Daily Devotionals

Anyone filled with the Spirit of God can shape and reshape the world through their business ventures. However, it takes knowledge and discipline to direct creative energy towards the creation of business value. Creating a business from nothing, similar to the divine act in Genesis 1:1, requires tremendous effort. The trillion-dollar Software as a Service (SAAS) industry we witness today was once nonexistent. Creating from scratch requires unwavering determination and hard work. However, the fulfillment and rewards that come from creating something meaningful from nothing outweigh the challenges. It’s the path less traveled, but for those daring enough, it’s a route leading to unparalleled satisfaction and success.

Elon Musk once said, “You only build value in a company if you’re doing hard work to solve tough problems.” This echoes the creative process outlined in Genesis. To channel and focus creative energy in a business context means identifying challenging issues and working ardently to solve them. It’s about finding the knots in the fabric of your industry and weaving solutions. Musk’s insight is a call to creators in the business world, reminding us that true value emerges not from avoiding challenges but from engaging with them, transforming problems into opportunities through hard work and innovation.

In today’s world dominated by billion-dollar enterprises, you should not just be an observer; you are a co-creator with the Spirit of God within you. You need to commit to the journey of building value. Every obstacle is an opportunity to channel your creative energy and craft something extraordinary. Today’s monumental achievements, like the SAAS industry, began as sparks of creativity in someone’s mind. The call to action is clear: dare to build massive value in your business. Confront challenges head-on, for it’s in the crucible of difficulties that true innovation and value creation take shape. Channel your creative energy every single day, and watch your business ideas go global.

In the spirit of Genesis 1:1, you can deduce a powerful idea: those filled with the Spirit of God can shape the world they desire. The opening verse declares, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 NIV). This isn’t just a historical event; it’s a blueprint for creativity. Much like God initiated creation, individuals infused with His spirit have the capacity to mold their surroundings. You are not a passive observer; you are a co-creator. Through the guidance of God’s spirit within, you possess the potential to fashion a world aligned with your vision.

Consider Adeyemi, residing in a town lacking a quality school. Filled with the Spirit, he decides to create change. Inspired by Genesis 1:1, he undertakes to build a school. This act transforms the town, putting it on the map. The ripple effect is astounding. Education flourishes, and the town blossoms. Students, once constrained by limited opportunities, now dream big. The school becomes a hub of innovation, producing skilled individuals who contribute to the town’s growth. Adeyemi’s decision, fueled by the divine spirit within him, illustrates the profound impact one person, inspired by creative spirit, can have on their world.

Embrace the truth that you can indeed create the world you want to see. Begin by envisioning the exact outcome you long for. Whether it’s combating illiteracy, revitalizing the local economy, or confronting a social vice, let your imagination run wild. Then, strategically align yourself with endeavors that bring those visions to life. Consider working for organizations in line with your dreams, forging partnerships, or even launching your own initiative. Your creative abilities are the tools for transformation. Daily, dedicate yourself to making a positive impact, sculpting a world that mirrors your aspirations. Your influence, powered by the Spirit, shapes the reality you seek.

The dawn of a new year whispers promises of fresh beginnings. It’s a reminder that every day is an opportunity to reshape your story. The world, from your home to your community, is shaped by the people within it. You’re not a mere spectator; you’re in a prime position to make a real impact. Think of the world as a playground, a canvas ready for your influence. You have the power to guide it toward a brighter future. Embrace this opportunity and shape the world around you, one day at a time.

The significance of a new year lies in its role as a milestone, a valuable marker. No matter the mistakes or missteps, it gifts you a clean slate, a chance for a fresh beginning. It’s an opportunity to reshape your life, your home, and your world toward a brighter future. Proverbs 16:3 guides us: “Commit your works unto the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established.” In this new year, embrace the chance to commit your actions to a higher purpose, setting the foundation for a year filled with growth and positive change.

This season, fear not the giants before you. Embrace the challenge of facing seemingly insurmountable odds as you fulfill your assignment to watch over your world. Remember, “greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” You are higher than the world; it is your playground, the arena for your emergence and manifestation. The dawn of this new year is not a time for slumber; it’s a call to action. Rise confidently, for you possess the power to shape your world. Face the giants, knowing that within you resides a strength greater than any obstacle. Get to work, and let your impact unfold.

In the rush of life’s demands, finding moments of stillness is a practice that nurtures the soul. You can embark on a journey of self-discovery through a simple yet profound tool: a reflective journal. Begin by setting aside a few minutes each day, perhaps in the morning or before bedtime. In this sacred space, pour your thoughts onto paper. Share your joys, fears, and dreams with the One who knows your heart intimately. Psalms 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Let your pen be the bridge to connect with the divine and discover inner peace in the midst of life’s chaos.

To guide your reflective moments, turn to scriptures that invite contemplation. Psalms 139:23-24 encourages self-examination: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” As you write, let these verses inspire introspection. What thoughts and feelings arise? Use your journal not just as a record of events but as a canvas for your innermost reflections. In the simplicity of your words, find a pathway to spiritual growth. This practice will help you uncover the deep things in your spirit.

Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of this reflective journey. Choose a specific time daily to sit with your journal. Make it a sacred appointment with God and with yourself. Having a reflective journal is a way to “listen”. In the tranquility of these moments, you’ll discover a depth of insight and connection that transcends the ordinary. Your consistent commitment to this practice becomes a testimony to the transformative power of stillness. As you create this routine, watch how the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and how stillness becomes a doorway to divine presence.

Relationships used to be built on love, compassion and a kind of warmth. These days, relationships have become increasingly transactional. Love seems to have taken a backseat. Marriages, once built on love and the sacred vow to one another, increasingly resemble contractual agreements for shared expenses and societal validation. The essence of love, which once formed the cornerstone of meaningful connections, is gradually being replaced by pragmatic considerations. This shift calls for a reflection on the true nature of relationships and calls for a return to the genuine and selfless love that enriches our connections.

This transactional mindset extends even to our relationship with God. Instead of embodying the love-based ethos of the New Testament, some approach spirituality with an Old Testament perspective, seeking to fulfill obligations to gain blessings. Such a relationship with God is cold and alien. Lacking the spark and dynamism love brings to the table. The essence of love, as emphasized in John 13:34, introduces a paradigm shift. It beckons you to move beyond transactional religiosity and embrace actions driven by love. This departure from a quid pro quo mentality challenges you to rediscover the spiritual depth that comes from a genuine love for God and fellow human beings.

In the midst of transactional norms, a radical call emerges: a return to unselfish love. It’s time to reimagine your relationships with both God and people based on love that seeks the good of the other without ulterior motives. This isn’t just a cultural or societal shift; it’s a spiritual transformation. The call to action is clear—study and understand the spiritual love that mirrors God’s love for us. By embracing the spiritual, unselfish love, we can initiate a revolution that transcends transactional expectations, fostering genuine connections and transforming relationships according to the divine blueprint of love.

In Paul’s profound exploration of spiritual matters, he delves into gifts and callings, yet, he concludes with a striking revelation; love surpasses all. This great apostle, well-versed in spiritual complexities, unequivocally states that love is the more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31, 1 Corinthians 13:1). Love is the supreme force, surpassing even the revered five-fold office, and gifts of healing, speaking in tongues and interpretation. The essence of love emerges as the pinnacle in the complexities of spiritual understanding. Beyond gifts, callings, and titles, love remains the extraordinary path that guides us in the most excellent way.

In our pursuit of spiritual gifts, whether the allure of creativity or the insight of prophecy, we often overlook the Apostle’s resounding message; that love is the more excellent way, a truth evident in the contrast between 1 Corinthians 12:31 and 1 Corinthians 13:1. The Apostle’s insight calls into question our value hierarchy. It emphasizes that being a lover is more important than any other title or gift. A genuine apostle is rooted in love for souls. An entrepreneur’s success hinges on a love for solving specific problems for people. For creative geniuses, understanding that love enhances their gift while greed diminishes is pivotal.

The revelation about the supremacy of love beckons us to a transformative call to action. Beyond the pursuit of titles and spiritual gifts, the challenge is clear: embrace the selfless, sacrificial love that transcends human understanding. It’s a call to study the love of God, a love that surpasses all gifts and callings. This isn’t merely an intellectual endeavor; it’s a journey of the heart. Dive into the depths of God’s love, a force that elevates every aspect of our spiritual walk. The more excellent way is unveiled in understanding and embodying the divine love that underlies all true spiritual endeavors.

The mightiest miracles, from divine wonders to human achievements, find their roots in love. John 3:16 reveals the pinnacle of miracles, “salvation” was driven by God’s love for the world. Even scientific and technological marvels spring from love. A love for a person, persons or a subject matter. Contrary to the misconception that big businesses arise solely from a desire to make tons of money, the truth lies in love. The most remarkable achievements commence with a heart fueled by love. Love breeds purpose, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. In watching the world, recognize that love is the force behind the most significant transformations.

The Bible teaches that “God is love,” implying that love is God’s very nature and essence (1 John 4:16). Love is the key to understanding the nature of God. It is also the key to a life of supernatural exploits and the miraculous. The boy who gave up his 5 loaves and 2 fishes must have done so out of love (John 6:1-14). He did not forego his meal because he wanted 12 baskets of food; he did it out of love. Your greatest achievements will begin the day you choose the person, persons, or issues to whom you will channel your unconditional love. Love makes the seemingly impossible possible.

We (rightly) emphasize how faith in God makes everything possible. But we might have missed the mechanics of the operation. The Bible verse actually says “With God, all things are possible”. And, if love is the very essence of God, it is not difficult to see the primary role of love at work in the heart of every spiritually attuned believer. Love transports you to the realm of God and makes all possibilities available to you. If you become a student of love, you will make more progress in the next 12 months than you did in the previous 12 years. Love is the driving force behind everything.

The feeding of 5,000 men was one of Jesus’ greatest miracles (John 6:1-14). But this time, let us consider the boy with 5 loaves and 2 fishes. You might just discover a valuable business lesson. The miracle occurred when this boy gave up what little he had to Jesus, granting the master permission to use it to feed the multitude, and a miraculous multiplication occurred as a result. Jesus fed 5,000 men with 12 baskets remaining. Likewise, our small enterprises can be transformative if surrendered to Jesus. The question echoes: What if we’re struggling in business because we’ve refused to hand over the business to Jesus?

The key to building large businesses with billions of dollars in annual revenue is figuring out how to serve thousands upon thousands of people. While this appears simple on paper, it is difficult to execute in practice. Perhaps yielding to divine guidance is the key to unlocking business success. It’s not just about making money; it’s about changing people’s lives and transforming our businesses into vessels for the miraculous. The boy could have had a nice meal if he had sat down with his lunch. But by giving it up to Jesus, he was able to feed thousands of people.

Too often, in the pursuit of business success, we lean on our understanding rather than seeking divine guidance. This is a huge mistake according to Proverbs 3:5. The boy’s simple act of giving what little he had to Jesus sparked an incredible miracle. Similarly, our businesses, no matter how modest, can become instruments of profound impact when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead. Handover your life, business, talents and pursuits to Jesus. He can use it to touch the whole world. Surrendering your business plans and decisions to the Holy Spirit opens the door to unexpected blessings, multiplying the impact of your business.

In your heart, if the Spirit of Jesus reigns, every day becomes a “Christmas.” It’s not about a once-a-year niceness; it’s a daily commitment to thoughtfulness and kindness. Your best behavior isn’t reserved for special occasions; it’s a consistent way of living. Giving becomes a habit, not just on Christmas but every day. This isn’t about grand gestures; it’s in the small acts of kindness, the daily considerations for others. If the spirit of Jesus dominates your heart, your life becomes a continual celebration of love, compassion, and generosity, transcending the boundaries of a single festive day.

According to Romans 5:5, God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. If the Spirit of Jesus reigns within, this love becomes your constant nature. It’s not a yearly display but an everyday reality. Allowing God’s love to radiate through you isn’t a seasonal performance; it’s a daily commitment. Your duty isn’t confined to Christmas; it extends to every day. Watching your world is a daily task, not a one-day event. If the Spirit of Jesus dominates your heart, every day is an opportunity to infuse God’s love into the world around you, making a continuous impact.

Embracing the daily manifestation of the Spirit of Jesus in your heart goes beyond personal benefits. It’s a transformative force that extends to the world around you. In becoming a daily expression of love, kindness, and generosity, you embody the essence of a true disciple of Jesus. This commitment isn’t limited to Christmas; it’s an ongoing responsibility. Today, as you consider the constant presence of the Spirit of Jesus in your heart, make a conscious decision to be a disciple who brings light and flavor to every day. Your journey of watching the world begins with this daily choice—a choice to be the salt and light that the world needs.

John 3:16 beautifully captures the heart of Christmas: God’s profound love expressed in the gift of His Son, Jesus. Our human flaws and mistakes are evident, and we acknowledge the need for saving. Yet, we can’t rescue ourselves. Christmas reminds us that in our brokenness, God sent a Savior. Jesus, born in a manger, came to redeem us. He is the divine solution to our inability to save ourselves. Christmas isn’t just a festive season; it’s a celebration of divine love reaching down to rescue us. As we exchange gifts, let’s remember the greatest gift: Jesus, our Savior.

Albert Einstein’s quote, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it,” echoes a profound truth. God designed us with everything needed for meaningful lives, yet we’ve marred our existence. Jesus, descending from above, brings a higher consciousness and grace to address our struggles. While the principles of Jesus circulate globally, understanding the person of Jesus is foundational. He introduces a transformative perspective, enabling us to rise above challenges. As we celebrate Christmas, let’s not just embrace Jesus’ teachings but grasp the profound impact of His presence—the source of a higher consciousness for humanity.

Christmas, a celebration of divine intervention, calls us to reflect on our lives. Recognizing our inadequacy, Jesus came, not just as a historical figure, but as a solution to our brokenness. His life offered a higher perspective, a way to solve problems originating from our consciousness. This Christmas, let’s not only acknowledge Jesus’ birth but embrace His transformative power. To watch the world, become a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. Emulate His teachings, share His love, and let His higher consciousness guide your actions. Christmas isn’t just a historical event; it’s an ongoing invitation to experience a life elevated by Jesus’ presence.