Near to the Kingdom

Day 4: Near to the Kingdom

Scripture:

“And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’” – Mark 12:34

Reflection:

The scribe approached Jesus not to test Him, but in sincere pursuit of truth. Christ’s response affirmed that the man’s understanding was close to the truth of God’s Law—yet being “near” the Kingdom is not the same as being brought into it. Right doctrine and moral insight, though commendable, are insufficient without a heart transformed by sovereign grace. The Kingdom is not entered by intellect or effort, but by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. The scribe stood at the threshold, but entry requires more than nearness—it requires new birth.

Challenge:

Have you merely agreed with the truths of Scripture, or has the Spirit applied them to your heart? Are you resting in Christ alone for salvation, or simply admiring His teaching from a distance? Consider whether your life reflects a heart submitted to the rule of Christ the King.

Prayer:

Sovereign Lord, I recognize that knowing about You is not enough. By Your mercy, draw me fully into Your Kingdom through faith in Christ. Grant me a heart made new, that I might live in joyful obedience, not as one near the Kingdom, but as one redeemed and ruled by its King. Amen.

All Means All.

Day 3: All Means All

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart… all your soul… all your mind… all your strength.” – Mark 12:30

Reflection:

The word “all” appears four times in one verse for a reason. God wants our undivided devotion. Heart points to our emotions and desires, soul to our identity and spirit, mind to our thoughts and understanding, and strength to our actions and physical energy. Loving God is not passive; it involves our entire being.

Challenge:

Examine each of these four areas. Is there one that needs renewal or surrender? Commit that area to the Lord today.

Prayer:

Jesus, I give You all of me—my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let my love for You be whole and holy. Amen

Day 2: The Second is Like It Mark 12:31

Day 2: The Second is Like It

“The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31

Reflection:

Love for God isn’t complete without love for others. Jesus pairs these two commandments together because they are inseparable. We can’t claim to love God and ignore the needs, hurts, and dignity of those around us. Loving our neighbor—whether that’s a family member, coworker, stranger, or even enemy—is an outflow of loving God.

Challenge:

Think of someone in your life who’s difficult to love. Ask God for the grace to see them the way He does, and take one practical step to show them love this week.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to love others the way You love me. Help me to see every person as made in Your image. Amen.

The Greatest Commandment

Day 1: The Greatest Commandment

“Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’” – Mark 12:28–30

Reflection:

In this passage, a scribe asks Jesus a deep and sincere question. Out of all the commandments, which one matters most? Jesus doesn’t hesitate—He points back to the Shema from Deuteronomy 6, the cornerstone of Jewish faith. Loving God with all of our being—heart, soul, mind, and strength—is not just a command; it is the foundation for everything else.

Challenge:

Spend today reflecting on your love for God. Are there areas where your heart, soul, mind, or strength are being divided? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you love God wholeheartedly.

Prayer:

Lord, I want to love You with every part of me. Show me where I’ve held back, and help me to offer You all that I am. amen.

Devotional a heart surrendered

Devotional: A Heart Surrendered

In Proverbs 23:26, we hear the voice of wisdom speaking tenderly, yet directly:

“My son, give me your heart…”

This is not a demand for behavior alone, but a call for relationship—an invitation into intimacy with God. The heart, in biblical terms, is the seat of our emotions, desires, and will. To give God our heart is to surrender our whole self—our motivations, longings, fears, and dreams.

Too often, we focus on managing appearances or adjusting behavior. But God isn’t interested in shallow compliance. He wants something deeper—our love, trust, and full attention. He knows that when He has our heart, our actions will follow naturally.

The second part of the verse continues:

”…and let your eyes delight in my ways.”

This is about focus and joy. When our hearts are truly given to God, we begin to see His ways not as burdens, but as blessings. We find joy in walking the path of wisdom, truth, and righteousness—not because we must, but because we delight in Him.

Reflection Questions:

What parts of your heart are you holding back from God?

1. Do you see God’s ways as a joy—or merely as rules to follow?

1. How can you renew your delight in walking with Him today?

Prayer:

Father, I give You my heart—fully and freely. Shape my desires to match Yours. Open my eyes to see the beauty of Your ways, and help me to walk in them with joy. May my delight in You grow each day as I follow You more closely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.