13th August 2026

Fresh and Flourishing

"They shall still bear fruit in old age;

They shall be fresh and flourishing." 

Psalm 92:14

Today's Bible Reading: Psalm 92:12-15.

Hilda, was ninety-four years young, her mind was sharp, her smile was bright, and her contagious love for the Lord was felt by many. She attended the little chapel in Frilford, Oxfordshire, where she had lived all her life. Hilda's life was so vibrant that her death caught us off guard. Like a powerful runner, she sprinted across life’s finish line. Her energy and zeal were such that, just days before her death, she completed a Ten-week course that focused on taking the message of Jesus Christ to the peoples of the world.

The fruitful, God-honouring life of Hilda illustrates what is seen in Psalm 92:12–15. This psalm describes the budding, blossoming, and fruit-bearing of those whose lives are rooted in a right relationship with God (v 12–13). The two trees pictured were valued for their fruit and wood, respectively; with these the psalmist captures a sense of vitality, prosperity, and usefulness. When we see in our lives the budding and blossoming fruit of loving, sharing, helping, and leading others to Christ, we should rejoice.

Even for those who may be labelled “senior” or “seasoned,” it is never too late to take root and bear fruit. Hilda’s life was deeply rooted in God through her Saviour Jesus and testifed to this and to God’s goodness (v 15). Ours can too.

Prayer: Father, Please give me the strength to bear fruit that clearly demonstrates that my life is rooted in the life of Your Son, the Lord Jesus. Amen.

12th August 2026

God's Epic Story

"These things I have spoken to you,

that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation;

but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Today's Bible Reading: John 16:25-33.

A magazine cover displayed a horrifying photograph of starving children in a country devastated by civil war. A young boy, distressed, took a copy of the magazine to his Sunday School teacher and asked, “Does God know about this?” His teacher replied, “I know you do not understand, but, yes, God knows about that.” The boy walked out, declaring he was uninterested in such a God.

These questions disturb not only children but all of us. Alongside an affirmation of God’s mysterious knowledge, I wish that boy had heard about the epic story God is continuing to write, even in the most desperate of places.

The Lord Jesus unfolded this story for His followers, those who assumed He would shield them from hardship. Christ told them instead that “in this world you will have tribulation.” What the Lord did offer, however, was His promise that these evils were not the end. In fact, He had already “overcome the world” (John 16:33). And in God’s final chapter, every injustice will be undone, every suffering healed.

Genesis to Revelation recounts the story of God destroying every unthinkable evil, making every wrong right. The story presents the loving One whose interest in us is unquestioned. Jesus said to His disciples, “ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace” (v 33). May we each rest in His peace and presence today.

Prayer: Dear God, it can be hard for me to see how You will right all the evils. But I trust You to do it. In the Mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

11th August 2026

Good Deeds

"“I, the Lord, search the heart”

Jeremiah 17:10

Today's Bible Reading: Jeremiah 17:7-10.

There are many people who spend their lives doing good deeds. This, in fact, was the story of a young man in Scripture often referred to as the Rich Young Ruler. He wanted to have assurance that he would go to Heaven someday and have eternal life, so he worked very hard to meet a spiritual criteria as he believed it. Many people today work hard to satisfy this self-inflicted expectation while forgetting the reason behind “doing good.”

Many believe they serve God but they actually have little time for Him. They spend far more time watching television than reading the Bible. They spend far more time on social media than seeking wisdom from the Lord through prayer. There is no time for God and their hearts are far from Him.

The Bible says that the Lord searches the heart. Think of it. The great God of Heaven searches our hearts. “I, the Lord, search the heart” (Jeremiah 17:10). He is in there probing. Scriptures tell us that God ponders the heart of every person. “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord ponders the hearts”(Proverbs 21:2).

You can rationalise that the way you are living and the way you are doing it is all right. But the Bible says God does not take your evaluation and your judgment. He weighs our spiritual lives. He also does a wonderful thing; He promises to give us a new heart if we will submit to Him and receive His salvation.

Prayer: God of all ages, Help me to make You the centre of everything I do. I Jesis name I pray. Amen.