wanted Judah to understand that even though their enemy had surrounded and invaded them, He would still use them and bring forth life from them. This restoration came under the promised messiah.

The Messiah (Jesus Christ) manifested the seven-fold spirit of God. The spirit of Wisdom; Jesus is perfectly wise in all things. He knows everything and nothing takes Him by surprise. Jesus perfectly understands all things, including our joy, sorrow, pain, and fears. Our Lord Jesus always gives perfect counsel. He embraces both the wisdom and the understanding of a perfect counsellor. He speaks closely to our hearts. The spirit of might. Our Lord Jesus Christ manifested His authority over demons, diseases, nature and death. The spirit of knowledge and fear of God. Jesus had reverence for God. The seventh quality of the Messiah was quick understanding. These seven qualities depict that the One whom God sent to deliver mankind was perfect and complete.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, as a perfect Lamb to take away the sins of the world. Cause lives to be changed by the gospel and use me as a vessel for this purpose. Amen.

ONE YEAR BIBLE READING

DAY 199 Amos 6, Amos 7; Roman 4:16-25, Rom. 5:1-11; Psalm 86:11-17

SONG OF DELIVERANCE

  Isaiah 12:1-6

 Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth. Isaiah 12:5.

How can you appreciate God who looked past your sins and sent His only Son to die for you? In our text today, Israel expresses gratitude to God. Although God was displeased with them, His anger is now turned away, and He has comforted His people, delivering and restoring them to their land. This should remind us that though He may chastise us when we disobey, that is never the end of the story. God’s desire is always to restore His people and bring them back into fellowship with Him. The prophet Isaiah declares, “Jehovah is my strength.” This means that God is both the source of our strength and the theme of our song.

“With Joy you will draw water out of the well of salvation.” Water in the scriptures often represents life. Just as water sustains physical life, salvation also brings spiritual life and joy to those who turn to God. As believers, we can continually come to God for renewal of strength. His grace is unlimited, and through His Son Jesus Christ, we can always draw from Him. When we recognise God’s goodness and deliverance, gratitude comes naturally. As we reflect on His faithfulness, let our hearts overflow with praise, trusting Him as our strength and continually seeking to draw from His wells of salvation. How can you make the goodness of God known to others?

 Prayer

Dear lord, thank you for Your mighty hand of deliverance. You alone are worthy to be praised. Help me to continually sing your praises. Amen.

ONE YEAR BIBLE READING

DAY 200 Amos 8, Amos 9; Roman 5:12-21; Proverbs 17:15-24

GOD’S RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT

  Isaiah 13:1-12

 “I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. Isaiah 13:11.

God reveals an important lesson for all humanity through His judgment on Babylon, a nation known for its pride, power, and wickedness. Although Babylon was once a symbol of strength and glory, God declared that its arrogance and injustice would bring about its downfall. This teaches mankind that no nation, leader, or individual is above God’s authority. Human achievements, wealth, and power may appear impressive for a time, but they cannot protect people from the consequences of pride and disobedience to God. God is the righteous Judge who holds the world accountable for evil. When people or nations exalt themselves, ignore righteousness, and oppress others, they invite divine judgment.

Pride often causes mankind to forget God and rely solely on human ability, but Isaiah’s prophecy shows that God will eventually humble the proud and bring justice to the wicked. Therefore, the lesson for mankind is clear: humility, obedience, and reverence for God are essential for lasting peace and stability. Mankind is called to examine their hearts, turn away from pride and wickedness, and return to God with humility and repentance. Choose righteousness, seek God’s guidance in our lives, and live in a way that honours Him. By doing so, we not only avoid the path that led to Babylon’s downfall but also align ourselves with God’s will and experience the blessings that come from walking faithfully with Him.

 Prayer: Dear Lord, please search my heart and help me turn away from pride, arrogance, and self-reliance, so that I may walk humbly before Him. Amen.

 ONE YEAR BIBLE READING

DAY 201 Hosea 1, Hosea 2; Roman 6:1-14; Psalm 87:1-7

THE DANGER OF TRUSTING IN HUMAN POWER Isaiah 14:1-14

 For the Lord of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back? Isaiah 14:27

A devastating downfall awaits those who exalt themselves and trust in their own power rather than in God. The chapter describes the fall of the king of Babylon, a symbol of pride and self-exaltation, who said in his heart that he would ascend above the heavens and be like the Most High (Isaiah 14:13–14). His ambition and arrogance led to humiliation and destruction. This passage warns that idolatry is not only about carved images; it also includes trusting in human strength, wealth, status, or influence above God. Whenever people place their confidence in human power instead of the Lord, they risk the same downfall that pride brought upon Babylon.

God alone is sovereign, and every power that exalts itself against Him will ultimately fall. Nations, leaders, and individuals who depend on pride, self-sufficiency, or worldly systems instead of God build their lives on unstable foundations. True security comes only from humility before God and dependence on His guidance. Isaiah’s message urges believers to examine their hearts, remove every form of idolatry, and put their full trust in the Lord who rules over all kingdoms.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for a humble heart that depends fully on You. I ask that you reveal and remove every form of idolatry, pride, or misplaced trust in my life, and help me rely on Your power and authority alone. Amen.

ONE YEAR BIBLE READING

DAY 202  Hosea 3, – Hosea 5; Roman 6:15-23, Rom. 7:1-6; Psalm 88:1-9