Little Messages with Big Impact
Can I see your ‘To do List’ for today? Is prayer on the list? In the busyness of life, it’s easy to let prayer slip to the bottom of our to-do list. We’re often pulled in different directions—family, work, responsibilities, and endless distractions. Yet in Mark 1:35, we see Jesus, the Son of God, making prayer His top priority. Even after a long day of ministry, He rose early, found a quiet place, and spent time with the Father. If Jesus needed time alone with God, how much more do we?
Nobody likes uncertainty, at least not me. I love to control all the variables; no surprises! But have you ever prayed for something only to feel uncertain if God would answer? Maybe you’ve wondered if your prayers were too small, too big, or simply not aligned with His plans. The truth is, prayer isn’t about convincing God to do things our way; it’s about aligning our hearts with His will. 1 John 5:14 assures us that when we pray according to God’s will, we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He hears and answers us.
I once got myself into a three hour traffic jam in Lagos Nigeria because I was trying to avoid a thirty minute traffic jam on the main road. Waiting can feel like one of life’s hardest challenges. Whether it’s waiting for a job, a breakthrough, healing, or direction, it often feels like time is standing still. You pray, you hope, and yet, the answer doesn’t come as quickly as you’d like. In these moments, doubt and frustration can creep in. “Does God hear me? Has He forgotten me?” But Psalm 27:14 reminds us of a truth we often overlook—God’s delays are not His denials. In the waiting, God is working.
Discipline isn’t a word we often associate with love. Yet, Hebrews 12:6 reminds us that God’s discipline is a profound expression of His care for us. Like a loving parent correcting their child, God’s discipline isn’t meant to harm us but to shape us, guiding us toward His best for our lives. Have you ever looked back on a challenging season and realized it was God’s way of refining you?
When you think about the evidence of God’s work in your life, does love come to mind? Galatians 5:22 highlights love as the first fruit of the Spirit, setting the foundation for all the others. This isn’t a love we manufacture on our own—it’s the result of the Holy Spirit working in us, transforming us to reflect the heart of Christ. How is the Spirit cultivating love in your life today?
If you could sum up God’s entire law in one word, what would it be? According to Romans 13:10, that word is love. At its core, every commandment God has given us points back to loving Him and loving others. Love doesn’t harm—it protects, uplifts, and seeks the best for others. When we approach life with love as our guiding principle, we naturally fulfill God’s law.
Love often comes with a cost. It’s not always convenient or comfortable, and at times, it requires sacrifice. 1 John 3:16 defines love in its purest form: Jesus Christ laying down His life for us. Through His selfless act, we see that love is not just a feeling or word but a profound action that puts others first, even at great personal expense. How does this example challenge the way you love others in your daily life?
In a world that often promotes self-interest and personal gain, 1 Corinthians 13:5 offers a countercultural perspective: love is not self-seeking. Genuine love is selfless, prioritizing the needs and well-being of others above our own desires. It’s not about what we can get but about what we can give. Reflecting on this, how often do we approach our relationships with a mindset of selflessness?
Have you ever replayed a past hurt over and over in your mind? Maybe you’ve kept a mental list of offences from someone close to you, storing them up like ammunition for a future argument. It’s a natural response to pain, but 1 Corinthians 13:5 calls us to a higher standard: love keeps no record of wrongs. Genuine love chooses to release bitterness and resentment, offering forgiveness even when it’s undeserved.
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”—Proverbs 10:12 (NIV) It’s human nature to hold onto grudges when we feel wronged. But Proverbs 10:12 offers a countercultural approach: love chooses to forgive and let go of offenses, promoting…