10th August 2025

True Religion

Be doers of the word, and not hearers only . . .   

James 1:22  

Today's Bible Reading: James 1:19-27.

Hartley’s Jam. Perhaps you’ve seen it in the supermarket or have a jar in your cupboard. Strawberry is my favourite! But the nineteenth-century origins of this British household name may surprise you.

William Hartley built his successful business on principles from God’s word. “True Religion” Hartley said, “True religion, is a life to be lived.” He did not just read his Bible, he responded by following James’ teaching to “Be doers of the word ” (James 1:22). As Hartley humbly let “the word planted in” him take hold of his heart (v 21), it shaped his lifestyle and perspective and affected how he ran his business. His integrity led to quality products at a reasonable price. And he worked hard to serve his staff by investing his profits into their needs and community.

True Religion is not just a knowledge of God, it’s a personal relationship with Jesus that shows itself in how we live. James describes God’s word as a “mirror” that reflects the image of God’s grace and compassion to us, which in turn transforms our responses to others (v 23–24). Like Hartley, we can see each new venture as an opportunity to serve others with the love we have received.

Whether we are leaders or followers, owners or employees, and whether we have an upfront or unseen role, faith is something we live out. Our relationship with Jesus can bless those we encounter today (v 27). Let us be kind-hearted and not hard-hearted. Remember, God sees all.

Prayer:Creator God, inspire me to respond to what I read in your word, that I will convey Your presence and truth to the lives that connect with mine. In Christ's name. Amen.

9th August 2025

The Gift of His Peace

For He Himself is our peace . . .   

Ephesians 2:14

Today's Bible Reading: John 14:25-31.

In Matthew 5:9, the Lord Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Where does peacemaking begin? How can we become peacemakers? Can peace be discovered within ourselves? The great psychiatrist Sigmund Freud has told us that peace is but a mental attitude. Cast off our phobias, shed our neuroses, and “bingo!”—we will have the coveted peace we long for. I respect psychiatry for what it can do. Unquestionably, it has helped many. But it certainly is not satisfactory as a substitute for the peace which can come only from God. If psychiatry leaves God out, ultimately we shall see psychiatrists going to each other for treatment. There can be no peace until we find peace with God. The Bible says, “He is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14).

Prayer:The balm of Your peace pours over my soul and I humbly praise You, almighty God. In the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

8th August 2025

Christ In All The Scriptures

For I delivered to you first of all that

which I also received:

    that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.

  1 Corinthians 15:3

The Old Testament is God’s Word just as much as the New Testament is; in fact, it was the only Bible that the Lord Jesus knew (since the New Testament had not yet been written). The Bible says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). Indeed, the Old Testament was all the apostles and the early Christians had to preach Christ, and yet they preached Christ “ according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor 15:3).

For example, the Old Testament makes clear that God taught the people to approach Him by way of animal sacrifices. The Mosaic Law required that animals be offered as sacrifices and that the priests sprinkle the blood upon the designated altar. Those sacrifices foreshadowed and symbolized the anticipated shedding of blood and sacrificial death of Jesus, the Messiah. You see, there are these pictures of the Lord throughout the Old Testament.

However, there is no clearer picture of the Cross and the sacrifice the Father made for us in Christ than Genesis chapter 22. Notice the powerful parallels between Isaac and Christ. Isaac, Abraham's son is one of the clearest pictures or types of Christ in the Old Testament.

Both fulfilled PROMISES:

Isaac was the long-promised son to Abraham (Genesis 12:3)

Jesus was the long-promised Messiah and Son of God (Gen 3:15; 13:3, John 1:1-12)

Both were the ONLY SON of their father:

God said that to Abraham, Isaac is “Your son, your only son, whom you love…” Gen 22: 2. God said “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased!” Matthew 3:16, 17.

Both had a MIRACULOUS BIRTH:

Isaac was born to parents who were very old - Genesis 18:13.

Jesus was born of a virgin, Mary, and conceived by the Holy Spirit - Luke 1:34-35.

Both had a conception and birth that was PRE-ANNOUNCED - Genesis 18:10 & Luke 1:30–31.

Both were NAMED before their birth - Genesis 17:19 & Matthew 1:21.

Both were UNDESERVING of their sacrificial death - Genesis 22:2, Luke 23:41.

Both were LOVED by their fathers Genesis 22:2; Matthew 3:16, 17.

This is just a sample; One could go on to share with you Christ in Gen 6, Noah and the Ark or even in the Garden of Eden, but time does not permit in today's devotional.

READ: Above

Prayer: Father, thank You, that the whole Bible speaks of Christ, the Messiah. Amen.