Isaac Boluwatise

Embodying Kingdom Values

November 16th, 2024

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
— Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Everything else falls into place when we seek God’s Kingdom above all. Jesus calls us to prioritize Kingdom values over earthly concerns. He wants us to align our hearts with God’s purpose rather than fleeting pursuits. This commitment does not mean neglecting responsibilities but transforming how we approach them.

Picture a compass, unwavering in its direction. God’s Kingdom is our true north, guiding us through life’s distractions. Seeking His Kingdom first reorients our priorities. We begin to value kindness over convenience, justice over personal gain, and humility over self-promotion. Life’s smaller details fall into perspective when we live with this focus.

As we embody these values, we become catalysts for change. Our actions and attitudes radiate hope and love, reshaping the world around us. People notice when we choose forgiveness over retaliation or generosity over selfishness. Each choice speaks of a Kingdom unseen but powerfully present.

This journey of seeking God’s Kingdom requires intentionality. We must daily choose to put God’s values before our own ambitions. When we align with His heart, knowing He provides for our needs. Through us, others experience a taste of God’s Kingdom and find peace, drawn closer to His love.

Imagine if every believer embodied Kingdom values. Communities would transform, reflecting God’s justice and compassion. By seeking His Kingdom first, we participate in His redemptive work on earth.

Ask God to center your life on His Kingdom and righteousness above all else. Start your day by dedicating your choices to His purposes. Reflect on Psalm 37:4-5 and Philippians 3:7–11 as you seek His Kingdom first.
Honoring God Through Obedience

November 15th, 2024

“If you love me, keep my commands.”
— John 14:15 (NIV)

Obedience is love in action. Jesus taught that love for Him isn’t mere words; it’s shown through our willingness to follow His commands. This obedience flows from a place of trust, reverence, and deep connection with God. Following His ways is not about duty; it is a response to His love.

Imagine a child eager to please their parent, obeying not out of fear but delight. Similarly, our obedience to God reflects our desire to honour Him. We follow His commands not as rules but as pathways to abundant life. His ways shield, guide, and bring peace beyond human understanding.

Obedience also includes honouring earthly responsibilities. When we obey laws that reflect God’s justice and compassion, we show respect for His order. Yet our highest allegiance remains with God. Like Daniel in Babylon, we know when to stand firm, even if it costs us. Our loyalty to God shapes our actions, even when others choose to compromise.

Our obedience speaks to the world around us. When we choose God’s ways over convenience, we reflect His holiness. This lifestyle inspires others, revealing a God who transforms hearts and renews minds. Each act of obedience strengthens our faith and reflects His glory.

Let our obedience be rooted in love and trust, not obligation. Let it flow from a heart set on honouring God in all things, large and small. Through our actions, others will see the God we serve and feel drawn toward His love.

Pray for a heart that obeys God out of love, not obligation. Identify where you need greater obedience, and commit to honouring God there. Read 1 Samuel 15:22 and James 1:22–25 to encourage your journey in faithful obedience.
Bridging Two Worlds

November 14th, 2024

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”
— John 17:15 (NIV)

Jesus prayed that we remain in the world but not be swallowed by it. We are called to be bridges, connecting heaven’s values with earthly realities. This dual role is not a hindrance; it’s our mission field. God placed us here to influence, love, and transform, embodying His Kingdom in every interaction.

Picture an ambassador living in a foreign land, upholding the culture of their homeland. As ambassadors of God’s Kingdom, we carry heaven’s values into every situation. We show grace where others judge, patience where others rush, and compassion where others criticize. Each choice, grounded in God’s love, shines His light into a world darkened by selfishness and pride.

Being a bridge demands authenticity. People notice when we live consistently with our beliefs, especially in hard times. Choosing kindness over anger, humility over pride, and forgiveness over resentment displays God’s character. We don’t shy away from our faith; we embody it boldly yet lovingly. This is not about conforming but standing as a beacon in a world that longs for true hope.

Our lives reveal a reality that transcends earthly concerns. We engage with society, respecting its systems, but we bring the values of another Kingdom. Through every act of service and every word of kindness, we break down barriers and build connections. We become a tangible glimpse of God’s love and peace, offering hope to those searching for meaning.

Imagine the impact if each of us lived this way. We’d see communities transformed by small, faithful actions, drawing others toward the love we have in Christ.

Ask God to help you live authentically in the world without being of it. Engage with your community today in a way that reflects Christ’s love. Let 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 and Matthew 5:14–16 guide you in being a light to others.
Navigating Earthly Laws with Heavenly Wisdom

November 13th, 2024

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”
— Romans 13:1 (NIV)

As citizens of heaven and earth, we navigate human systems with discernment and grace. Paul’s words to the Roman believers were bold. Living under a powerful, often oppressive government, he urged Christians to respect earthly authorities. Paul understood the challenge of balancing allegiance to God with obedience to human leaders. Yet he recognized that all authority ultimately rests under God’s sovereignty.

Think of Daniel in Babylon. Though serving under a foreign king, he remained unwavering in his devotion to God. Daniel obeyed the laws of the land until they conflicted with God’s commands. When ordered to worship false gods, he refused, choosing faith over compromise. Daniel’s life reveals the balance of respecting earthly authorities while holding our ultimate loyalty to God.

Today, we face similar tensions. We respect laws, fulfill our duties, and contribute positively to society. Yet, when these laws clash with our faith, we stand firm. Our obedience to earthly rules shows integrity, but our loyalty to God defines us. This obedience becomes a powerful testimony, reflecting our trust in God’s design for order and justice.

This balance requires prayer, wisdom, and courage. We must be attuned to God’s voice, ensuring that our actions mirror His values. By honouring authorities, we show respect for the structure God allows. But our ultimate allegiance is to His Kingdom, where righteousness reigns supreme. In doing so, we become beacons of hope, inspiring others with our unwavering faith and steady love.

When earthly rules align with God’s values, we reflect His justice and compassion. When they diverge, we remain faithful, leaning on His wisdom and strength. Our respectful engagement in society serves as a witness, revealing God’s love and authority.

Ask God for wisdom to honour earthly authorities while staying true to His commands. Choose a civic duty you can fulfill with integrity, and pray for wisdom in all your responsibilities. Reflect on 1 Peter 2:13-17 and Acts 5:29 to better understand God’s heart for obedience and faithfulness.
A Higher Allegiance

November 12th, 2024

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
— Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

Our thoughts, like a compass, guide the course of our lives. Paul urges us to fix our minds on things above, not on earthly distractions. In a world saturated with messages about success and status, even in Christian circles, this call is countercultural. Society urges us to secure wealth, reputation, and comfort, pulling us toward temporary pursuits. But Paul’s words redirect our focus—from the fleeting to the eternal, from self to Kingdom.

Imagine looking out from a mountain peak, where the vast horizon engulfs everything below. From this elevated view, everyday struggles and desires shrink, while eternal values—mercy, humility, love—gain clarity. Paul wants us to take this same elevated view of life, to see beyond fleeting achievements. By setting our minds on God’s Kingdom, we gain a new perspective, where worldly success fades, and eternal impact sharpens.

This mindset shift transforms how we treat others and ourselves. With our hearts set on God’s values, we become more gracious, patient, and compassionate. Our relationships become opportunities to mirror God’s love. Rather than seeking personal gain, we look for ways to uplift others. Our words and actions reflect a life guided by God’s eternal purpose.

But setting our minds on things above does not mean neglecting earthly responsibilities. Instead, it transforms them. Work, family, and friendships become platforms to live out God’s values. We show that true success is not self-promotion but faithful, Christ-centered living. This higher allegiance liberates us from the relentless pressure to prove ourselves. It opens us to a life of peace, rooted in God’s wisdom and love.

Pray for God to elevate your perspective, shifting your focus to eternal values. Pick one earthly worry and consciously hand it over to God today, trusting in His sovereignty. Meditate on Romans 12:2 and Philippians 4:8-9 as reminders of a heavenly mindset.