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 ❤️

MORNING DEVOTION 185/2026 SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE

FINALE — YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE

Key Scripture

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:10 (NKJV)

Reflection & Teaching

We started this journey with one instruction from Jesus: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else.”

But how can we seek something we do not understand?

So we went back to Jesus and allowed the King Himself to explain His Kingdom. Through His parables, we discovered that the Kingdom is not merely a place we hope to enter one day. It is the rule and reign of God that we receive and live under now.

The Hidden Treasure taught us that when we truly discover the Kingdom, everything else loses its position of greatest value.

The Pearl of Great Value taught us that the Kingdom is worth everything.

The Fishing Net reminded us that the Kingdom gathers many, but ultimately God Himself knows those who truly belong to Him.

The Mustard Seed showed us never to despise small beginnings. What God plants may look insignificant today, yet carry Kingdom potential far beyond what we can see.

The Yeast taught us that the Kingdom works quietly from within, transforming everything it touches.

The Wheat and Weeds taught us that although good and evil may grow alongside each other for a season, we must remain what God planted us to be and trust Him with the harvest.

The Unforgiving Servant showed us that people who have received the King’s mercy must become people through whom mercy flows.

And the Workers in the Vineyard taught us to stop comparing portions and trust the generosity of the King.

Now we arrive at the finale.

And perhaps we realise that seeking the Kingdom was never simply about finding something.

It was about surrendering to Someone.

The Kingdom Has a King

Sometimes we desire the benefits of God’s Kingdom more than we desire His rule.

We want His provision, but do we want His priorities?

We want His protection, but do we want His direction?

We want His promises, but do we want His authority?

We pray, “Your Kingdom come,” but Jesus immediately connects it with:

“Your will be done.”

That means I cannot genuinely pray for His Kingdom to come while insisting that my will must remain in control.

The Kingdom comes wherever the King is allowed to rule.

So perhaps the greatest question at the end of this series is not:

“Have I found the Kingdom?”

But:

“Has the King found a surrendered heart in me?”

What Does “Above All Else” Really Mean?

It does not mean abandoning our families, responsibilities, careers or dreams.

It means everything else finds its correct position under the King.

My family belongs under His Kingdom.

My finances belong under His Kingdom.

My ambitions belong under His Kingdom.

My relationships belong under His Kingdom.

My pain, plans, decisions, gifts and future belong under His Kingdom.

Seeking the Kingdom above all else means there is no area of my life where Jesus is welcome as Saviour but denied His place as King.

Life Example

Imagine handing someone the keys to your house but saying:

“You may enter the sitting room and kitchen, but this bedroom is mine. This cupboard must remain locked. And please don’t rearrange anything.”

You have given them access, but not authority.

Sometimes we do the same with God.

We give Him Sunday.

We give Him prayer.

We give Him certain decisions.

But there are rooms of our lives where we still say:

“Lord, please don’t touch this.”

Seeking the Kingdom above all else means eventually handing the King every key.

Pause and Reflect

After these days of seeking, ask yourself quietly:

Is Jesus only my Saviour—or is He truly my King?

Which part of my life still resists His rule?

What would change if I genuinely prayed today:

“Lord, Your Kingdom come—not only into the world, but into every part of me. Your will be done—not only in heaven, but in my life.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for taking me on this journey of discovering Your Kingdom through the words of Jesus.

Today I understand that seeking Your Kingdom above all else is not simply searching for Your blessings. It is seeking the King and surrendering to His rule.

Lord Jesus, You are my Saviour, but today I acknowledge You again as my King.

Let Your Kingdom come into every part of my life. Rule my thoughts, my words, my relationships, my finances, my ambitions, my decisions and my future. Where my will fights against Yours, teach me surrender. Where my priorities have become greater than Your Kingdom, put them back into their proper place.

Holy Spirit, continue the work of the Kingdom within me until the character of my King can be seen through my life.

Your Kingdom come. Your will be done in me, through me and around me, as it is in heaven.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lots of Love 👑

MORNING DEVOTION 184/2026 SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE

The Workers in the Vineyard — The Kingdom Is Governed by Grace, Not Comparison

Key Scripture

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.”
Matthew 20:1

Jesus tells of a landowner who hired workers at different times of the day. Some began early in the morning, others later, and some came when the working day was almost finished.

At the end of the day, something unexpected happened: the landowner gave the latecomers the same amount he had agreed to give those who had worked all day.

The early workers became unhappy.

Their problem was not that the landowner had failed to give them what he promised. Their problem began when they looked at what somebody else received.

Reflection & Teaching

This parable reveals another surprising truth about God’s Kingdom:

The Kingdom operates by the generosity of the King, not by our comparison with one another.

The workers who started early were satisfied with their agreement—until they saw what others received.

Nothing had been taken away from them.

Their blessing had not decreased.

Their agreement had not changed.

Only their focus changed.

They stopped looking at the goodness of the landowner toward them and started measuring his goodness toward somebody else.

And comparison turned gratitude into dissatisfaction.

How often does this happen to us?

We thank God for our lives until we see somebody else’s life.

We appreciate our progress until someone progresses faster.

We celebrate what God has given us until someone receives something we think is greater.

Then quietly we ask:

“Lord, what about me?”

But I Have Been Here Longer

Perhaps the deepest challenge in this parable is the workers who could truthfully say:

“We have worked all day.”

They had sacrificed more time. They had endured the heat.

Yet the landowner reminds them that he had not treated them unjustly. Then he asks:

“Or are you envious because I am generous?”
Matthew 20:15

This confronts something in us.

Sometimes we unconsciously believe that our years of serving God should give us a greater claim on His goodness.

“Lord, I have served You for thirty years.”

“I have prayed.”

“I have sacrificed.”

“I have been faithful.”

These things matter to God—but grace is never wages that God owes us.

The moment I believe another person’s blessing diminishes mine, I have moved from grace into comparison.

Someone Can Arrive Late and Still Meet a Generous King

Imagine someone coming to Christ late in life after years of mistakes.

Another person may have served God faithfully since childhood.

Both need the same Saviour.

Both enter through the same cross.

Both are saved by the same grace.

The person who came early has something beautiful that the latecomer never had: years spent walking with the King.

Serving God longer is not a disadvantage requiring extra compensation.

Knowing Him longer was itself a privilege.

Life Example

Imagine two daughters receiving gifts from their father.

The first daughter loves her gift—until she opens her sister’s gift and discovers that it is different.

Suddenly she no longer sees what is in her own hands.

She sees only what is in her sister’s hands.

Nothing happened to her gift.

Comparison simply stole her enjoyment of it.

We can do the same with God’s blessings.

Pause and Reflect

Can I genuinely celebrate when God is good to someone else?

Have I allowed someone else’s blessing to make me question God’s goodness toward me?

Do I secretly believe that because I have served longer, sacrificed more or suffered more, God owes me something?

Today perhaps I need to pray:

“Lord, take my eyes off other people’s portion and teach me to recognise Your grace in mine.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me into Your vineyard. Forgive me for the times I have compared my journey with someone else’s and allowed comparison to steal my gratitude.

Lord, I acknowledge that everything I have received from You is grace. You owe me nothing, yet through Jesus Christ You have given me everything that truly matters.

When You bless others, teach me to celebrate Your goodness. When someone progresses faster than I do, protect my heart from jealousy. When Your timing for another person differs from Your timing for me, help me trust the generosity of the King.

Holy Spirit, teach me to serve because I love the King, not because I am calculating what the King owes me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lots of Love 👑