MORNING DEVOTION 195/2026

APPRECIATION — Seeing God’s Goodness in Everything

DAY 10: FINALE — APPRECIATING BEING WRAPPED IN JESUS CHRIST

Clothed in Christ, Hidden in God, and Secure in His Love

Throughout this journey of appreciation, we have thanked God for the beauty of culture, opportunities, achievements, commitment, everyday grace, nature, spiritual blessings, provision and His divine order. But today we arrive at the greatest appreciation of all: being wrapped in Jesus Christ. Everything we have appreciated can change, fade or pass away, but what God has given us in Christ has eternal value. I appreciate that God did not merely give me blessings; He gave me His Son, and through Him, a new life.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32 (NKJV)

I appreciate that when I received Christ, I was not simply given a new religious identity. I was clothed with Christ. Just as clothing covers our bodies, Christ has become the covering of my spiritual life. I no longer have to stand before God relying on my own righteousness, achievements or goodness. My confidence is in Jesus Christ, who loved me and gave Himself for me. What a privilege that when God looks at me, I can stand before Him through the righteousness of His Son!

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27 (NKJV)

I appreciate something even deeper: my life is hidden with Christ in God. What a wonderful place to belong! I may be visible to the world, exposed to challenges, disappointments and uncertainties, but my true life is securely held in Christ. Being hidden in Him does not mean I will never experience difficulties. It means my circumstances cannot define who I am or destroy the eternal life I have received through Him. I am not merely surrounded by God’s blessings; my very life is held in Christ.

“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3 (NKJV)

And finally, I appreciate that nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus. People may disappoint me, opportunities may close, my strength may fail, and seasons may change, but God’s love remains faithful. Even when I am weak, I belong to Him. Even when I do not understand what is happening around me, I can trust the One who holds me. My greatest security is not what I possess, where I work, what I have achieved or who recognises me. My greatest security is that I belong to Jesus Christ.

“Nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39 (NKJV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I conclude this journey of appreciation, my heart is filled with gratitude. Thank You for the beauty of life, the people You have placed around me, the opportunities You have given me, the achievements You have allowed me to witness and the countless blessings I experience every day.

But above everything, thank You for Jesus Christ.

Thank You that I am clothed with Christ, hidden with Christ in You, and surrounded by Your unfailing love.

Lord, forgive me for the times I have appreciated Your gifts more than I have appreciated the Giver. Forgive me when I have measured my worth by earthly achievements instead of remembering who I am in Christ.

Holy Spirit, help me live every day conscious of this wonderful truth: I belong to Jesus. When I am afraid, remind me whose I am. When I am weak, remind me where my strength comes from. When I am discouraged, remind me that my life is hidden with Christ in God.

May my appreciation never end with words of thanksgiving, but become a life of worship, obedience, humility and love.

In the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Take This With You — Our Final Appreciation

For ten days, we have learned to recognise God’s goodness in things we sometimes overlook.

We appreciated the beauty of humanity, the opportunities before us, the achievements behind us, the commitment of believers, the grace of each morning, the lessons of creation, our spiritual inheritance, God’s provision and His appointed seasons.

But today, we recognise that the greatest blessing is not something God has placed in our hands. It is the Person into whose hands God has placed our lives.

Lots of Love ❤️

MORNING DEVOTION 194/2026

APPRECIATION — Seeing God’s Goodness in Everything

DAY 9: APPRECIATING GOD’S ORDER — THE SUN AND THE MOON KNOW THEIR APPOINTED TIME

Every morning, the sun rises, and every evening, darkness reminds us that another day has passed. The sun does not compete with the moon, nor does the moon attempt to take the place of the sun. Each fulfils the purpose God has assigned to it. I appreciate the beauty of God’s order in creation. The sun does not need to become the moon to be valuable, and the moon does not need to shine like the sun to fulfil its purpose. Both have their place in God’s creation.

“He appointed the moon for seasons; the sun knows its going down.” Psalm 104:19 (NKJV)

I appreciate that God has established times and seasons, and creation continues to testify to His faithfulness. The sun rises and sets, seasons come and go, and day follows night according to the order God established. Yet sometimes we become impatient with our own lives. We want tomorrow’s blessings today, another person’s opportunities in our season, and answers before God’s appointed time. Nature reminds us that waiting does not mean nothing is happening. God’s purposes are not dependent on our impatience.

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

I also appreciate that God teaches us the importance of knowing our purpose and remaining faithful to it. The sun does not refuse to shine because the moon will appear later, and the moon does not lose its purpose because the sun shines more brightly. In the same way, we should not measure our lives against the seasons, gifts or achievements of others. God has given each of us opportunities, responsibilities and work to fulfil. My responsibility is not to compete with another person’s calling, but to remain faithful to what God has entrusted to me.

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.” Romans 12:6 (NKJV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, today I appreciate the beautiful order You established in creation. Thank You for the sun that marks our days, the moon that marks our seasons, and the faithfulness with which You sustain the world.

Forgive me for the times I have become impatient with Your timing, compared my journey with others or questioned why certain things have not yet happened in my life.

Holy Spirit, teach me to understand my season, embrace my purpose and remain faithful to my assignment. When I must wait, give me patience. When it is time to act, give me courage. When another person is flourishing, give me a heart that celebrates rather than competes.

Lord, help me remember that Your order is greater than my urgency, and Your wisdom is greater than my understanding.

In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Take This With You

The sun does not rise at midnight to prove that it is important.

The moon does not compete with the brightness of the sun.

Each has its appointed place and purpose.

Perhaps one of the greatest lessons we can learn from creation is that we do not need to compete to be significant.

Lots of Love ❤️

MORNING DEVOTION 193/2026

APPRECIATION — Seeing God’s Goodness in Everything

DAY 8: APPRECIATING GOD’S PROVISION — EVERY GOOD GIFT HAS A SOURCE

Sometimes we look at what we have achieved and forget to appreciate the One who made it possible. We work hard, earn salaries, build homes, provide for our families and create opportunities. These are wonderful achievements, but behind our strength, wisdom, abilities and opportunities stands God, who enables us to accomplish them. Today, I appreciate that although provision may come through different channels, God remains the ultimate Source of every good thing in my life.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.” James 1:17 (NKJV)

I appreciate that God’s provision is not limited to money or material possessions. Sometimes He provides wisdom when we are confused, strength when we are exhausted, people when we need support, and peace when circumstances are difficult. He may open a door we never expected or close one that would have harmed us. Sometimes we recognise His provision immediately; other times we only understand it when we look back. God’s provision is not always what I asked for, but His care is greater than what I can see or understand.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

I also appreciate that God’s provision carries a responsibility. When He blesses us with resources, opportunities and abilities, we are not merely recipients; we become stewards. What God places in our hands can become provision for someone else. The food on my table can feed another person. My knowledge can help someone grow. My resources can bring relief to someone struggling. Perhaps one of the greatest ways to appreciate God’s provision is to allow His goodness to flow through us to others.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, today I pause to appreciate Your provision. Thank You for everything You have placed in my hands, for the strength to work, the wisdom to make decisions, the opportunities to grow and the people You have used to support me.

Forgive me for the times I have looked at my achievements and forgotten that even my ability to achieve comes from You. Teach me to recognise Your hand in both the extraordinary and the ordinary.

Lord, help me to be a faithful steward of everything You provide. Give me a generous heart that does not hold tightly to blessings while others are in need. May what You place in my hands become a blessing in someone else’s life.

When I face uncertainty, remind me that although the channels of provision may change, You remain my faithful Provider.

In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Take This With You

Sometimes we thank God for the salary but forget to thank Him for the strength to work.

We thank Him for the food but forget the rain, the soil, the farmer and the many hands through which He provided it.

We thank Him for an opportunity but forget the wisdom, preparation and people who helped us reach it.

Appreciation opens our eyes to recognise God’s goodness behind what we receive.

Lots of Love ❤️

MORNING DEVOTION 192/2026

APPRECIATION — Seeing God’s Goodness in Everything

DAY 7: APPRECIATING OUR SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS — WE ARE ALREADY BLESSED

Sometimes we spend so much time asking God to bless us that we forget to appreciate what He has already given us. We often measure blessings through what we can see, touch or possess: money, houses, good health, employment and achievements. Yet Paul reminds us of something extraordinary: God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. Before we ask for another blessing, perhaps we should pause and appreciate the blessings we have already received.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)

I appreciate that through Jesus Christ, I have received blessings that money cannot purchase and circumstances cannot take away. I have been chosen in Christ, adopted into God’s family, redeemed through His blood and forgiven of my sins. I have received the Holy Spirit as the seal of God’s promise and the assurance of my inheritance in Christ. These are not blessings I am waiting to receive someday; they are blessings God has already made available to me through Jesus Christ.What a privilege to belong to God!

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV)

I also appreciate that our spiritual blessings are not dependent on our earthly circumstances. A person may have little materially and yet be rich in Christ. Another may possess everything money can buy and still lack the peace, forgiveness and eternal hope found in Him. This does not mean material needs are unimportant, but it reminds us that our greatest wealth is not what we have accumulated on earth; it is what God has given us in Christ. Even when circumstances change, our identity and inheritance in Him remain secure.

“And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.” Romans 8:17 (NKJV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, today I pause to appreciate the spiritual blessings You have already given me through Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I have measured Your goodness only by material things while overlooking the eternal riches of Your grace.

Thank You for choosing me in Christ, adopting me into Your family, redeeming me through His precious blood and forgiving my sins. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, who dwells in me, guides me and reminds me that I belong to You.

Lord, open my spiritual eyes to understand the greatness of what I have received in Christ. Teach me to live as someone who is already blessed, not with pride, but with humility, gratitude and confidence in Your promises.

In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Take This With You

Sometimes we are so busy looking for what God has not yet given us that we overlook what He has already placed in our lives through Christ.

Lots Of Love ❤️

MORNING DEVOTION 191/2026

APPRECIATION — Seeing God’s Goodness in Everything

DAY 6: APPRECIATING NATURE — CREATION TEACHES US TO DEPEND ON GOD

Sometimes I look at nature and marvel at how creation depends on God without questioning His ability to provide. The birds wake up singing without knowing where their next meal will come from. They do not plant, harvest or store food in barns, yet God provides for them. Jesus invites us to observe these birds and learn something about our Heavenly Father. If God cares for the birds, how much more does He care for us, His children?

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26 (NKJV)

I appreciate the trees, flowers and plants that remind us how dependent life is on what God provides. A tree cannot command the rain to fall, nor can a flower demand sunshine. They receive what sustains them and grow according to the life God has given them. Yet we human beings sometimes behave as though everything depends entirely on our own strength, wisdom and planning. Nature reminds us that dependence on God is not weakness; it is recognising the Source of our lives.

“These all wait for You, that You may give them their food in due season. What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good.” Psalm 104:27–28 (NKJV)

I also appreciate that nature teaches us the importance of remaining connected to the source of life. A branch may look beautiful and strong, but once separated from the tree, it cannot sustain itself. Jesus uses this very picture to teach us about our relationship with Him. We may have qualifications, experience, resources and abilities, but none can replace our dependence on Christ. The branch does not struggle to manufacture life; it receives life by remaining connected to the vine.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NKJV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty of Your creation and the lessons You teach us through nature. Forgive me for the times I have trusted my own abilities more than I have trusted You. When I see the birds, remind me of Your provision. When I see the flowers and trees, remind me that You sustain life. And when I see a branch connected to its tree, remind me that without Jesus Christ I can do nothing.

Holy Spirit, teach me to live every day in complete dependence on God. Help me work diligently without becoming anxious, plan wisely without becoming controlling, and trust You even when I cannot see tomorrow’s provision. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take This With You

The birds do not know what tomorrow holds, but they live under the care of the One who holds tomorrow.

The flowers cannot command the rain, yet they receive what God provides.

The branches do not create their own life; they remain connected to the vine.

Perhaps creation is teaching us something we have forgotten:

I do not have to control everything to be sustained by God.

I must simply learn to trust Him, remain in Christ and faithfully do what He has given me to do.

Lots of Love ❤️

MORNING DEVOTION 190/2026

APPRECIATION — Seeing God’s Goodness in Everything

DAY 5: APPRECIATING EVERYDAY GRACE — THE MIRACLES WE NO LONGER NOTICE

This morning I woke up. I opened my eyes. I breathed without instructing my lungs. My heart continued beating while I slept. Perhaps because these things happen every day, I have stopped seeing them as blessings. Yet something does not become less miraculous simply because God graciously allows it to happen every day.

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning.”
Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)

Sometimes we wait for something extraordinary before saying, “God has been good to me.” Yet there is grace in the ordinary: food on the table, water to drink, people to speak to, strength to get out of bed, travelling and returning home safely, another opportunity to try again. We may call these things normal, but perhaps heaven calls them daily provision.

“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Matthew 6:11 (NKJV)

And even on difficult days, grace is still present. Grace does not always mean that nothing went wrong; sometimes grace is God carrying us through what went wrong. I may have cried and still survived the day. I may have been disappointed and still found strength to continue. I may not have received everything I wanted, but God gave me what I needed to reach today. Yesterday’s grace brought me here, and today there is fresh grace waiting for me.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for becoming so accustomed to Your goodness that I sometimes stop noticing it. Thank You for waking me this morning. Thank You for breath, strength, food, shelter, family, friendship and the countless mercies I cannot even see.

Teach me not to wait for extraordinary miracles before appreciating You. Open my eyes to recognise everyday grace. And when the day is difficult, remind me that Your grace is not absent—you are carrying me through it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take This With You

Perhaps one of God’s greatest blessings is something we rarely celebrate:

Lots of Love ❤️

MORNING DEVOTION 189/2026

APPRECIATION — Seeing God’s Goodness in Everything

DAY 4: APPRECIATING COMMITMENT — WEARING THE UNIFORM WITH PURPOSE

Recently, I watched men dawning the uniform of the Men’s League, and I found myself appreciating what that moment represents. Wearing the uniform is more than putting on special clothing; it is a visible declaration: “I have chosen to identify myself with Christ and His service.” In a world where people are sometimes hesitant to declare their faith publicly, there is something beautiful about standing openly and saying, “I belong to Christ.”

“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 10:32 (NKJV)

But the uniform also carries responsibility. Once I wear something that publicly identifies me with Christ, people will not only look at the uniform—they will look at the life wearing it. Our conduct, words, relationships and character should honour the One we represent. The greatest uniform of a Christian is therefore not what we put on our bodies, but the character of Christ that people see in our lives.

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”
Romans 13:14 (NKJV)

I therefore appreciate the men who take this further step of commitment, while remembering that joining a league is not the destination—it is an opportunity to grow deeper in discipleship, brotherhood and service. May the uniform continually remind every man wearing it: I have committed myself not merely to an organisation, but to follow Jesus Christ.

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”
Luke 14:27 (NKJV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for every man who publicly commits himself to following and serving Christ. Bless those who have taken this step of commitment through the Men’s League. May the uniform they wear continually remind them of the greater calling to put on Christ every day.

Lord, strengthen them to become men of prayer, integrity, humility, love and service—men who lead their families faithfully, strengthen Your Church and become examples to younger generations. May what is visible on the outside always be confirmed by the life being lived on the inside. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take This With You

A uniform can tell people who I belong to, but my life should show them Who lives in me.

Lots of Love ❤️

MORNING DEVOTION 188/2026

APPRECIATION — Seeing God’s Goodness in Everything

DAY 3: APPRECIATING ACHIEVEMENT — PAUSE AT THE GRADUATION

Recently, I attended our College graduation, and as I watched students walk across the stage, I was reminded that graduation is more than a certificate. Behind that moment are days of studying, difficult examinations, sacrifices, disappointments, encouragement from families and lecturers, and moments when some may have considered giving up. What we celebrate in a few minutes may have taken years to achieve. We should learn to appreciate the journey behind the achievement.

“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NKJV)

Graduation also reminds me that God works through people. No graduate reaches that stage completely alone. Somewhere along the journey was a lecturer who taught, a parent who sacrificed, a friend who encouraged, an administrator who assisted, or someone who simply said, “Keep going.” Sometimes appreciation means recognising the hands God used to help us reach where we are.

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”
1 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV)

But perhaps the greatest lesson is learning to pause and celebrate what God has already done. We are often so focused on the next qualification, the next target, the next promotion or the next challenge that yesterday’s answered prayer quickly becomes today’s ordinary life. There is a time to move forward—but there is also a time to stop, look back and say, “Lord, we made it this far by Your grace.”

“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.”
Psalm 126:3 (NKJV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for every achievement You allow us to witness and celebrate. Thank You for our students who persevered, for families who sacrificed, for lecturers and staff who contributed, and for every person You used along the journey. Teach us not to rush so quickly toward the next goal that we fail to appreciate what You have already done. May every achievement become not only a reason for applause, but a testimony of Your grace and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take This With You

Some of the things we call achievements today were once prayers, hopes and dreams.

Lots of Love ❤️

MORNING DEVOTION 187/2026

APPRECIATION — Seeing God’s Goodness in Everything

DAY 2: APPRECIATING OPPORTUNITY — A SEAT AT THE TABLE

Recently, I attended an industry AGM for the first time as an Independent Board Member. Sitting there made me pause and appreciate the journey. Sometimes we become so focused on the responsibilities of a new position that we forget to appreciate that God has allowed us to enter a room we had never entered before. New opportunities should not only excite us; they should humble us.

“For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.”
Psalm 75:6–7 (NKJV)

Being given a seat at the table is not only about recognition; it is about responsibility. When God places us in spaces where decisions are made, our question should not simply be, “What can I gain here?” but, “Lord, why have You positioned me here, and how can I serve with wisdom, integrity and courage?” Opportunity becomes purpose when we understand that influence is also stewardship.

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV)

I also appreciate that no opportunity stands alone. Behind one moment are years of learning, successes, failures, difficult assignments, people who trusted us, people who challenged us, and experiences God used to prepare us. What once looked like unrelated chapters may suddenly make sense when God opens another door. Preparation often happens long before we understand what God is preparing us for.

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14 (NIV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for every opportunity You have allowed into my life. Forgive me when I become so occupied with responsibility that I forget to appreciate the privilege. Keep me humble when You open doors and give me wisdom when You give me influence. May every table at which I am privileged to sit become a place where I serve with integrity, courage and excellence. Help me remember that the opportunity is not only about where You have placed me, but what You desire to accomplish through me there. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take This With You

Sometimes appreciation is simply pausing in a room you once were not in and whispering: “Lord, thank You for bringing me here.”

Lots of Love ❤️

MORNING DEVOTION 186/2026

APPRECIATION — Seeing God’s Goodness in Everything

DAY 1: APPRECIATING CULTURE — BEAUTY IN OUR DIVERSITY

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a Zulu traditional wedding. As I watched the beautiful traditional attire, listened to the singing, saw the dancing and experienced the warmth of families celebrating together, I found myself appreciating the beauty of culture. God could have made humanity all the same, yet He allowed nations, languages and peoples to express life in wonderfully different ways.

“From one man He made every nation of mankind to live over the entire face of the earth.”
Acts 17:26

I was also reminded that culture connects us to those who came before us. There is beauty in receiving good traditions from one generation and preserving them for the next. When we understand where we come from, we can appreciate the sacrifices, wisdom and values carried by generations before us.

“One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.”
Psalm 145:4 (NKJV)

But as beautiful as culture is, Christ remains above culture. We can celebrate our heritage without allowing tradition to occupy the place that belongs to God. In Christ, our different languages, tribes and backgrounds do not have to divide us. We bring our beautiful differences together under one Lord, one faith and one Kingdom.

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9 (NKJV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty of our cultures, languages and traditions. Thank You for allowing me to experience and appreciate the richness of people who may express life differently from me. Help me to honour what is good in our heritage while always placing Christ above every tradition. May our diversity never divide us, but remind us of the creativity of the One God who made us all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take This With You

Appreciation allows me to look at someone who is different from me and, instead of asking, “Why are they different?” say, “Lord, thank You for allowing me to experience another expression of the beauty You placed in humanity.”

Lots of love ❤️