Holiness is not optional for anyone who desires to see the Lord. God is holy, and He calls everyone who belongs to Him to live a holy life. We cannot claim to be waiting for the return of Christ while deliberately holding on to sin and conforming ourselves to the ways of this world. Biblical holiness affects every area of our lives—our thoughts, words, conduct, relationships, appearance, and the things we allow into our hearts. It requires us to separate ourselves from sin and continually yield ourselves to God. The grace of God does not give us permission to live carelessly; it teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. As we await the return of Jesus Christ, let us examine ourselves and remove everything that defiles us. Our expectation of His coming must be more than words; the hope of seeing Christ should produce a growing desire for purity and holiness in our daily lives. Scriptural Readings for the Day Hebrews 12:14 (KJV) “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” 1 Peter 1:15–16 (KJV) “15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV) “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Prayer Holy Father, cleanse me from everything that defiles my body and spirit. Give me grace to turn away from sin and live a holy life that pleases You. Help me to remain pure and ready for the coming of Jesus Christ, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
As we wait for the coming of Christ, we must guard our hearts against excessive love for the things of this present world. The world offers temporary pleasures, possessions, and recognition, but these things cannot compare with the glory of eternity. A believer whose heart is set on Christ will not allow worldly desires to control his life. Let us love God more than the pleasures and attractions of this passing world. Scriptural Readings for the Day 1 John 2:15-17 (KJV) “15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” James 4:4 (KJV) “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?” Colossians 3:2 (KJV) “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Prayer Father, deliver my heart from the love of this present world. Help me to set my affection on eternal things and to live for Your Kingdom. Amen.
God has promised eternal rewards to those who faithfully serve Him and love the appearing of Jesus Christ. The crown of righteousness is a reminder that our faithfulness and perseverance are not forgotten by God. Our struggles for Christ may not always be recognized by people, but the Lord sees every sacrifice. Let us continue faithfully, looking forward to the reward that Christ will give. Look beyond earthly troubles and trials. Focus on your crown, don’t let anything make you lose your crown. Scriptural Readings for the Day 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV) “7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day… and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” Revelation 3:11 (KJV) Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. James 1:12 (KJV) “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life…” Prayer Lord, give me grace to finish my course and keep the faith. Help me to live faithfully and to love Your appearing as I look forward to the eternal reward You have promised. Amen.
Jesus repeatedly warned about the spiritual dangers of riches. Wealth is not sinful in itself, but it can easily create pride, false security, covetousness, and dependence on possessions instead of God. The deceitfulness of riches can choke the Word of God and make a believer spiritually unfruitful. Unfortunately, many preachers today speak strongly against poverty but say very little about the dangers of riches. Some even present material prosperity as the main evidence of God’s blessing. Yet Jesus warned that a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. Whether we have little or much, we must never allow money to take the place of God in our hearts. Let us therefore guard ourselves against greed, covetousness, and the love of money. Our greatest treasure must be Christ, and whatever God gives us should be used for His glory and for things of eternal value. Scriptural Readings for the Day Matthew 13:22 (KJV) 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. Luke 12:15 (KJV) 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Mark 10:23–24 (KJV) 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! Prayer Lord Jesus, keep my heart from the deceitfulness of riches, greed, and covetousness. Help me to trust in You alone and to use everything You give me for Your glory. Let Christ remain my greatest treasure, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Everything we possess on earth is temporary, but the rewards of faithful service to God are eternal. Houses, money, possessions, positions, and earthly achievements will eventually pass away. No matter how much a person accumulates in this world, none of these things can be taken beyond the grave. This is why Jesus warned us not to become consumed with gathering earthly possessions while neglecting spiritual treasures. There is nothing wrong with possessing material things, but it is dangerous when material things possess our hearts. God wants us to use what He has entrusted to us for His glory, the advancement of His Kingdom, and the good of others. Our time, abilities, influence, finances, and opportunities can all be invested in things that have eternal value. Every act of obedience, sacrifice, generosity, and faithful service rendered unto God has significance beyond this present life. As believers awaiting the return of Christ, we must constantly examine where our hearts and priorities are. We should not live as though this present world is our permanent home. Let us seek the things that are above and use our earthly lives to prepare for eternity. Where our treasure is, our hearts will also be. Scriptural Readings for the Day Matthew 6:19–21 (KJV) 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 1 Timothy 6:17–19 (KJV) 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Colossians 3:1–2 (KJV) 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Prayer Father, help me not to live only for the temporary things of this world. Teach me to invest my life in Your Kingdom and lay up treasures that will last forever. Amen.
