29th July 2025

Seeing Clearly

Show us the Father    

John 14:8

Today's Bible Reading: John 14:1-11.

Some years ago, when I was teaching, a boy in my class was having problems with his reading. However, I suspected, it was not so much that he could not read, but rather, was unable to see clearly, and suggested to his mother, that she took him to an optician. A few days later, the boy came into school wearing his new glasses. “I've got new eyes sir,” he said to me. “Now I can see clearly,” he said. Needless to say, he had no further problems with his reading.

In John 14, John reports a conversation that the Lord had with His disciples. Philip asked Him, “Show us the Father” (John 14:8). Even after all this time together, The Lord's disciples still did not recognise who stood before them. He replied, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me”? (v 10). Earlier, Jesus had said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (v 6). This is the sixth of the Lord's seven “I am” statements. He is telling us to look through these “I am” lenses and see who He truly is—God Himself.

We are a lot like the disciples. In difficult times, we struggle and develop blurred vision. We fail to focus on what God has done and can do. When my pupil put on his glasses, he could see letters and words clearly. Perhaps we need to put on our God-glasses so we can clearly see who Jesus really is.

Prayer: Father God, help me to keep to the truth of You Word, and to be faithful to Your holy calling. I ask In the Saviour's name. Amen.

28th July 2025

A Simple Act of Faith

. . . I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave Himself for me.    

Galatians 2:20

Today's Bible Reading:  Acts 16:25-34.

One day, when I was 18 years old and at Teacher Training Collage, by a simple act of faith, I decided to take Jesus Christ at His word. I could not come by way of the intellect alone; no one can. That does not mean that we reject reason. God has given us minds and the ability to reason wherever reason is appropriate, but the final and decisive step is taken by faith. I came by faith. Does it work when a person comes, as the Bible teaches, repenting of their sins, to receive Christ by faith? I can only tell you that it worked in my own life. Something did happen to me. I did not become perfect, but the direction of my life was changed, and for the better, I found a new dimension to life. I found a new capacity to love that I had never known before, and I found a deep joy and peace for my soul, that are still with me today.

Have you made that step of faith ?

Prayer: My Heavenly Father, Thank You, that I do not have to rely on my own good works for salvation, but faith in the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross. I come before You in praise this day, through Him, the Saviour, who loved me and gave Himself for me on the cross. Amen.

27th July 2025

Our Holy Calling

Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord . . .    

Ezra 7:10

Today's Bible Reading: Ezra 7:6-10.

The Prophet Ezra, was an amazing teacher and leader of the people. The Hebrews were in great need of a spiritual leader. God had been preparing Ezra all along for the task of teaching the returnees from exile the true meaning and requirements of the law. He led in various reforms, a major one of which was having the Jewish men put away (or divorce) pagan wives they had taken. How could this cruel treatment come about? In the light of the small remnant and returning to godly ways, it was important that the Jews remove themselves from pagan idolatry and foreign cultural influences. Thus, major reforms, were instituted.

In our times, we hear from missionaries how converts leave idolatry and voodoo, even “witch doctor” practices, to follow Christ and be true to Biblical principles. In Ezra’s day, these major reforms paved the way to the people’s return to God. A good, dedicated teacher is always needed, one who holds steadfastly to the Word of God and is able to teach and interpret it to the people. Ezra was such a person at a very crucial time in Jewish history. His greatest contribution was his teaching of the Books of the Law and leading the people to worship God in a worthy manner. A great revival followed Ezra’s efforts.

For those of us who have been called to teach, and preach the Word of God, we have a grave responsibility. Furthermore, all Christians have a duty to stand firm on the truth of God's Word. Like Ezra, may we be faithful to that holy calling.

Prayer: Father God, help me to keep to the truth of You Word, and to be faithful to Your holy calling. I ask In the Saviour's name. Amen.