THE TIME IS SHORT
Luke 13:6-10
“But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.” Luke 13:8
We often go through life, assuming we have more time to get things right. We are reluctant to put in the effort to fulfil the Kingdom’s mandate or pursue God’s purpose for our lives. But what if time is running out? In the eyes of the owner, the fig tree that had not produced fruit for three years was a waste of space, and he was ready to cut it down. However, the gardener pleaded for more time, promising to nurture it and give it another chance to bear fruit. Likewise, God, who has entrusted things to us, is patient and merciful towards us. He gives us opportunities to grow and turn back to Him. Yet, this also serves as a warning: His patience is not limitless, and a time of accountability will come.
Continuously, we ought to examine what takes our time and attention. There is urgency, an immediate call for action, and who knows how long the grace period will last. Are we bearing fruit, or are we just taking up space? What intentional efforts are we making toward utilising what God has deposited in us? There are souls held captive by the devil and destinies that await our actions. God continuously calls us to repentance, transformation, and a life that reflects His purpose. Like the fig tree, we are given time, but we must use it wisely. What changes do you need to make today to live a fruitful and meaningful life in Christ?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I receive the grace to make bold steps and take actions to fulfil my divine mandate for Your kingdom here on earth. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 228 PSALM 105-106; ROMANS 15:1-21
STRIVE TO ENTER
Luke 13:23-30
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Luke 13:24
It is interesting how Jesus answered the question, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” The inquirer was concerned by others and probably wanted to have an excuse for not striving to be among those to be saved, since only a few would. Jesus redirected the focus to the inquirer by telling him to strive; to work hard; to make every effort; to give full attention to enter. The Lord Jesus was telling him what to be really concerned about: his own life and relationship with God. Most people spend their time in the futility of guessing who will enter God’s kingdom and who won’t or if few or many will make it. That is really not your business! Your business is to give everything you have to make sure you enter through the narrow gate.
Another important issue that Jesus raised is the issue of presumption. Many presume that being around church folks, indulging in religious activities, etc., gives them a pass to Heaven. Some assume that their religious positions or acts place them at the front of the queue to Heaven. Jesus’ words that the first will be last and the last will be first call for a deep reflection and self-examination. Heaven is a place for people whose salvation is based on Christ alone. Doing good works is good but are you in the narrow way, that is, are you dependent on the merit of Christ alone for salvation? Other paths, religions, and self-righteousness will only lead to a point where Christ will declare, “I do not know you.” Are there issues that have caused a drop in your commitment and fervency? Are you presumptuous about your spiritual state? Today is another opportunity to retrace your steps and get back on the narrow way.
Prayer
Lord, by Your grace, I stay fully committed to prioritising You and Your kingdom. Deliver me from presumption and cause me to always draw from the fountains of redemption as I run the Christian race. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 229 PSALM 107-108; ROMANS 15:22-33
TRUE HONOUR
Luke 14:7-12
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
The desire to be respected, praised and acknowledged frequently motivates people to pursue achievement. People go to tremendous lengths to gain status. Social media has intensified this quest, where likes, followers, and public validation often define a person’s sense of worth. However, Jesus challenges the world’s perspective on honour. He calls us to accept the lowly—not mediocre—place and let God raise us in His time. Jesus is the greatest example of humility. Though He was the Son of God, He chose to live as a servant, washing the feet of His disciples, dining with sinners, and ultimately sacrificing Himself for humanity. He did not seek worldly recognition but humbled Himself in obedience to God, even to the point of death on the cross. God exalted Him above all, giving Him a name that is above every name.
True honour comes from God and is reflected in integrity, respect, selflessness, and genuine service. Be careful not to become entangled in the desire for honour, as it has led many to compromise their values, manipulate others, and engage in unrighteous practices. Do not place yourself above others, for pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). Everything we have is given to us by God and can be retrieved. Follow Christ’s example, and in due time, God will lift you.
Prayer
Lord, cause me to trust You completely and to patiently wait for the true honour that comes from You. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 230 PSALM 109-111; ROMANS 16
LEAVE ALL BEHIND
Luke 14:25-33
“So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33
We have often heard people ask, “Is it worth it?”—especially when someone makes great sacrifices to hold on to something valuable. The decision to persevere, even when it feels like everything is being lost, can only come from a heart that deeply understands the worth of what is being pursued. Jesus emphasises the seriousness and level of commitment required to follow Him. Becoming a disciple is a life of complete surrender rather than one of convenience or self-will. He uses strong words, stating that unless one hates their father, mother, spouse, children, and even their own life, they cannot be His disciple. This does not imply literal hatred but rather a willingness to place Christ above all else.
To be a true disciple of Christ, we must be willing to let go of everything for His sake. Unfortunately, in our generation, following Jesus is gradually reduced to mere convenience or occasional devotion. This should not be so, for Jesus is the very reason for our existence. Life is truly meaningful only when Christ is at the centre of it. It is a great privilege to be God’s child, knowing that our eternity is secure in Him. He calls us to count the cost, not to instil fear but to prepare our hearts for unwavering commitment to continually follow Him. We can only receive the rewards of faith through sacrifice and full dedication. Following Christ is worth sacrificing everything else for.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I surrender everything to your Lordship. I receive the grace to follow You at all costs. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 231 PSALM 112-115; 1 COR 1
PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT
Luke 15:1-10
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?” Luke 15:4
There is something or someone you treasure deeply, something so valuable that losing it would hurt your heart. Perhaps it could be a close relationship or even a dream you’ve worked tirelessly to achieve. If it went missing, you wouldn’t rest until you found it. Jesus paints a beautiful picture of how God sees us. Just as a shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost, and just as a woman turns her house upside down to find a single lost coin, God pursues every soul that has wandered from Him. To Him, we are not just another number; we are precious, valuable and worth the effort.
God values us so much that He made the ultimate sacrifice to bring us back to Him. As Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrated his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Heaven doesn’t rejoice over perfection—it rejoices over repentance. No matter how lost you feel or how far you have strayed, you are still precious in His sight. Jesus is standing at the door of your heart. Welcome Him today and experience the joy of being truly valued and loved.
Prayer
Lord, I acknowledge Your great sacrifice for me. Fill me with Your love and keep me until You return. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 232 PSALM 116-118; 1 COR 2
THE PRODIGAL SON 1
Luke 15:11-16
“And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.” Luke 15:14
The prodigal son requested his share of his father’s inheritance. He wasn’t comfortable anymore in his father’s house, he longed for independence, adventure and the pleasures of this world. How easy would he have thought it would be? After his father granted him his desires, he travelled far away and began to live the life he dreamed of. He lived in sin, luxury, partying and spending recklessly. What became of his actions was a complete drain. Unfortunately, he had spent all he had and there was famine in the land. He lost everything and began begging and eating the food of swine.
The consequences of living outside the will of God are unbearable. The world has made Christians feel like they are missing out on a lot of good things and time. This has caused many believers to backslide. Christ is the yardstick of our lives; a life outside of Christ is already exposed to the danger of destruction. The channel for the supply of our needs is cut off when we disconnect from our source. The world promises happiness, but when everything is spent, emptiness, regret, loneliness, and destruction are the endgame of sin. There is nothing to gain outside of Christ. In what areas are you separated from God? You can return to God today.
Prayer
Dear Lord, deliver me from the lust of worldly pleasure, help me to stand steadfastly in You without wavering. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 233 PSALM 119:1-48; 1 COR 3
THE PRODIGAL SON 2
Luke 15:17-24
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20.
There is something that brings separation between man and God, which is sin. But the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross has bridged the gap. You may be wondering why the father of the prodigal son, on sighting his son from afar, ran to meet him. This is a show of God’s unconditional love. His father saw the intent of his heart. Before he uttered a word, his father kissed him. The love of God is available for everyone. Christ loved us so much that He died for us while we were still in our sins. God is waiting with his arms wide open to embrace you. Do not be deceived by the lie of the Devil that you have gone too far into sin, or God is too angry with you for backsliding, or your sin is too great for him to forgive. Sin was what took Jesus to the cross and He paid the price for you to be reconciled to God.
All God requires of you is a realisation of your deeds and the willingness to turn back to Him. Plead for forgiveness and welcome Jesus into your life. God has also sent the Holy Spirit to help you grow in Him, teach you and keep you. The Father wants you to come back to Him. Accept this invitation today!
Prayer
Father, thank you for sending Jesus to die for the sins of humanity. Save the lost and restore the backslidden. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 234 PSALM 119:49-104; 1 COR 4
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