Date: Wednesday, 4th February, 2026
Text: Matthew 13: 7, 22
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation
Jesus warned about the danger of a heart that receives God’s Word while allowing competing interests to grow alongside it. In the parable of the sower, the thorny soil heard the Word, but worries of life, the pursuit of riches, and worldly desires gradually choked its growth. As Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Divided affection is subtle. It is not the absence of God, but the presence of too many rivals in the heart. When attention is split, spiritual growth is stunted. Jesus clearly stated that “No man can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24), because what dominates the heart ultimately determines direction and outcome.
God desires wholehearted devotion. He calls for a heart that is yielded, focused, and willing to uproot anything that competes with His voice. True fruitfulness flows from loving the Lord with all the heart, soul, and strength, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:5. Anything less weakens spiritual vitality.
This season calls for sincere self-examination. Whatever you refuse to confront today may suffocate your spiritual life tomorrow. We are commanded to set our affection on things above (Colossians 3:2), to give God first place, so that His Word will produce lasting fruit in us.
Prayer Nugget: Father,please,uproot every distraction that competes with your Word in my heart, and help me to love you with an undivided heart, in Jesus’ name.
Bible in One Year: Leviticus 22-23