Hear & Adhere

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In a world filled with sermons, teachings, podcasts, and endless spiritual content, it has never been easier, to hear the Word of God. Yet the Scriptures repeatedly warn us that hearing alone is not enough!

Jesus made this distinction crystal clear. He didn’t just teach the Word, He lived it. His very sustenance, His deepest satisfaction, was obedience to the Father. Throughout the Gospels and the New Testament, the Holy Spirit confronts a dangerous misconception: that knowledge without action, or profession without obedience, can somehow please God.

This is the heart of Hear and Adhere, a powerful call to move beyond passive listening into active, wholehearted obedience. The Bible, leaves no room, for comfortable illusions. The one who hears, and does not obey, deceives himself. 

The scriptures use several illustrations, to describe the one who claims to know Christ, but does not keep His commandments. May the following truths from Scripture, awaken in us a fresh hunger, not just to hear the voice of God, but to live it out with surrendered hearts. For in hearing and adhering, we discover, the very food that satisfied Jesus, the foundation that withstands every storm, and the intimate knowledge of God that true love produces.

The Bible repeatedly clarifies misconceptions about true spirituality. It is not merely about knowledge, words, or outward religious activity, but about hearing God’s Word, and actively obeying it.

1. Doing is food!

In the first of these illustrations Jesus, emphasised this truth powerfully, using the metaphor of food as His sustenance. 

We read in John 4:34-38, Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the one who sows and the one who reaps may rejoice together. For in this case the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not laboured; others have laboured, and you have come into their labor.”

Jesus found His deepest satisfaction not in physical bread, but in fulfilling the Father’s mission.  Note the detail, – To do His will and finish the work He was entrusted with. Sowing, and reaping for the Kingdom of God, that was part of the task set before Him. Note again here, Jesus said, “I sent you to reap”! The task is again emphasised. Obedience brings eternal fruit and shared joy between sowers and reapers. True spirituality fuels active participation in God’s harvest today.

2. The forgetful man in the mirror.

James 1:22-25 reads, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself, and gone away, he has immediately forgotten, what kind of person, he was. But one, who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed, in what he does.”

Mere hearing, leads to self-deception. But intentional, ongoing obedience, to God’s Word, brings blessing, and true transformation.

3. The Wise Build on Solid Foundation.

Matthew 7:24-27 reads, “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded, on the rock. But everyone, who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell, and its collapse, was great.”

Storms reveal the foundation. Obedience anchors us in Christ.

4. Obeying His commands, is evidence, of knowing God.

1 John 2:3-6 reads,“By this, we know, that we have come to know Him, if, we keep His commandments. The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever follows His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know, that we are in Him: the one who says that he remains in Him, ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

Claiming to know God without obedience is self-deception. Walking as Jesus walked is the proof of a genuine relationship. Walk, just as He walked, should be echoing in our lives.

5. Loving God, means obeying His commands.

John 14:21 reads,“The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.”

Obedience is the language of love toward God. It invites deeper intimacy and greater revelation of Christ. Yes, don’t miss this. When we love Him, we obey Him, and when we do that, we see more of Him, and grow in intimacy, with Him.

6. Obedience brings forth fruit.

In John 15:5 we read, “I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” What is remaining in Him, mean? The answer, lies in a few verses further down, in verse 10 which goes like this, “ If you,, keep My commandments, you will remain in My love; just as I have kept, My Father’s commandments, and remain in His love.

It is His will that we bear much fruit. This comes by obedience, and no other way. Without obedience you can do nothing of value in His kingdom. Nothing at all!

7. Not Everyone, Who Says “Lord, Lord”, Will Enter.

In Matthew 7:21-23 we read. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one, who does the will, of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many, will say to Me, on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy, in Your name, and in Your name, cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”

Note, practice lawlessness, or practice sin, or practice disobedience. It is a life-style of disobedience. Seen again in 1John 3:4,6,8,&9.

Impressive works, without an obedient relationship, to the Father, mean nothing, in the end. Don’t be deceived by performance or manifestations. They are not proof for a living, loving, growing, 2-way relationship with God. God needs to know, and recognise His own children, His sheep. His sheep, hear His voice, and these are the ones He knows and saves.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us not only to hear Your Word, but to adhere to it with wholehearted obedience. Let Your will be our food, Your commands our delight, and our lives unshakeable testimonies of genuine faith. Reveal Yourself, to us as we keep Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Friend, may this reflection, encourage you today to move from simply hearing, to active, joyful adherence, for the glory of God, and the blessing of your life.

Quote

Hearing and adhering – the two strands of the same twine.

Spotify channel!

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Hello everyone. We are pleased to let you know our new Spotify channel is now online. Please follow to get updates of new podcasts.

In everything we pray that this would be helpful in life’s journey. Best and warm wishes.

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Beatitudes – Profit in Poverty.E1

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You might think, “how can one profit from poverty?”. That is ridiculous. But that my friend is precisely, the beauty, about the kingdom of God. Listen to Jesus:

“And He raised His eyes toward His disciples and began saying, ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.’” Luke 6:20

This is the opening statement of one of the most profound discourses ever given. Remarkably, Jesus does not begin with themes of earthly glory, wealth, power, or prestige. He begins with poverty. Why? Because there is a unique beauty in recognising our lack before God. Deficiency, inadequacy, humility, brokenness, desperation, and need, place us in a position where we are ready to receive from Him. Poverty, in this sense, becomes a doorway to divine blessing.

The question naturally arises: Is Jesus speaking of physical poverty, spiritual poverty, or both? The whole counsel of God suggests that both are in view. Matthew emphasises spiritual poverty, while Luke’s account appears to include those who are materially poor as well.

Matthew 5:3.“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 11:5. “The blind receive sight and the lame walk, the people with leprosy are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”
Luke 7:22. “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: people who were blind receive sight, people who limped walk, people with leprosy are cleansed and people who were deaf hear, dead people are raised up, and people who are poor have the gospel preached to them.”

Throughout His ministry, Jesus showed special concern for those who recognised their need. Whether their poverty was material, spiritual, or both, they were often the ones most ready to receive His message.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of a remarkable paradox:

2 Corinthians 6:10. “As sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things.”

Paul’s words suggest that outward poverty does not prevent inward abundance. Those who may possess little in this world can nevertheless enrich others through the spiritual treasures they have received in Christ. It is therefore worthwhile to consider why such a state is viewed so favourably by God.

Firstly, poverty of spirit: reflects faith. Faith comes to God empty-handed, acknowledging dependence upon Him. Now don’t miss this. Faith pleases God!

Hebrews 11:1-2. “Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. For by it the people of old gained approval.”
Hebrews 11:6. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.”

A heart that recognises its need is often a heart prepared to trust God. It comes saying, “Lord, I cannot do this without You. I need Your strength, Your wisdom, Your grace, and Your help.”

Second, poverty of spirit: produces humility. It acknowledges our dependence upon God and our inability to save or sustain ourselves apart from Him. Such humility is precious in His sight because it agrees with His verdict that all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. Brokenness creates an awareness of our need. Pride, by contrast, leans toward self-sufficiency and self-reliance, resisting the very help God freely offers.

Scripture also teaches that godly sorrow has great value:

2 Corinthians 7:10 “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.”.

Only the broken, truly understand their need for forgiveness, grace, and mercy. God has designed us to live in fellowship with Him, to rest in Him, trust Him, commune with Him, confide in Him, and cast our burdens upon Him. Poverty of spirit brings us back to that place of repentance and dependence restoring fellowship with Him.

Thirdly, the brokenhearted: discover God’s proximity. 

Psalm 34:18 “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

When suffering strips away our illusions of self-sufficiency, we often become more aware of God’s presence and help. The position we are in draws us to a closer and intimate walk with Him, in a way that would not be possible otherwise. That is His methodology.

Fourthly poverty makes room: for the display of His glory. When we are empty, He can fill us. When we are weak, His strength is perfected. Our mourning turns to dancing. Surrender invites His glory. What appears to be weakness becomes the stage upon which His strength is displayed.

Poverty of spirit is not an end in itself. God meets us in our need and fills us with His grace. Mourning gives way to joy, weakness gives way to strength, and despair gives way to hope. Yet this dependence is not merely a one-time experience; it becomes the daily posture of the believer. Every day we come afresh to the Lord, and every day His mercies are new.

Finally, with poverty comes promise: to the poor

Luke 6:20 “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”

The reward is not merely relief from poverty but participation in God’s kingdom, His rule, His reign, and His gracious authority over our lives.

Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” 
James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: did God not choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

This kingdom is experienced most fully by those who recognise their need for God. The poor in spirit discover that what they lack in themselves is abundantly supplied in Him.

True blessedness is not found in self-sufficiency but in His sufficiency. The one who comes empty-handed to Christ finds a treasure greater than all the riches of this world, the kingdom of God itself!

Prayer

O mighty One, enthroned above,

I long to remain in this holy place,
The tender ground of godly sorrow,
Where my broken heart beholds Your face.

Each day I come with thankful hands,
Through gates flung wide by sovereign grace.
Into Your courts I lift my praise
And bow within Your sacred space.

Teach me to know You more deeply,
To enjoy You more fully,
To walk with You more faithfully,
And to trust You more completely.

Keep me humble before You,
Dependent upon Your strength,
Rich in Your grace,
And satisfied in Your presence.

Until that day when faith becomes sight
And I behold You face to face forevermore.

Amen.

Quote

The happiest soul is not the one that needs nothing, but the one that has learnt it needs Christ for everything.

Race to win!

by abeDevotional, IllustrationPosted on Comments are Disabled
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it… I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.                      1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Christian living is not a leisurely walk in the park. It is both a fierce battle and a demanding race. Many believers drift through life as if they are on a casual stroll, unaware of the spiritual realities surrounding them. But Scripture calls us to something far greater: to stand as soldiers in God’s army and to run as disciplined athletes in the race of faith.

The Christian life is a race. Also in Hebrews we see: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus… Hebrews 12:1-2
A stroll is for pleasure. A race is for a prize, the imperishable wreath of eternal reward. In this race:

  • Only those who run with purpose, win.
  • There are no participation trophies or consolation prizes.
  • Victory demands discipline, self-control, endurance, and single-minded focus on Jesus.

You must lay aside every weight that slows you down: sin, distractions, worldly entanglements, and fix your eyes on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Are you running to win, or casually strolling through your Christian life? What weights do you need to lay aside today?
Identify one “weight” in your life and take a concrete step to lay it aside. But remember you need the whole armour everyday not just one piece of it. Run today with purpose, your King is watching, encouraging, cheering for you, and the prize is worth it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not called us to a life of comfort, but to a life of purpose. Train me as a runner to lay aside every weight and run with endurance, fixing my eyes on Jesus. Forgive me for the times I have strolled casually. Ignite in me a holy resolve to finish the race. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Quote : We are not called to merely participate but to win the race

Blindfolds and Strongholds: The Strategy of War

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In the unseen realms, a fierce battle rages for the hearts, minds, and allegiances of every person. Many believers live unaware of this reality, tuned only to what they can see, hear, and feel. Yet Scripture repeatedly calls us to spiritual alertness. We are not fighting a physical war with human strategies, but a spiritual one against an enemy who never rests.

The Reality of the War

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. So resist him, firm in your faith…” (1 Peter 5:8-9 NASB).

Our struggle “is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). The battle is real, constant, and often invisible. The enemy’s primary targets are our minds and our obedience to Christ.

The Enemy’s Strategy: Blindfolds and Strongholds

The devil employs two powerful tactics: blindfolds and strongholds.

Blindfolds: “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Satan veils truth, keeping people from seeing Jesus clearly. In our age of “post-truth,” emotional appeals, slogans, and personal beliefs often override objective reality and biblical truth. Phrases like “Do whatever makes you happy” sound appealing but ignore the deeper design of our souls, created with a God-shaped void that only He can fill.

Strongholds: These are fortified lies, arguments, and lofty opinions that take root in the mind and shape behaviour, lifestyles, and even entire cultures. “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV).

Strongholds hold people captive through repeated exposure to falsehoods, via media, culture, or past wounds, until lies feel like truth.

The Believer’s Strategy and Weapons

We do not fight in our own strength. James 4:7 gives the clear directive: “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” God equips us with the divine armour and weapons: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armour of God…” (Ephesians 6:10-11). They being:

  • Belt of truth
  • Breastplate of righteousness
  • Shoes of the gospel of peace
  • Shield of faith
  • Helmet of salvation
  • Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17)

The primary offensive weapon is the living Word of God: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV). Jesus modelled this perfectly in the wilderness, meeting every temptation with Scripture. We too overcome by hiding His word in our hearts and renewed in the spirit of our minds, taking every thought captive, and wielding truth against lies.(Ephesians 4:24)

We also carry authority in Christ: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy” (Luke10:19NIV). The battle is won through dependence on God’s strength, daily surrender, and the spread of the gospel, the one piece of armour oriented outward. A powerful daily practice is to prayerfully “put on” the full armour of God each morning, asking the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and make His Word alive in you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not left us defenceless in this spiritual war. Open our eyes to see the blindfolds and strongholds in our own minds and in the culture around us. Help us to be sober and alert, firm in faith. Today we put on the full armour You provide: the belt of Your truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Renew our minds. Teach us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Give us courage to resist the devil, boldness to proclaim the gospel, and discernment to recognise post-truth lies. Fill us with Your strength, for the battle belongs to You. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Captain, we pray. Amen.

Quote

“Blindfolds keep people from seeing the light of the gospel, while strongholds keep believers from walking in the freedom of the gospel. Both are dismantled by the same weapon: the living, active Word of God.”

May you walk in victory today—alert, armed, and abiding in Christ. The war is real, but so is His power to overcome.

What is a “SCRIPTOGRAM” ?

by abeExtracts of truth, Illustration, What's newPosted on Comments are Disabled

Well, no defined usage or synonym exists and does not appear in any major dictionaries, so I will take the initiative to assign at least one usage of the term. It is a blend or fusion of “scripture” (the Bible) and “diagram”. It is a visual or diagrammatic presentation of Biblical scripture – a verse or verses, passage or passages or a theme rooted in the WORD of God. You will find many examples of this, here on this website. Some have been included below.

To clarify the concept, take for example the first scriptogram below connecting John 15 and Philippians 4:13. Jesus relates to us in John 15 that to bear fruit we have to be in Him, obeying Him and following Him, without which we cannot do anything of value in His Kingdom. It contrasts with Paul’s writing and confidence in Jesus that he can do all things in the midst of life’s challenges. The illustration draws forth both truths together to remind us about the “whole counsel of God”.

Simply put:

A scriptogram is a visual or diagrammatic presentation of Biblical scripture.

A scriptogram is a visual diagram that brings Biblical verses or themes to life

Scriptograms connect scripture so one can see and remember God’s truth more clearly.

Scriptogram= Scripture + Diagram.

Most readings of the Bible are linear but scriptograms make it relational.

Not just a verse but a scriptogram for the day.

Close Encounters at the Cross

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Luke 23:39-43 (NASB 2020)One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our crimes; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Three men hung on crosses in agony, shame, and death’s shadow. Yet amid their suffering, a conversation took place that reveals the eternal difference between knowing about Christ and truly receiving Him as Saviour.

The First Thief: Knowledge Without Repentance. The first criminal mocked Jesus: “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” He recognised Jesus as the Messiah with power to save, but he showed no remorse for his own sins. His only desire was escape from present pain. He addressed Jesus impersonally as “the Christ,” never turning to Him as Saviour. He wanted temporary relief, not eternal salvation. Knowledge alone was not enough.

The Second Thief: Repentance That Saves. The other thief responded very differently. He rebuked his companion and confessed his guilt: “We are suffering justly… but this Man has done nothing wrong.” He accepted his punishment as deserved, acknowledged Jesus’ innocence, and showed reverent fear of God. Then he turned personally to the Lord:“Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” He called Him “Jesus”-the personal name meaning “the Lord saves.” He asked for nothing in this life; only to be remembered in the world to come. In simple faith and repentance, he placed his eternity in Jesus’ hands. Jesus answered with grace: “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Lessons from the Cross. Both thieves knew the Man in the center was the Christ. Only one repented and trusted Him as Saviour.

  • One feared only death.
  • The other feared God.
  • One sought relief from the cross.
  • The other sought salvation from eternal judgment.

The second thief had no time for church, baptism, or good works — yet he was saved instantly because he repented and believed.

A Daily Walk of Repentance. For believers today, repentance does not end at conversion. The Greek word metanoia means a change of mind – a continual turning from sin toward God. Every day we must deal with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life as God sanctifies us and conforms us to the image of His Son.

God desires truth in the innermost being. Daily repentance keeps our hearts tender and our walk close to Jesus.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the mercy You showed the thief on the cross. Create in me a heart that truly fears You, confesses sin honestly, and turns to You daily in repentance. Help me to know You not just as Christ, but as my personal Saviour and Lord. Amen.

Giving God the First Fruits of Your Day

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Like the first morning, fresh and full of promise. Just as the hymn celebrates God’s re-creation of each new day, we are invited to begin ours in worship and surrender. In a way we are His re-creation (new creation) in Christ Jesus too.

In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3 (BSB)

This verse feels almost like a divine promise, a covenant of attentiveness. The Lord hears our voice first thing in the morning. When we put Him first, making Him our waking thought, everything changes.

The transformative power of morning priority

I can testify that making this a daily norm reshaped my life. Waking under His sovereignty brings peace and joy that become strength for the day ahead. “The joy of the LORD is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Starting with Him sets the tone; His presence infuses the hours that follow.

The morning sacrifice

The psalmist speaks of laying a “plea” (“prepare a sacrifice for you”, ESV) before God at daybreak. This isn’t a guilt offering but a thank offering, a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving from our lips.

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:15–16 (NIV).

Begin with gratitude and praise. Let your first words honour Him. Then carry that spirit into the day through acts of goodness and generosity.

Practical ways to cultivate this habit

  • Prioritise your quiet time: the morning mind is fresh, rested, and alert, no competing distractions yet. Set apart, intentional, quiet moments before the world rushes in. Get God in before the world gets to you.
  • Discipline your evening and be intentional: go to bed early, exercise self-control, and practice perseverance. A well-rested body supports a disciplined mind.
  • Prepare through prayer: start by offering praise, confessing dependence, and seeking His guidance. Lay your day before Him, your plans, meetings, and moments.
  • Put on the full armour of God; every day holds spiritual battles. “Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11, NIV). Morning is the time to arm yourself with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word.

Living expectantly

Approach the day with watchful expectation. Stay aware of His presence. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, divine appointments, opportunities to help, to share the gospel, or gently turn conversations toward Him.

A fruitful day isn’t random; it’s purposeful. We live ready, “for we do not know when [He] comes” (Matthew 24:42–44). Intentionality turns ordinary moments into eternal significance.

The promise of starting well

Anything that begins well has a greater chance of ending well. What better foundation than communion with God? Once you grasp the weight and wonder of this morning priority, it reshapes your routine, your priorities, and ultimately, you.

Prayer

Lord, in the morning You hear my voice. May I rise to meet You first, offering praise, waiting expectantly, and walking through this day in Your strength and leading. Thank You for new mercies every morning. Amen.

Quote: Morning has broken; and God is already there, ready to meet you!

Food for thought:

  1. What are some of the competing priorities in our life?
  2. What are the things that keeps us from our time with God?
  3. Could we change our routine to make time for God first thing?

The 3D’s: Desire, Diligence & Delight

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Proverbs 13:4 (ESV): “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”

The Bible contrasts two paths: the sluggard’s empty craving versus the diligent person’s rich satisfaction. Mere desire without action leads to frustration. The lazy soul “craves and gets nothing.” But diligence that is steady and faithful brings fulfilment, supplying the soul abundantly.

This connects deeply to delight in the Lord. When we delight in God finding our greatest joy, pleasure, and contentment in Him, our desires align with His will. Psalm 37:4 promises that as we prioritise enjoying God above all, He shapes and grants the longings of our hearts. True delight transforms desire from selfish craving into God-honoring pursuit.

Diligence bridges these: it is the active response to delight. When we delight in the Lord, we diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6), pursue His ways, and labour faithfully in His service. This diligence isn’t burdensome duty but joyful expression of love; cultivating godliness, bearing fruit, and experiencing deeper satisfaction in God and His gifts.

The sluggard’s desire remains unfulfilled because it lacks action rooted in delight. But the diligent heart, anchored in delighting in God, finds its desires richly satisfied, often in ways far better than imagined, as they conform to His perfect purposes.

Dear brother or sister, nothing happens without true desire. Surprisingly it does not originate in us. Of our own will, we have no capacity to seek Him. Desire originates in Him as in Philippians 2:13. “ For it is God who works in you both to desire and work for His good pleasure.” Desire changes perceptions and perceptions transform our lives. What if…. we ask Him for desire, for Him. Now that would certainly be in His will and He will most definitely grant us desire if only we ask. Ask Him and you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 

Prayer: God give me desire, for You. Let it be my heart’s desire.