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 👑

MORNING DEVOTION 183/2026 SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE

The Unforgiving Servant — Kingdom People Never Forget the Mercy They Received

Key Scripture

“Shouldn’t you also have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?”
Matthew 18:33

Jesus tells of a servant who owed his king an enormous debt—far beyond his ability to repay. When judgment was pronounced, the servant fell before the king and pleaded for patience.

But something greater than patience happened.

The king was moved with compassion, cancelled the debt and released him (Matthew 18:23–27).

Then something shocking happened. The same servant went out and found another servant who owed him a much smaller amount. He grabbed him and demanded, “Pay me what you owe!” Although the man pleaded for mercy, he refused and had him thrown into prison.

Reflection & Teaching

This parable reveals something powerful about the Kingdom: we cannot truly understand the mercy of the King and remain merciless toward others.

The first servant had every right to say, “He owes me.”

And he was correct.

The second servant really did owe him something.

That is important because forgiveness does not mean pretending that nothing happened. Sometimes people truly hurt us. They betrayed us. They disappointed us. They spoke against us. They took something from us emotionally, financially or relationally.

There really is a debt.

But Jesus shifts our attention from what they owe us to what we owed God.

The servant’s tragedy was not that he had forgotten the amount of the other man’s debt.

He had forgotten the size of the debt that had been cancelled for him.

Seeking the Kingdom Changes How We Keep Accounts

When we seek the Kingdom above all else, we begin seeing people differently.

Before demanding, “Pay me what you owe me,” we remember ourselves standing before the King with a debt we could never repay.

God forgave me.

God showed me mercy.

God was patient with me.

God restored me when I failed.

God did not treat me according to everything I deserved.

Then I meet someone who has hurt me.

Suddenly the question becomes:

Can someone who lives every day by mercy refuse mercy to another?

This does not mean remaining in an abusive or dangerous situation. Forgiveness does not eliminate wisdom, accountability or healthy boundaries. But it does mean refusing to make another person’s debt the prison in which our own heart lives.

Life Example

Imagine somebody owing you R1,000 while you owe another person R10 million.

You cannot pay the R10 million, but your creditor says:

“Your entire debt is cancelled. You owe me nothing.”

Then, while walking away celebrating your freedom, you meet the person who owes you R1,000.

Suddenly you have a choice.

You can look only at what they owe you, or remember what was forgiven you.

That is the heart of Jesus’ parable.

Pause and Reflect

Is there someone whose debt I am still carrying in my heart?

Do I repeatedly revisit what they did, what they said and what they should have done?

Perhaps I have been asking God:

“Lord, do You know what they did to me?”

And today the King gently asks:

“My child, do you remember what I have forgiven you?”

Not to minimise your pain—but to free your heart.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I seek Your Kingdom above all else, help me never forget the mercy I have received from You. I came before You with a debt I could never repay, and through Jesus Christ You showed me mercy.

Lord, some wounds are deep, and some debts feel difficult to release. I cannot always forgive in my own strength. Holy Spirit, help me. Heal the places that still hurt. Remove bitterness, anger and the desire for revenge from my heart.

Teach me to give the mercy I have received. I release those who owe me into Your hands. You are the righteous Judge; I do not need to carry their account anymore.

Let my life demonstrate the Kingdom of a merciful King. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lots of Love 👑

MORNING DEVOTION 182/2026 SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE

The Wheat and the Weeds — Not Everything Growing Together Belongs Together

Key Scripture

“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, then went away.”
Matthew 13:24–25

Jesus explains this parable later by saying that the One who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom, and the weeds represent those belonging to the evil one(Matthew 13:37–39).

Reflection & Teaching

As we seek the Kingdom of God, Jesus teaches us something that can be difficult to understand: the presence of God’s Kingdom does not mean the immediate disappearance of everything evil.

The farmer sowed good seed. The problem was not with the seed. But while people slept, an enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat.

When the servants discovered the weeds, their immediate response was: “Do you want us to go and pull them up?”

Surprisingly, the master said, “No.”

Why? Because in trying to remove the weeds, they might uproot the wheat as well. He told them:

“Let both grow together until the harvest.”
Matthew 13:30

This gives us an important understanding of the Kingdom.

Sometimes we look at our world and ask, “If God is King, why is there still so much evil?”

Why injustice? Why dishonesty? Why suffering? Why do wicked people sometimes appear to prosper while people trying to live faithfully struggle?

Jesus does not pretend that the weeds are not there.

He tells us that until the final harvest, wheat and weeds will exist alongside one another.

But their growing together does not mean that God cannot distinguish between them.

Don’t Become a Weed While Fighting the Weeds

There is another lesson here for our own hearts.

When we encounter wrongdoing, we can become so consumed with correcting other people that their behaviour begins changing ours.

Someone hates us, and we begin hating them.

Someone lies about us, and we want to destroy their reputation.

Someone treats us unfairly, and bitterness begins growing inside us.

We may be fighting what is wrong while slowly allowing the same darkness to enter our own hearts.

But the wheat does not need to become a weed because weeds are growing nearby.

Our responsibility is to remain what the King planted us to be.

Life Example

Imagine two plants growing beside each other. One cannot decide, “Because the plant beside me is producing something bad, I will stop producing what I was created to produce.”

Its responsibility is simply to remain rooted and produce according to its nature.

The same is true for us.

You may work with dishonest people and remain honest.

You may live among unforgiving people and choose forgiveness.

You may be surrounded by hatred and still love.

You may experience injustice and still refuse to become unjust.

The environment does not have to determine the fruit. The seed determines the fruit.

Pause and Reflect

Perhaps today we should stop asking only:

“Lord, why haven’t You removed these weeds?”

And begin asking:

“Lord, while I am growing among them, what am I becoming?”

Have the actions of other people changed my character?

Have I allowed someone’s bitterness to make me bitter?

Am I spending more energy identifying weeds than producing Kingdom fruit?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I seek Your Kingdom above all else. Thank You for reminding me that You know the difference between the wheat and the weeds. Forgive me when I have tried to take Your place as Judge.

Holy Spirit, protect my heart from becoming like the things that have wounded me. When I encounter hatred, help me love. When I experience dishonesty, keep me truthful. When I am treated unjustly, keep my heart clean.

Lord Jesus, let the good seed You planted in me continue growing regardless of what grows around me. Help me trust You with the harvest and concentrate on becoming what You planted me to become. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lots of Love 👑

MORNING DEVOTION 181/2026 SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE

The Yeast — The Kingdom Works From Within

Key Scripture

“The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.”
Matthew 13:33 (CEB)

Reflection & Teaching

Jesus gives us such a simple picture: a woman takes a little yeast and mixes it into a large amount of flour.

Once the yeast disappears into the dough, you cannot easily see it. Yet something is happening.

The yeast begins working from within.

Eventually, what was introduced into one small part affects the whole dough.

This teaches us something beautiful about the Kingdom of God. When we seek God’s Kingdom, we are not merely seeking something that will change our circumstances. We are allowing God’s rule to enter us and change who we are from within.

Sometimes we want God to change everything around us, while the Kingdom first wants to change something inside us.

We pray, “Lord, change my marriage.”
God may begin by changing how I love.

We pray, “Lord, change these difficult people.”
God may begin by changing how I respond to them.

We pray, “Lord, change my circumstances.”
God may begin by changing my faith, patience and dependence on Him.

The Kingdom works quietly, but powerfully.

Something Deeper

The woman did not keep the yeast next to the flour. She put it inside.

Likewise, it is not enough for the Kingdom to be something we admire, preach about, attend church to hear about, or carry in our Bibles.

The Kingdom must enter us.

Jesus said:

“The kingdom of God is within you.”
Luke 17:21 (NKJV)

When Christ rules the heart, His Kingdom begins touching our thoughts, words, attitudes, relationships, decisions and priorities.

Eventually, what God has planted inside becomes visible outside.

Life Example

Think about someone who has genuinely walked with God for many years.

They may not notice every little change happening in themselves. But gradually, the person who once reacted immediately in anger begins responding with wisdom. The person who could never forgive begins releasing offences. The fearful person develops quiet confidence in God.

The change did not happen overnight.

The yeast was working.

This is why we should never despise the quiet work God is doing inside us simply because we cannot yet see dramatic results.

Pause and Reflect

As I seek the Kingdom of God, am I only asking God to change what is around me, or am I allowing Him to change what is within me?

What area of my character still needs to come under the rule of the King?

Perhaps today my prayer should simply be:

“Lord, let Your Kingdom reach every part of me.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I seek Your Kingdom above all else. I do not want Your Kingdom merely around me; I want Your rule within me. Holy Spirit, work deeply in my heart. Enter the places I have protected from Your correction and transformation. Change my thinking, my attitudes, my words, my desires and my responses.

Lord, even when I cannot see what You are doing, help me trust that You are working. Let Your Kingdom spread through every area of my life until what is inside me becomes visible in how I live. May people encounter the character of my King t

Lots of Love 👑

MORNING DEVOTION 180/2026 SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE

THE MUSTARD SEED — NEVER DESPISE A SMALL BEGINNING

Key Scripture

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and planted in his field. It’s the smallest of all seeds. But when it’s grown, it’s the largest of all vegetable plants. It becomes a tree so that the birds in the sky come and nest in its branches.” — Matthew 13:31–32 (CEB)

Reflection and Teaching

Jesus compares His Kingdom to something surprisingly small—a mustard seed. Looking at the seed, you would never imagine what it could become. Yet hidden inside that tiny seed is the potential for something much greater.

This teaches us an important truth about God’s Kingdom: God does not always begin big. Jesus Himself entered the world as a baby, was raised in Nazareth and began with a small group of disciples. Yet from that seemingly small beginning, the Gospel has reached nations and generations.

Sometimes we overlook what God is doing because it appears too small. We want the big miracle, the large opportunity and the immediate breakthrough. Yet the Kingdom often begins with a seed: one prayer, one act of obedience, one Scripture believed, one person helped, one decision to forgive, one step of faith.

When we seek the Kingdom, we must learn to value God’s beginnings. The question is not, “How big is it now?” The question is, “Did God plant it?” If God planted it, do not despise it because it is small.

Life Example

Imagine someone whom God places in your heart to help. Perhaps you cannot solve all their problems. You cannot change their whole life. All you can do is provide one meal, pay one small account, make one telephone call, pray with them or speak one encouraging word.

It may feel insignificant.

But Kingdom seeds grow.

That person may regain hope because somebody cared. Their restored hope may strengthen their family. Their testimony may later encourage another person. What started as one small act of obedience can produce fruit you may never personally see.

This is how the Kingdom works. You plant what God gives you; God determines how large it becomes.

Pause and Reflect on Your Life

What small thing has God placed in my hands that I have been overlooking because it does not appear important?

Have I delayed obedience because I am waiting until I have more money, more influence, more confidence or a bigger opportunity?

Perhaps God is not asking you for something big today. Perhaps He is asking:

“Will you plant the seed I have already given you?”

Do not compare your seed with somebody else’s tree. Their tree also started somewhere.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have overlooked small beginnings because I wanted something bigger. Teach me to see my life through the eyes of Your Kingdom.

Help me to obey You in the small things. If You give me one person to encourage, let me encourage them. If You give me one opportunity to serve, let me serve faithfully. If You give me one Word to believe, help me hold onto it.

Lord, I will plant what You place in my hands and trust You with the growth. May every small act of obedience in my life become a seed through which Your Kingdom touches others.

I will not despise the seed because I know the God who gives the increase.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Lots of Love 👑

MORNING DEVOTION 179/2026 SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE

THE FISHING NET — BE SURE YOU BELONG TO THE KING

Key Scripture

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When it was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and put the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away.” — Matthew 13:47–48 (NLT)

Reflection and Teaching

Jesus now describes the Kingdom as a fishing net thrown into the sea. The net does not catch only one kind of fish; it gathers “fish of every kind.” This is a beautiful picture of God’s invitation. The Gospel reaches people from every nation, background, status and history. The Kingdom is not reserved for a special class of people. Everyone is invited.

But Jesus does not end the parable with the gathering. When the net becomes full, it is brought to shore and the fish are separated. Jesus explains that at the end of the age there will also be a separation between the righteous and the wicked (Matthew 13:49–50). Therefore, being caught in the net is not the same as truly belonging to the King.

This challenges us. We can be surrounded by Christianity, attend church, know Scripture, participate in worship and still need to ask: Has Jesus truly become King of my life? Romans 10:9 reminds us that salvation involves confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead.

Seeking the Kingdom is therefore more than seeking God’s blessings. It begins with surrendering ourselves to the King. The Kingdom cannot be separated from the authority of its King. If Jesus is King, then His Word directs me, His will matters more than mine, and my life should increasingly reflect His character.

Life Example

Think about a fishing net pulled from the sea. While everything is still underwater, all the fish appear to be together. Only when the net reaches the shore does the distinction become clear.

The same can happen in church. Two people may sit next to each other, sing the same songs, hear the same sermon and carry the same Bible. Outwardly they appear similar, but God sees the heart.

Jesus warned, “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21 NLT).

This is not meant to make us live in fear. It is an invitation to examine whether our relationship with God is genuine. Do I merely know about Jesus, or have I surrendered my life to Him?

Pause and Reflect on Your Life

If Jesus is truly my King, what evidence of His rule can be seen in my life? Does His Word influence my decisions, relationships, finances, forgiveness and behaviour?

Am I seeking the Kingdom because I want what God can give me, or because I genuinely want God Himself?

The treasure taught us the Kingdom is worth everything. The pearl taught us to seek it above everything. The net now reminds us: make sure your relationship with the King is real.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Kingdom invitation reaches everyone, including me. Search my heart and reveal anything that is merely outward religion without inward surrender.

I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and King. Let Your Word govern my decisions, Your Spirit transform my character and Your will direct my life. I do not want merely to stand among those who know about Your Kingdom; I want to belong completely to You.

As I seek Your Kingdom above everything else, make my life evidence that the King truly lives and reigns within me. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Lots of Love 👑

MORNING DEVOTION 178/2026 SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE

THE PEARL OF GREAT VALUE — KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SEEKING

Key Scripture

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went and sold all that he owned and bought it.” — Matthew 13:45–46 (CEB)

Reflection and Teaching

Jesus gives us another beautiful picture of the Kingdom. Unlike the man who unexpectedly discovered treasure hidden in a field, this man was actively searching. He was a merchant who knew pearls, understood their quality and could recognize their value. Then one day he found one pearl so precious that his search stopped. He had found what he was looking for.

Although the two men found their treasures differently, they reached exactly the same conclusion: “What I have found is worth more than everything I already have.” The merchant therefore sold everything and bought the pearl. Nobody forced him. He understood its value.

This helps us understand what Jesus means when He says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else” (Matthew 6:33). Seeking is intentional. We cannot say we are seeking something while giving it little time, attention or priority. The merchant searched until he recognized what was truly valuable.

We are also searching for many “pearls” in life—success, financial security, healing, relationships, recognition, happiness and peace. Some of these things are good, but Jesus is showing us that there is one Pearl greater than everything else we pursue: the Kingdom of God.

When we truly encounter the King, our search changes. We begin to understand that what our hearts ultimately need is not merely things from God, but God Himself.

Life Example

Imagine someone who spends many years building a successful life. They acquire qualifications, positions, money, property and recognition. Yet after every achievement there is another goal to pursue—another pearl.

Then that person genuinely encounters God and discovers something achievement could never provide: identity that does not depend on a title, peace that does not depend on circumstances, and purpose greater than personal success. Their achievements do not suddenly become worthless, but their value changes because something greater has been found.

Paul experienced this. After encountering Christ, he said, “Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). Paul had education, status and religious credentials, but when he found Christ, he discovered the Pearl of Great Value.

Pause and Reflect on Your Life

What are you searching for? What occupies most of your thoughts, prayers, energy and time? What have you convinced yourself will finally make you satisfied?

If God gave you the job, money, healing, marriage, promotion or breakthrough you are seeking, but you did not grow closer to Him, would you still consider yourself blessed?

Perhaps the most important question is: Am I seeking the things of the Kingdom more than I am seeking the King?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, today I examine what I have been searching for. I have pursued many things believing they would satisfy me. Some are necessary and some are good, but nothing can take Your place.

Teach me to seek Your Kingdom above everything else. Give me discernment like the merchant who recognized the precious pearl when he found it. Lord, I do not only want Your blessings; I want You. I do not only want what Your hands can provide; I want to know Your heart.

May knowing You become more valuable to me than possessions, positions, recognition or achievement. Let everything else find its proper place beneath Your Kingdom. You are my Treasure. You are my Pearl of Great Value. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Lots of Love 👑

MORNING DEVOTION 177/2026 SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE

THE HIDDEN TREASURE — WHEN YOU DISCOVER ITS VALUE, EVERYTHING ELSE CHANGES

Key Scripture

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure that somebody hid in a field, which someone else found and covered up. Full of joy, the finder sold everything and bought that field.”
— Matthew 13:44 (CEB)

Reflection and Teaching

When Jesus tells us to seek the Kingdom of God, we must first understand the Kingdom from His perspective, not ours. We cannot passionately seek something whose value we have not understood.

Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. A man discovers it, and immediately he recognizes that what he has found is extraordinarily valuable. He covers it again, goes away full of joy, sells everything he owns, and buys the field.

Notice something important: nobody forced him to sell everything.

He did it joyfully because he had discovered something worth more than everything he already possessed.

Before finding the treasure, his possessions were valuable to him. His house, money, property and belongings mattered. But after seeing the treasure, his understanding of value changed.

He did not suddenly hate what he owned. He simply discovered something greater.

That is what happens when we truly discover the Kingdom of God.

Jesus is teaching us that the Kingdom is not simply something we add to our already busy lives. It is not God plus everything else competing for first place. When we truly understand the value of His Kingdom—knowing God, belonging to Him, living under His rule and participating in His purposes—everything else finds its proper place.

This gives deeper meaning to:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

The man in the parable did not focus on what he was losing.

He focused on what he had found.

That is why he sold everything with joy.

Perhaps this is where surrender becomes easier. We struggle to surrender when we are concentrating on what God is asking us to release. But when we truly see the value of what we have found in Christ and His Kingdom, surrender stops looking only like sacrifice.

It begins to look like an exchange.

I am giving up what is temporary for what is eternal.

I am giving up my way for His way.

I am giving up control for His Lordship.

I am giving up lesser treasures because I have found the Treasure.

The Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than everything we possess, everything we achieve, every title we carry and everything this world can offer.

When you truly find it, everything else changes value.

Life Example

Imagine someone unknowingly owns an ordinary-looking old painting. For years it hangs unnoticed in the house. Then an expert examines it and discovers that it is an original masterpiece worth millions.

The painting has not changed.

The person’s understanding of its value has changed.

Suddenly, how they handle it changes. Where they keep it changes. How they protect it changes. Their attitude toward it changes—because they now understand what they possess.

The same can happen spiritually.

We can attend church, read Scripture, pray and call ourselves Christians while still not fully understanding the treasure we have received.

But when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to understand the Kingdom, our priorities begin to change.

Things we once chased desperately lose their control over us.

Recognition becomes less important.

Possessions become tools rather than masters.

Positions become opportunities to serve rather than our identity.

Our greatest desire becomes:

“Lord, I want You. I want Your will. I want Your Kingdom.”

Not because everything else has no value—but because nothing compares with Him.

Pause and Reflect on Your Life

What is the greatest treasure in my life today?

If someone looked at how I spend my time, money, energy and attention, what would they conclude that I value most?

Have I truly discovered the value of God’s Kingdom, or am I still treating it as one part of my life among many others?

What am I afraid of losing if I put God’s Kingdom first?

Is there something I am holding onto that prevents me from fully pursuing what God has placed before me?

And perhaps the deepest question:

If the Kingdom is truly worth more than everything I possess, does the way I live show that I have discovered the Treasure?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Open my spiritual eyes to understand the true value of Your Kingdom.

I do not want merely to know about Your Kingdom; I want to discover its treasure.

Forgive me for the times I have valued possessions, positions, recognition, comfort and my own plans above You.

Like the man who found the treasure, give me revelation that changes how I value everything else.

Lord, may I never look at surrender only as what I am losing. Help me see what I have found in You.

Teach me to seek Your Kingdom above everything else. Let Your will become more valuable than my plans, Your presence more valuable than possessions, and knowing You more valuable than anything this world can give me.

I have found the Treasure.

Give me the grace to live like someone who knows its value.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Lots of Love 👑

🌅 MORNING DEVOTION 176/2026 SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM

Theme: But Do You Know What You Are Seeking?

📖 Key Scripture — Matthew 6:33 NLT

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

YOU CANNOT SEEK WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW

Jesus gives us an extraordinary instruction: Seek the Kingdom of God above ALL else.

But before we rush to the promise, “He will give you everything you need,” we must stop at the instruction: SEEK THE KINGDOM.

Many times we are attracted to the last part of the verse. We want God to give us everything we need—the healing, breakthrough, provision, job, marriage, peace, restoration. But Jesus redirects our attention from what God can give us to what God wants us to seek.

The question for this ten-day journey is therefore:

Am I seeking the Kingdom—or am I seeking what I hope the Kingdom will give me?

👑 FIRST, KNOW THE KING

A kingdom cannot exist without a king. Therefore, before we understand the Kingdom, we must settle our relationship with Jesus the King.

📖 Romans 10:9–10 NLT

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Notice the word LORD.

We cannot sincerely seek God’s Kingdom while refusing God’s rule. When I confess “Jesus is Lord,” I am not merely acknowledging that Jesus exists. I am placing my faith in Him as Saviour and recognising His authority over my life.

And this righteousness does not begin with us trying to make ourselves good enough for God. Romans 10 teaches that we believe in our hearts and are made right with God. From that relationship comes a life increasingly surrendered to His ways.

🔥 THE KINGDOM BEFORE THE THINGS

Jesus had already said:

“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.”
— Matthew 6:32 NLT

That changes everything.

I don’t have to chase the King merely to convince Him that I need something. He already knows.

Jesus says: You seek My Kingdom. You pursue My righteousness. Your Father knows what you need.

So perhaps we have sometimes reversed Matthew 6:33:

We seek the things and expect the Kingdom to follow.

Jesus says:

Seek the Kingdom—and let the things follow.

Over the next ten days, we will allow Jesus Himself to teach us what this Kingdom is through the pictures He gave us: a hidden treasure, a priceless pearl, a mustard seed, yeast, ten virgins, entrusted talents and a wedding banquet.

Because you cannot truly seek what you do not know.

🙏 PRAYER

Father, I have spent so much time seeking what I need from Your hands. Today, change the direction of my heart. Teach me to seek Your Kingdom above everything else.

I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Let His Lordship become real in every area of my life.

During these ten days, open my spiritual eyes. Show me what Jesus meant when He spoke about the Kingdom. May I discover its value, understand its principles and live under the rule of my King.

And when my heart becomes anxious about what I need, remind me: My Father already knows.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

🗣️ DECLARATION

I WILL SEEK THE KINGDOM, NOT JUST THE THINGS.

Lots of Love 👑