15th August 2026

The Trinity

"Then a voice came from heaven,

“You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Mark 1:11

Today's Bible Reading: Mark 1:9-11.

On a visit to Ireland, some years ago, I was overwhelmed by the abundance of decorative shamrocks. The little green, three-leafed plant could be found in every shop on seemingly everything—clothing, hats, jewellery and more!

More than just a prolific plant across Ireland, the shamrock was embraced for generations as a simple way to explain the Trinity, the historic Christian belief that God is One essence who eternally exists in three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. While all human explanations of the Trinity are inadequate, the shamrock is a helpful symbol because it’s one plant made of the same substance with three distinct leaves.

The word Trinity is not found in Scripture, but it summarises the theological truth we see explicit in passages where all three persons of the Trinity are present at the same time. When Jesus, God the Son, is baptised, God the Spirit is seen coming down from heaven “like a dove”, and God the Father’s voice is heard saying, “You are my beloved Son” (Mark 1:10-11).

Irish Christians used the shamrock because they wanted to help people know God. As we more fully understand the beauty of the Trinity, we are better able to know God and to worship Him “in Spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

Prayer: I worship You, Father, Son and Spirit, as one God acting together to extend love and salvation to all people. In Christ's name, I thank You. Amen.

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.