Opening Prayer

Lord, open our eyes to see the beauty of Your Kingdom. It’s different than any other kingdom here on earth. Forgive us when we are so consumed with our lives that we forget that living for God’s Kingdom is worthy of giving up our lives. As You demand our allegiance to be a part of this Kingdom, give us the grace and strength to live as Your citizens so that we can display the majesty of who You are, the King of Kings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture

Devotion

Have you ever seen something so incredible and beautiful that it was hard to describe? You end up trying to use superlatives, but after a little while, you don’t know what else to say. You are just left with a sense of amazement and awe.

It is interesting that Jesus used a lot of different parables or analogies to describe what the Kingdom of God is like. When you look at this passage, you will notice there is a string of parables that Jesus uses to help His Audience to grasp the significance of His Kingdom. The “Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven” emphasizes the significance of something starting small, but will grow into something beyond our expectations.

Even as Jesus taught about the value of the Kingdom, the emphasis is on the sacrifice a person is willing to make because of understanding the worth of this Kingdom. But once again, we have to keep in mind that not everyone understood nor accepted the message of the Kingdom of God. Jesus used a lot of comparisons to help people understand numerous Kingdom principles, and those who did recognize this new teaching, followed Him and sought after Him more.

When was the last time you really appreciated the value and significance of God’s Kingdom? How has it impacted you on a daily basis? As we continue to grow in understanding by God’s Grace, may we surrender ourselves and give our full allegiance to the King of Kings.

Intercessory Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, we entrust the young people of this age into Your hands. We plead that Your Words be engraved on their hearts and tied around their necks as guidance for their lives and deeds at all times. Let their minds and hearts be filled with the Words of God from an early age. Jesus, please protect the hearts of young people from conforming to or loving the world. When facing any trial or temptation, may they bravely live out the likeness of Christ and win the world for the Lord. We plead with the Lord to raise up more young people who are willing to shine for the Lord. And may the Lord train them to become vessels for the glory of Your kingdom, bringing great influence to their home, campus, and the church. We pray in the name of the Lord Jesus, Amen!