January 20

When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it. — Matt 13:46 BSB

We should gladly give up everything to gain Christ. Even if we gained the whole world and lost Him, the trade would be a tragic loss. The only way to obtain the pearl of great price is to give up everything else. We can’t keep our old treasures and still gain Christ. The rich young ruler was told to sell all he had and take Christ instead. He wasn’t willing to pay the price, and he went away sorrowful.

Unbelief hinders even God’s power. Jesus couldn’t perform many miracles in Nazareth because of the people’s lack of faith. His power waits for our belief. We don’t realize what blessings we withhold from others when we fail to believe.

John the Baptist’s death may have seemed untimely, but he fulfilled the purpose for which he was sent. Every life has a God-given mission, and when that mission is completed, it is time to go.