Welcome to “Kingdom Hearts.” This 5-day devotional journey invites you to explore the divine majesty of God’s Kingdom. We will embark on a quest to uncover the mysteries of His Kingdom, draw closer to the King who reigns and understand the significance of His Kingdom in our lives.

“Kingdom Hearts” is an exploration of faith, hope, and the love that flows from the heart of God’s Kingdom. It is an invitation to align our hearts with His, live as citizens of His Kingdom, and to be bearers of His light in a world in need of truth and redemption.

Enjoy this pilgrimage to encounter the King who holds the keys to an everlasting Kingdom of love, righteousness, and eternal life.

Psalm 97:1-2: "The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne."

Understanding God's Kingdom is of paramount importance for Christians. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus frequently expanded on the Kingdom of God through teaching in parables. It's crucial to grasp that the Kingdom of God signifies His sovereign rule over all of creation. This dominion extends not only to the nations of the earth but also encompasses the spiritual realms.

In stark contrast to the often unjust and corrupt systems of worldly governments, Psalm 97 illuminates the righteousness and justice inherent in God's reign. His Kingdom stands as a beacon of purity and integrity because God Himself is holy and just. As we walk uprightly, our lives find protection and deliverance from the clutches of wickedness.

Today, I encourage you to devote time to prayer, seeking God's guidance in plumbing the depths of His Kingdom. Ask Him to infuse you with the ability to immerse yourself in the Bible, for within its pages lies the true essence and profound meaning of His Kingdom. Through prayer and the study of His Word, you will uncover the treasures and revelations that await, deepening your understanding of God's sovereign rule and His unwavering commitment to righteousness and justice.

Additional Reading: Psalms 97; Daniel 4; Matthew 6:9-10

Matthew 22: 1-3 "Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.'"

Several years ago, my wife and I embarked on the challenging task of crafting our wedding guest list. It proved to be one of the most intricate puzzles we had ever encountered. Our parents had their lists, filled with distant relatives we'd never met, who, for one reason or another, simply had to be there. The venue we had chosen had a strict guest capacity, forcing us into the delicate dance of selecting which friends could and couldn't be a part of our special day. At times, I confess, I even contemplated the simplicity of a courthouse wedding. It felt as though there was just not enough space to accommodate everyone.

The Bible, in its infinite wisdom, draws a beautiful parallel between our earthly experiences and the Kingdom of God, often likening it to a grand banquet. Yet, here lies the remarkable difference: God's invitation to His Kingdom extends far beyond close friends and VIP guests. It's an all-inclusive invitation, unrestricted by our differences. God's gaze doesn't linger on our financial status, the shade of our skin, or our relationship status. In His eyes, every one of us is cherished, and His desire is to draw us close.

The best part? There's no entry fee; the price has already been paid. God has meticulously prepared everything, leaving us with a straightforward task—accept the invitation.

Additional Reading: Luke 14: 17; Ephesians 2:8-9

Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

In the early stages of my professional journey, there came a pivotal moment when I found myself on the cusp of a significant purchase—one that I had yearned for, a personal desire rather than a true necessity. I diligently navigated the paperwork, secured references, and even liaised with a bank to facilitate this acquisition. My actions were swift, driven by the impulse of want rather than the wisdom of need, and in my haste, I neglected to seek the guidance that could have illuminated my path.

As fate would have it, the anticipated purchase ultimately slipped through my grasp. I was extremely disappointed. It was only later, upon reflection, that I realized the absence of a vital conversation, an open dialogue with God—a simple, heartfelt inquiry, "God, is this the right step for me at this moment?" Regrettably, I had embarked on this endeavor solely under my own steam.

The Word of God offers a crystal-clear directive. It beckons us to seek God's counsel in every endeavor, to request His wisdom, and to align our steps with His divine guidance. It implores us to surrender the entirety of our hearts, laying them before Him, and to willingly embrace His ways over our own. In Proverbs 16:3 (NIV), we find the assurance: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

Today, I extend this encouragement to you—to lay your heart bare before the Kingdom of God, to surrender your aspirations and desires at His feet. God's love for us is boundless, His care unwavering, and His desire for our success resounds throughout eternity. In seeking His counsel and aligning our hearts with His divine will, we find not only guidance but also the assurance of a path paved with purpose and fulfillment.

Additional Reading: 3 John 1:2; Proverbs 16:3

John 8:12 - "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'”

In various corners of the world, you'll find lighthouses standing tall amidst vast bodies of water. Perched atop these lighthouses is a powerful beacon of light, a guiding force for sailors navigating treacherous waters under the cloak of night. This beacon serves as their unwavering ally, steering ships away from peril, skillfully navigating them through dark, shallow, or rocky waters.

Our world, too, often resembles a realm shrouded in darkness and challenges. We witness an array of distressing events—be it thefts, conflicts, violence, or personal struggles—that cast shadows over our lives. These dark moments may leave us feeling lost and adrift.

Yet, we have divine guidance. God's instructions shine brightly, promising us the "light of life" if we choose to follow Him. Jesus, the Light of the World, beckons us to embody His teachings and values. We have the extraordinary opportunity to become beacons ourselves, spreading love and hope, actively contributing to the realization of God's Kingdom on Earth.

This is a profound call to live in a manner that leaves a lasting, positive impact on the world. So, today, consider this: What actions are you taking to be that guiding beacon for others in their moments of darkness?

Additional Reading: Isaiah 42:16; Isaiah 49:6; Ephesians 5:8

1 John 4:7-8 - "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Love and compassion stand as the cornerstone of God's Kingdom, virtues we must embody daily. To love God means to love our neighbors, extending our care to both those we naturally favor and those we may not feel as drawn to. Love, like a divine contagion, flows from God through us.

Consider the lesson of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). It tells of a Jewish man left beaten and lifeless by the wayside. A priest and a Levite of high regard passed by and did nothing. Yet, a Samaritan, traditionally despised by Jews, stopped to aid him. This embodies true compassion. Regardless of differences, the Samaritan saw a fellow human in need and took immediate action—a model for us all.

Through love and compassion, we not only uphold the Kingdom's values but actively contribute to its realization on Earth. I encourage you, as this year comes to an end, to practice these virtues daily. Make a deliberate choice to become a living embodiment of God's Kingdom.

Additional Reading: Colossians 3:12; Luke 10:25-37