14th August 2026

The Struggles of Life

"He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree . . ."

1 Peter 2:24

Today's Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-13.

All life is a struggle—that is the nature of things. Even within our physical bodies, doctors tell us, a conflict for supremacy is going on. The bacteria in our bloodstream are waging a constant war against alien germs. The red corpuscles fight the white corpuscles constantly in an effort to maintain life within the body. A battle is also raging in the spiritual realm. “We fight,” the Bible says, “against the rulers of the darkness of this world” (Ephesians 6:12). Darkness hates light. A dog that would rather dig up a mouldy carcass to chew on than to have the finest, cleanest meal. He cannot help it—that is his nature. Mankind cannot help that it is their nature to respond to the lewd, the salacious, and the vile. They will have difficulty doing otherwise until they are born again. And until they are changed by the power of Christ, they will likely be at enmity against those who are associated with Christ.

Prayer: One True Living God, when I consider the work of You Son, Jesus on this earth—which led to His supreme sacrifice—I pray all my labour this day will glorify You, In His precious name, I pray. Amen.

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.