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Guarding Your Mind

Psalm 103:1-5.

1 Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

All spiritual, mental, and physical afflictions often begin in the mind, where spirits of deception operate. Satan uses our minds as the stage for his schemes. When he attacks—often subtly and without our awareness—our thoughts can become distorted, overpowering, and obsessed, taking control of our minds and influencing our behavior. As a result, we may unknowingly quench the Holy Spirit and begin following the deception of evil spirits, which leads to failure, destruction, and separation from God.

Scripture gives clear examples of this. A lying spirit enticed Ahab into destruction (1 Kings 22:20–22). During the time of the judges, a spirit stirred up conflict between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to revolt (Judges 9:23). In Ezekiel’s day, even prophets were deceived by a spirit of delusion (Ezekiel 14:9). These same spirits continue to tempt both believers and unbelievers, working constantly to lead people astray and destroy lives. Their activity is increasing and causing spiritual devastation all around us. So how can we guard our minds from the evil one?

First, we must not allow anger to consume us. The Scripture says,

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:25–27).

The devil is the father of lies and works through deception. He is also a thief and a destroyer who provokes anger in us. While it is natural to feel anger at times, lingering in anger gives the enemy an opening to invade and influence our lives. The only way to overcome anger is to renew our minds daily through God’s Word and prayer, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Second, we must hold firmly to the truth. Scripture exposes the evil schemes of the devil trying to distort the truth:

“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:9–11).

The only way to remain grounded in the truth is to meditate on God’s Word and continually bring it into focus through prayer. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture day and night, our spiritual discernment is sharpened, and our hearts are guarded against deception. God’s Word renews our minds, strengthens our faith, and gives us clarity to recognize and reject the enemy’s lies. When the Word of God takes root in us, we are anchored in Christ and not easily shaken by the pressures or falsehoods of the world.

Third, we must reject sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, as warned in Colossians 3:5. A lifestyle driven by the sinful nature eventually leads to destruction. Paul wrote, “Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 5:5). If we continue to feed the flesh, the result is spiritual and physical ruin.

Above all, we must guard our thoughts carefully because our thoughts shape our lives. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” We guard our hearts and minds through the gospel in the Word of God. We cast all our worries on Him because He has already given us the ultimate solution in Christ (1 Peter 5:7). Armed with Christ, who destroyed the devil’s work (1 John 3:8), and clothed in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11), we engage in spiritual warfare and stand against the enemy.

The most destructive weapon against the kingdom of darkness is the proclamation of the gospel. Paul said, “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19). God has given us the most powerful name—the name of Jesus. In His name, tie up the strong man (Matthew 12:29). When the enemy tries to deceive you, submit to God and His Word, and the devil will flee from you (James 4:7).

Whenever you feel resistance against the Word of God rising in your heart, know that the devil is attacking at full force. Do not be deceived. Stand up and launch a direct assault against the enemy in the name of Jesus, and you will see a decisive turning point in the battle.

Most of all, in moments of crisis, remember what God has done for you in Christ. As David wrote, “Praise the Lord, my soul… who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion” (Psalm 103:1–5). This is how we guard our minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer. Father, may Your peace guard my soul, all my inmost being, thoughts, mind, and body throughout the day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Spiritual Healing

Acts 4:8-10. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

There are countless diseases in the world today that cannot be cured by conventional medicine. The root cause of many of these conditions lies in the spiritual state of people living separated from God.

Unless a person receives life through faith in Jesus Christ, true healing from such diseases is impossible. Any attempt to find healing apart from Christ may offer temporary relief, but ultimately leads to a deeper and worse condition. That’s why spiritual healing must come first.

Spiritual healing comes only by faith: “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven” (James 5:15).

The prayer of faith is the starting point of healing. When we pray with wholehearted trust in the power of God, His work of healing begins. Yet God works according to the measure of our faith.

Our faith must rest solely on Jesus the Christ. Bartimaeus had this kind of faith when he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47). Though he was a blind beggar, he recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the one who had come through David’s lineage.

Bartimaeus’s prayer of faith restored his sight: “‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road” (Mark 10:52).

This is the kind of prayer that James describes: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). The righteous person is the one who believes that Jesus is the Christ. Holding firmly to His name is the ultimate path to true healing.

As Peter boldly testified before the rulers and elders in Jerusalem, healing comes through the power of the name of Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified and rose again: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

To hold onto His name, one must receive and believe in Jesus as the Christ: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). For people to believe, we must proclaim the good news that Jesus is the Christ. Through the proclamation of the gospel, they will hear and see its evidence.

That’s exactly what Philip did in Samaria: “Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:5–8).

When the people of Samaria received and believed in Jesus as the Christ, they were set free from deep-rooted spiritual problems. This led to physical healing from many kinds of diseases.

The power of Jesus is far greater than that of evil spirits. Even Simon the sorcerer surrendered his life to Christ after hearing and seeing the gospel preached by Philip: “Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw” (Acts 8:13).

The incredible power of Christ will inevitably appear when one receives and believes that Jesus is the Christ. Wherever the name of Jesus is proclaimed, there will be freedom: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38).

The moment a person believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to dwell in them, bringing freedom from demonic power and healing from spiritual disease.

But how does this transformation happen? It begins with a permanent change in identity: “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

When you believed, your identity was changed—from a child of the devil to a child of the Most High God. God adopted you into His family. You received the Spirit that confirms you are God’s chosen child. The Holy Spirit testifies with your spirit that you are indeed a child of God (Romans 8:15–16).

God also transformed the state of your heart and mind—from a slave to sin to a servant of righteousness. Once, sin ruled over you. But through Christ, you have been set free from the power of sin and have become a slave to righteousness (Romans 6:17–18). Now that you belong to God, live your life for Him alone (Romans 6:22).

God has invited you to live the life He intended for you—a Spirit-led life. Once, you followed the ways of this world, ruled by the powers of the air (Ephesians 2:2). But now, you are a new creation in Christ. Be led by the Spirit, for you are no longer under law (Galatians 5:18). The Spirit will lead you to places you never imagined—even to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Do not let sin reign over you any longer. You have been completely set free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). On the cross, Christ paid in full for every sin: original sin, ancestral sin, and your own personal sins.

The accuser, Satan, no longer has any power over you. You are no longer indebted to your former master and father. Your sinful nature and weaknesses were nailed to the cross and are covered by the blood of Christ.

You have been given authority over the forces of darkness and over every disease. Your spiritual and physical afflictions are now opportunities to witness the power of God.

This is the day of God’s salvation. This is the time to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Prayer. Father, open my eyes to see the things that come from Your Spirit. Help me understand the true changes that have taken place in me since Jesus came into my life. Strengthen my faith, and help my unbelief. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The City Tightly Shut

Sunday First Service
Speaker: Pastor Ryu Kwang-Soo
Date: May 11, 2025
Place: Immanuel Church (Seoul)

Joshua 6:1-7. Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.

2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”

6 So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” 7 And he ordered the army, “Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord.”

Today, what answers must we receive?

If we hold on to the accurate covenant, believe, and pray, then the answer has already come; the fulfillment begins afterward. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24). At first, I didn’t really understand what that meant.

Today, if you hold firmly to the accurate covenant, believe, and pray, then the answer has already come. The fulfillment starts after that. This is such an important promise. What you need to do today during worship is simply hold on to the accurate covenant, pray, and imprint it upon your heart with faith. That alone will bring about incredible work of God. If you’ve grasped the accurate covenant, then be confident, believe, and pray. Worship and prayer are about seeing God’s absolute plan and absolute possibility within what seems absolutely impossible.

As we go through life, we often face situations that are incredibly difficult—circumstances that seem absolutely impossible. What should we do then?.

Jochebed, a woman of prayer, encountered a situation that was absolutely impossible. Pharaoh had issued a law commanding that every Hebrew—every Israelite—baby boy be killed. There was no way to stop it. No one could defy Pharaoh. It was a hopeless situation. But in that moment, she looked to see what God’s absolute plan was. Clearly, the total destruction of the male children of Israel was not God’s plan. She realized something: “God’s absolute plan is for our descendants to leave Egypt and go to the Promised Land.” That’s when the absolute possibility became clear. She saw it: “There’s only one way for my son to survive—he must enter the palace.” She found the answer. In this way, our spiritual eyes open to see God’s absolute plan. The day we see that is the day we truly worship. Seeing that is prayer.

The City of Jericho. Absolute impossibilities may stand before us, but God’s absolute plan is hidden within them. And when we see that, absolute possibility comes into view. That is the key.

It’s not about forcing things through with sheer willpower—“If I just try hard enough, I can make it happen.” That’s not faith. And saying “It’s impossible, I give up”—that’s unbelief. Saying “I can do it” is humanism. The real question is: “How will God do it?” That’s when our spiritual eyes are opened. What do we see?

“The city of Jericho was tightly shut up; no one went out and no one came in.” But they had already received a report through Rahab. The people of Jericho had lost heart—they were terrified. “Their hearts melted. They even lost their minds. Jericho was paralyzed, completely shut down.” That was the answer. Their spiritual eyes were opened to see it.

This is why we can say, “I give thanks even in the midst of hardship.” That kind of confession comes from this truth. An absolutely impossible situation unfolds before you—but you discover God’s absolute plan within it. Then, you begin to see the absolute possibility that only God can bring about. Opening your eyes to see that—that is prayer. That is worship. And once you see it, the answer is already there.

So today, the key answer to prayer for you is this: Tear down the Jericho walls of darkness, disaster, and Satan.

Introduction

Let’s get right into it since time is short. The question we must start with is: Why? Before we talk about how the walls of Jericho will fall, we need to understand the why. There are three key points.

Was Egypt a successful nation? We have to settle this question first. If we don’t answer this correctly, everything else will be misunderstood. At the time of the Exodus, Egypt suffered great disasters. But were those really disasters? Let’s quickly analyze it. From what I see, those weren’t just random calamities—they were God tearing down the forces of darkness over Egypt.

Israel, led by Moses, performed miracles and came out of Egypt. But was that truly success? Was that real deliverance? Unless they came out of the spiritual darkness, even the Exodus itself would have been meaningless. That’s what we must confirm first.

Why did God keep them in the wilderness for 40 years? This is extremely important. There’s an important message here—five key points came out of this period:

1) Genesis
The Book of Genesis shows us why problems came into the world in the first place. It contains the answers. We must check: Do I really know and enjoy that answer? How deeply have I entered into it?

2) Exodus
Again, the issue wasn’t merely about leaving the land of Egypt. The real Exodus means coming out of spiritual darkness, curses, and great disasters. That is what the Book of Exodus is truly about. And all of that—this deeper meaning of Exodus—was recorded and revealed throughout the 40 years in the wilderness.

3) Leviticus
What’s next? Why was everything centered on the tabernacle? Why did Aaron’s staff bud? That’s what the Book of Leviticus explains. We need to understand this. It reveals the true meaning of worship. This is where we must make a clear decision: “All my answers must come from worship.” That’s why pastors and servants of God must never preach their own words. They must speak the Word that God fulfills. It wasn’t about Aaron. It wasn’t even about the staff itself. Life—a bud—sprouted from that place where God fulfilled His Word. That’s what Leviticus is all about. We need to understand this.

4) Numbers
Why the twelve tribes? Why did they scout the twelve regions before entering? That’s the message of the Book of Numbers. And it’s extremely important.

5) Deuteronomy
What needs to be prepared before entering the land of Canaan? What must be ready before we go into the world? Those truths must be imprinted, rooted, and become our nature. That’s what the Book of Deuteronomy teaches. We must not lose hold of this.

Why did God command them to tear down Jericho? We need to ask this third question and understand the reason. As we move forward, yes, we need knowledge—but what we truly need is God’s power. Why? Because the walls of Jericho represent something absolutely impossible to tear down by human effort. That’s why we need the power of God.
And God said, “Go forward with that power.”

So today in this introduction, I haven’t been speaking my own thoughts. I’ve been pointing out that we often cling to things other than God’s Word—and that’s what needs to be corrected.

Main Message

So then, how did God command the Israelites to bring down Jericho? There are three key points you must hold onto today.

1. Hold on to the Absolute Evidence
In verse 4, God said, “Follow the Ark of the Covenant.” But we must not interpret this as simply following a physical object. It means: Follow holding on to the absolute evidence of God. Cling to God’s unshakable proof.

What does this mean? Hold tightly to the evidence God gave during the Exodus, and the evidence that has come through the wilderness up to now. With that in hand—circle Jericho. That’s the command. You need to know why. Like we said in the introduction: Why were they enslaved in Egypt? There was a reason. Egypt was not a successful nation. It was a nation of disaster, provoking wars. That’s exactly where the gospel needed to go. So the answer is no—Egypt was not a nation of success. That’s why they became slaves. There was a purpose in their slavery. That’s also why God kept them in the wilderness for 40 years—to uncover this truth.

What does verse 1 say? “Because of the Israelites, Jericho was tightly shut up; no one went out and no one came in.” And then God said: “March around it, following the Ark.” In other words: March holding firmly to the clear evidence God has already shown you. Why? Because God’s Word always fulfills what it declares.

What does verse 2 say? God declares: “I have already given Jericho into your hands—along with its king and mighty warriors.” He didn’t say, “I will give it to you”—He said, “I have already given it to you.” Then He says, “Follow the Ark. Don’t fear Jericho.” What is God saying here? He’s giving you clear and undeniable evidence: “Jericho, its king, and its mighty men—I have delivered them into your hands.” This is the absolute assurance God provided.

When you encounter moments that feel hopeless or overwhelming—
that’s precisely when you must hold on to God’s absolute plan and His covenant. Even when a human word seems reasonable or comes true,
God’s Word doesn’t just come true—it unleashes the power of creation itself.

2. Move Toward the Absolute Goal
What is the second thing God says? We find it in verse 16. What should you hold on to? It’s not just “I will give you this city.” It’s “I have given you this city.” What does this mean? Entering the land of Canaan is God’s absolute goal. This is not about an empty, abstract “I believe”. It’s about holding onto God’s absolute evidence and moving toward God’s absolute goal. There’s no hesitation here. Even if it means dying on the way, you must move forward. Why?

The seven nations that entered Canaan completely turned the land into a kingdom of idols, causing destruction worldwide. God is sending His people to take action. Go quickly to recover the land and heal the spiritual issues. This is the absolute goal.

This is the method to bring down Jericho. “Carry the Ark of the Covenant and march around the city.” This is holding on to God’s absolute evidence. “I have already given it to you. Now follow the Ark.” This is the absolute goal.

Within Canaan, there were 31 kings—these are the leaders of idol worship. And it’s not just about entering the land of Canaan. God says: Enter, recover the land, and bring the gospel to the entire world. This is the higher calling and absolute goal of God’s plan.

Hold firmly to that goal. No matter what anyone says, march around Jericho. These three courts, the Three Day Weekend Age, and the Holy Meditation Age—these are all part of God’s absolute goal. That’s what we must embrace and pursue, unwaveringly, as we move forward.

3. Absolute Answer
The third instruction is this: What does God say in verses 2 and 10? In verse 2, and especially in verse 10, we see a critical command: “March around the city without saying a word.”And on the final day, “shout together as one.” These two key commands are given in verse 10.

What’s the problem for those who don’t receive answers? They speak when they should be silent and remain silent when they should shout. That’s the issue. “March every day, once around the city.” Imagine what the people inside Jericho must have thought. Here comes the nation of Israel, the people who conquered Egypt, the ones who parted the Red Sea and the Jordan River. And now they’re just marching around the city!

“Don’t say a word as you march.” Why? Because if someone were to speak out and question the plan, that would be disastrous. “What are we doing? Are we just walking around? What if they throw rocks at us? What if we die like this?” This would ruin everything. That’s why God says: “Don’t open your mouth. Just march silently.”

On the final day, when you reach the end of the march, then you must shout together as one. This is the absolute answer. This command emphasizes faith and obedience without doubt or speaking against God’s plan.

Jericho is brought down with three key elements: Absolute Evidence, Absolute Goal, and Absolute Answer. These are the tools used to bring it down.

In verse 6, it says, “Set the seven priests in front.” This is an important statement. The servants of God must become leaders in 24-hour prayer.

In verse 7, it says, “Set the armed men in front of the ark.” What does this mean? It refers to the mission and blessing of key workers. “The servants of God must carry the Ark of the Covenant and march before the people. The key workers must also march in front of the people, carrying the Ark of the Covenant.”

Shout When the Trumpet Sounds on the Last Day (Verse 5) In verse 5, it says, “When the great trumpet sounds seven times on the last day, shout together.” And “the city will fall.” Something incredible happened. There are many scientific explanations, but right now, we’re not in a science class. The city collapsed completely.

Today, as you hold onto the covenant, there are a few things you must always remember. Absolute impossibilities exist in both small and large areas of life. But what is God’s absolute plan? When you see His plan, you will see His absolute possibility. At that moment, your spiritual eyes will open. “Ah, it’s finished. God is doing this. Jericho has already been destroyed. The land of Canaan has already been given to us.” Then, why did we live as slaves in Egypt? Why were we held in the wilderness for 40 years? Why not just take us directly? Why did we have to cross the Red Sea, and why were we made to conquer Jericho and cross the Red Sea? Once you understand the reason, it becomes a great answer.

One day, the Jericho in your path will fall. The spiritual Jericho must fall. That’s what will happen. Therefore, “Follow the Ark of the Covenant.” Hold onto that absolute evidence. Follow it. There’s nothing else. No matter what others say, the goal of reaching the land of Canaan is God’s purpose, and He will remove everything standing in your way. “Don’t speak, just keep walking.” Wait for the absolute answer. This is the message.

Today is the day to bring down the walls of Jericho. It’s the day to break down the powers of darkness around you through prayer and the Word. As you worship today, you need to find this truth. Why? Because if you try to memorize all of this and carry it with you, it’s impossible. You don’t need to do that. By next Sunday, you’ll be worshipping again, so why should you try to memorize everything? Today, you need to receive an important answer. Today.

What is today? It’s the day to break down the walls of Jericho. That’s all you need to hold onto. The city has already fallen. It needs to be brought down. Today, you will silently and powerfully break the powers of darkness around you through prayer and the Word. There’s no battle to fight; you’re just walking around, praying, and the walls of darkness are falling.

Conclusion

Let me introduce a few people who must survive.

There were only two people who saw Egypt and entered the land of Canaan. There were many others, but only Joshua and Caleb saw Egypt and entered Canaan from the very beginning. God established them firmly and kept them alive.

Who else did God keep alive? It was the next generation born in the wilderness. God saved them and brought them into the promised land. They didn’t experience the struggles their ancestors went through in Egypt. They were born in the wilderness. So, the 40 years might have seemed long, but during that time, God was restoring everything and imprinting it on the next generation. He brought them along into the land.

Another very important point is found in verse 17: “Save Rahab the harlot and her family.” This is deliberately recorded. Rahab and her family were brought into the land. Though it seemed insignificant, Rahab entered the land of Canaan and later married. She has children, and from her line, a man named David is born. This is part of God’s hidden plan, a mystery of the gospel’s power that is beyond our understanding. We can’t comprehend it fully. This is the blessing we must receive.

Today, the matter is settled. Today, we will destroy the dark stronghold of Jericho through prayer. That’s all. Once we say “Amen,” it’s done. Next week will bring another new grace. Today, amidst God’s Word flowing, we need to hold onto the covenant. Make a decision today. Whatever happened last week belongs to last week, but today, make a decision to recover your health, strength, and spiritual power. Today, in this time of worship and prayer, bind the darkness and completely bring down Jericho. Receive that answer today as you go.

I have shared this before, but when we hold onto a covenant, even if we once thought something was impossible, the responses will keep coming. It’s quite amazing, isn’t it? From when I was young, I thought something would never work out, but when I held onto God’s covenant, responses kept coming. I’ve experienced it. The Word of God is alive and working.

When I was younger, evangelism was very difficult for me. Even now, my personality hasn’t changed much in that regard. How could I go somewhere and evangelize, talk to someone? I couldn’t do it. Maybe if someone pushed me into being a public figure, I might try, but I could never go out on the street and sell something, even a simple item. I would be too embarrassed. So how could I evangelize?

But one day, I realized that evangelism had nothing to do with me. That was a big breakthrough. Honestly, I didn’t understand what prayer was. My life had to be in prayer, but I didn’t understand what prayer truly meant. I had heard that God’s Word is alive and works, but I hadn’t experienced it. So, there seemed to be no reason to attend worship or hold onto the Word. That was the life I lived.

But one day, it dawned on me. It wasn’t a big or dramatic decision, just a simple realization: “I should be able to pray, shouldn’t I?” I asked myself, “If God’s Word is alive and is being fulfilled, shouldn’t I experience it? That’s what worship is, right?” And then I realized: “I should be a witness. That’s what evangelism is.” Once I realized that, God’s responses started coming.

I pray that today will be the day you receive that same strength. May you experience this power in Jesus Christ’s name. Let’s pray.

Prayer. May today be the day of great importance. May today be the day when the walls of Jericho fall. May the strongholds of darkness crumble. What we cannot do, may the darkness before us fall at the presence of the Ark of the Covenant. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healing and the Gospel

James 5:13-18. Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

Jesus proclaimed the gospel as He healed the sick. Therefore, the ultimate purpose of healing is not merely physical restoration but the revelation and fulfillment of the gospel.

For the beggar at the temple gate, a few coins might have helped him survive another day, and the miracle of healing—being restored from a lifelong disability—undoubtedly transformed his life. Yet the true purpose of his healing was not simply that he walked and jumped, but that he praised God (Acts 3:1–10). In other words, the healing served to reveal the glory of God and the power of salvation. That was the ultimate goal.

Healing exists in many religions because even demonic forces can perform signs. But the focus of the gospel is not physical healing itself. The foundation of our faith in the gospel is Christ—the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation. The healing of the crippled man in Acts 3 was a direct fulfillment of the first gospel (or protoevangelium) promise:

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

This reveals that the gospel is the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy—not merely good news for the sick, but for all of fallen humanity.

Often, the proclamation of the gospel is accompanied by healing. However, it is God who heals—according to His will, power, and timing. He knows the needs of the sick far better than we do, and He alone brings true healing. Though the need for healing is great, we must remember that healing is not the end goal. While sickness is not God’s desire for people, the primary objective of faith is not simply to be made well, but to be united with Christ.

Scripture teaches that Jesus bore our diseases and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:6). His earthly ministry frequently involved healing the sick. After His resurrection, He gave His disciples authority and the promise of healing. He said to them,

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (Mark 16:15–18).

Likewise, the apostles and early believers ministered to the sick, bringing both healing and the gospel. Jesus worked with them in the ministry of healing from the throne:

“After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it” (Mark 16:19-20).

Many illnesses are caused by physical factors—fatigue, infection, unhealthy habits, or aging—but Scripture reveals deeper causes of disease that cannot be healed through medicine alone. Some illnesses arise from sin—whether original sin, the sins of one’s parents, or personal wrongdoing—which can lead to physical affliction. Idolatry, for example, brings consequences that extend to the third and fourth generation (Exodus 20:4–5; 2 Samuel 12:15).

Others live under the influence of the devil, whose oppression brings suffering that no medical treatment can reach (Genesis 3:16–19; Acts 10:38). Still others suffer under spiritual bondage, such as demonic possession (Mark 5:2–15), mental torment (Mark 9:17; Luke 13:16), or deeply rooted emotional wounds (Matthew 12:25–28; Ephesians 4:23–27).

But, in some cases, God allows sickness to fulfill His sovereign plan, as seen in Daniel (Daniel 8:27), the man born blind (John 9:1–3), and Paul’s thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7). Regarding the man born blind, Jesus said, “this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). To Paul, who earnestly prayed for the healing three times, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

When the source of affliction is spiritual, incorrect treatments can make things worse. Medical care alone cannot heal what is broken spiritually. Likewise, religious rituals, superstitions, or methods rooted in occult or demonic power can bring deeper harm.

Healing must begin at the spiritual level. One must first be healed in spirit (3 John 1:2), receiving Jesus as the Christ (John 1:12) and being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Through repentance and prayer, the grip of sin must be broken (James 5:13–16), and one’s environment must be cleansed of all spiritual influences that hinder faith (Matthew 12:25–29). Physical and mental healing should follow spiritual wholeness. Only after these steps should medical treatment be considered.

What follows after healing is just as important as the healing itself. One must continue in a life of faith, marked by thanksgiving and witnessing. This means being deeply imprinted with the gospel, firmly rooted in the Word, and enjoying prayer in all circumstances.

If you are a child of God and facing a severe illness, remember that your prayer, “the prayer of a righteous person,” is powerful and effective. (James 5:13–18). Enter into deep prayer, holding fast to the gospel until all your anxiety gives way to peace. Do not be consumed by worry, but instead experience the presence of God. “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7). God will raise you up as a witness of Christ to bring the message of healing to all nations.

Prayer. Father, make today a day of healing. By the power of the gospel, heal my spirit, soul, mind, and body. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so I may testify to the healing of Christ to all people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for the Missions

Matthew 6:33. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Since the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we no longer pray like unbelievers or those who follow empty religious practices, chasing after the things of the world. Instead, when we pray, we align our hearts with God’s desire—His kingdom and His righteousness. Our God-given mission ultimately finds its fulfillment in world evangelization—reaching 237 nations and 5,000 tribes.

When we seek the proclamation of the gospel in all circumstances, God promises to provide everything necessary to fulfill His covenant of world evangelization: “All these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). When every part of our live—family, work, studies, health, hopes, and dreams—is grounded in God’s plan of salvation, we will experience a life of true success.

If we fail to discover God’s will, we will be left vulnerable to doubt, anxiety, and self-reliance. Our hearts will lean on our own thoughts and experiences rather than His truth. But when we discover God’s plans in His Word, we will begin to see everything from His perspective.

God’s Word is living and active. It has the power to heal the disease of unbelief within us. Let the Word take root in your soul and steer the way you think and live. Since the Holy Spirit leads our lives, we don’t need to live in fear or anxiety. Our top priority is to seek His kingdom and His righteousness—and trust that He will take care of everything else.

Invite Jesus to the center of your life. Acknowledge Him in every area—your relationships, your time, your goals, and your decisions. Invest your life in what is eternal: the Triune God (Psalm 90:2), the Word (Isaiah 40:8), and those who came to Christ through you (1 Thessalonians 2:19). Be faithful with what God has already entrusted to you, even in the small things.

When you believed, you were born into God’s family. You were rescued from the power of darkness and brought into His kingdom. You now have access to His throne and hold the keys to the kingdom of heaven. You no longer belong to the world—you belong to heaven. So live today with confidence, knowing the privileges that come from your true identity and citizenship in Christ. Ask for the things above. Live with godly sorrow for the world. Place God and His kingdom first in all things.

And always remember: the foundation of your prayer is the name of Jesus. Don’t focus solely on receiving answers. The name of Jesus is your guarantee that God will provide what is best. Because you pray in the perfect name of Jesus Christ, you can trust Him completely with both the answers and the outcomes. Even when answers come in ways you didn’t expect, don’t be confused or discouraged—God is leading you in righteousness according to His absolute plans.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for blessing me with Your Word. I don’t want to dwell on the scars of the past, the problems of today, or the uncertainty of tomorrow. I want to discover Your perfect plans through Your Word. Let it take root in my soul so I may see everything from Your perspective. Guard my mind and heart through Your Word so I will not fall into unbelief. I desire to seek Your kingdom and righteousness above all in every situation. Restore in me the power of Your Word, the heart for evangelism and world missions, and a life of prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer of Atonement

Psalm 66:18. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

Sin builds a wall between us and God. It blocks the channel through which His blessings flow. This is why we must confess our sins as soon as we fall, so that we may be cleansed from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Honest confession restores our relationship with our Father.

True confession is not merely about feeling guilty, remorseful, or ashamed. It begins with the acknowledgment that all our problems, shortcomings, and sinful nature originated from the fall—when Adam broke the covenant with God. In confession, we expose what the devil has done, binding all people under the law of sin and death.

In our confession, we agree with the Word of God that we have become lovers of ourselves, caught in self-centeredness, self-reliance (Genesis 3), and the pursuit of worldly pleasures (Genesis 6) and success (Genesis 11). We begin to see how the devil has trapped us in frames shaped by worldly powers (Acts 13), economy (Acts 16), and culture (Acts 19). We recognize the influence of his snares, continually tempting us to live as slaves to sin.

We place ourselves before our Father, struggling inwardly, torn between the law of God and the law of sin, just as Paul described in his letter to the Roman believers (Romans 7:14–23). So we echo his confession: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). But this cry is not the end—it leads us straight to the cross, where we also declare with Paul: “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25).

The true confession of sin ultimately leads us to Jesus. He is our True King, who destroyed the power of the evil one and broke the chains of death. When we confess, we are declaring our freedom from Satan. He is our True Priest, who bore every curse and removed every disaster brought through sin. We come to Him, who has authority to forgive sin, and declare His and our victory over sin and death. And He is our True Prophet, who opened a new and living way to God so that we may live in peace with Him.

At the cross, the faithful and just God already forgave all our sins—past, present, and future—when Jesus, declared, “It is finished.” So when we confess, we do so not to earn forgiveness, but to step into the reality of what has already been accomplished. Through the Holy Spirit, God purifies us from all unrighteousness and renews our minds so that we can think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable—whatever is excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

The Holy Spirit reminds us that we are God’s beloved children, and that nothing can separate us from His love in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37–39). Confession, then, is not a time of defeat but a time of restoration, reassurance, and renewal. It is one of the greatest privileges of being a child of God.

We must recognize that one of the most powerful sources of sin is our speech. James writes, “Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Otherwise, you will be condemned. Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise” (James 5:12–13).

Our speech controls the direction of our lives and can either build up or destroy. That is why we must overcome the power of words rooted in unbelief, legalism, and failure. Instead, we are called to speak words filled with the gospel, faith, and victory. Whatever you store in your heart will eventually come out in your words. If you store up the gospel in your heart, you will walk in the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

In all you do, experience the power of God, that is, the gospel (Romans 1:16). And the gospel is Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 1:1-4). The Holy Spirit, who lives in you, will produce fruit in your life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22).

As others see the good that flows from your heart and life, they will witness the light of the gospel and give praise to your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Your words are powerful. They can encourage and build up or harm and tear down. So let your speech always be gracious and seasoned with truth, so that you will know how to respond to everyone (Colossians 4:6). Speak faith, hope, and love. Ask God to fill your mind with the mind of Christ.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for Your unconditional forgiveness because of what Jesus has done on the cross. Help me to live under Your grace and proclaim the gospel of Your forgiveness to those still struggling under the power of sin. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer of the Week: May 11, 2025

Lord, let today be a significant and decisive day.
Let it be the day Jericho falls. Let the fortress of darkness be brought down.
Let the walls of darkness we cannot overcome collapse before the Ark of the Covenant.
Help us to hold firmly to the unprecedented and absolute covenant.
Though night approaches, let us hold onto the absolute goal.
As we pray, may we experience the unprecedented and absolute answer, the answer that allows us to enjoy the fulfillment of Your promise.

May the Triune God work powerfully within me.
Take full control of my soul, heart, thoughts, and body.
Let the power of Your throne come upon me, and may Your kingdom be established in and through my life.
May Your power that transcends time and space—the power to reach all 237 nations and 5,000 tribes—rest upon me.
Let this heavenly power come to my life, my soul, and every part of my living.
May unprecedented and never-repeated answers be revealed in my studies, work, church, and mission field.
Let the power of Your divine work cover my past, present, and future.
Grant me the five powers and the strength to overcome the ruler of the kingdom of the air.
Open my spiritual eyes to see the blessing of the CVDIP in advance.
May the strength to build the three courtyards come upon me.
Lead me on the path of the Triune God.
Amid hardships, help me enjoy the Ten Mysteries so I may find the path You are leading me on.
People say and do whatever they think is right. May the Ten Foundations be firmly established in me.
Nothing can defeat the power of the Gospel. May the Five Assurances be the answer for me.
I must change America [replace it with your mission field]. Help me enjoy the Nine Streams of the Throne.
Grant me the answer to enjoy for the rest of my life as I live the life of the evangelist.
I’m going to [replace it with your mission field]. May every place and meeting become the camp of the throne.
May the power of the cross, the power of the blood, come to every place You send me.
May the covenant of the Mount of Olives, the things of the kingdom of God, be fulfilled in every place You send me.
May Your work, which took place in Mark’s Upper Room, take place in every place You send me.
May Your time schedule for Antioch appear.
May Your work, which took place in Asia, Paul’s first mission field, where he could find all the answers, be accomplished.
Help me discover the life-turning point that Paul’s team experienced.
Grant me the grace to see Rome as well.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer of Intercession

Ephesians 6:18. Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

One of the greatest privileges we have as children of God is the privilege of making supplication for others on their behalf. This means that we are invited to stand in the gap for those who may not yet know God, who are struggling, or who are in need of grace and mercy. As intercessors, we are not merely asking for blessings for ourselves, but we are aligning our hearts with God’s compassionate purposes and pleading for His will to be done in the lives of others.

This sacred role allows us to partner with God in His redemptive work, just as Abraham pleaded for Lot, Moses prayed for Israel, and Jesus Himself intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. To pray for others is to join in the ministry of reconciliation that brings hope, healing, and transformation.

When Abraham learned about God’s plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, where Lot and his family lived, he earnestly interceded on their behalf. “Then Abraham approached him and said: ‘Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?’” (Genesis 18:16–33). Tragically, Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because not even ten righteous people could be found. Yet, Lot and his family were spared.

Scripture testifies to this: “So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived” (Genesis 19:29). That is the power of intercessory prayer.

We are surrounded by unbelieving friends and family members. Like Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, they may appear successful, yet struggle with hidden wounds. “Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded… but he had leprosy” (2 Kings 5:1–14). Many hide their spiritual sickness beneath outward success, just as Naaman concealed his leprosy under armor.

People are also wandering, “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). As a result, they are weary and burdened. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Though they may possess much, they live under the oppression of the devil. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and… he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38).

Spiritually dead and enslaved to sin, they are, by nature, objects of wrath. “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins… gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath” (Ephesians 2:1–3).

God calls us to lift them up in prayer. Will we intercede for them as Moses did when the Israelites sinned in the wilderness? “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written” (Exodus 32:32). Moses repented on behalf of the people, pleading with God to show mercy. He regarded the salvation of the Israelites as more important than his own, even to the point of offering to be blotted out of God’s book for their sake.

Never give up when you pray for others. Your prayer is powerful and effective. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops” (James 5:16–18). Elijah’s prayer changed the course of nature and the destiny of a nation.

God will remember your intercession. He will remember you when disaster strikes the lives of those for whom you pray. He will use you to bring salvation through the power of the gospel.

Prayer. Father, I lift my unbelieving friends, family members, community, and nation to You. May Your grace be upon them so they may see the light of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer of Supplication

Philippians 4:6-7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

God has given us the right to bring our requests before Him when we believe in His Son. Jesus said, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24).

This privilege is not because of anything we have done—nor by our strength, our efforts, or even our godly living—but entirely because of the power of the name of Jesus. A prayer offered in His name is powerful because His name is perfect and complete. The power in prayer comes not from us, but from Christ alone.

When we pray in the name of Jesus, the Holy Spirit begins to work in our lives. Jesus said, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13).

When the Holy Spirit moves in us, the impossible becomes possible, the difficult becomes easy, and best of all, He opens our eyes to understand the gospel. We come to realize that it is not by our effort, but by the Spirit who lives in us, that all things are made possible.

Therefore, the Word of God commands us not to worry but to “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). So we wait on the promise of the Father, praying with all perseverance and supplication, trusting what Jesus declared: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

If you are in trouble today, it may be the very moment God is inviting you to be filled with His Spirit. Ask in faith, and you will begin to live a life that testifies to the power of the Holy Spirit.

God has also given us authority over all the forces of darkness. Jesus said, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (Luke 10:19). When we pray in the name of Jesus, demons flee, as Jesus said, “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matthew 12:28).

In the name of Jesus, we must stand against the god of this age who blinds minds so they cannot see the light of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4). We must take our stand against the schemes of the devil who works tirelessly to block the spread of God’s truth (Ephesians 6:10).

As watchmen in prayer, we are called to stand guard over our families, churches, workplaces, schools, communities, and nations. As the prophet declared, “I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth” (Isaiah 62:6–7). The devil does not rest—he continues to bring disaster and confusion, for he knows his time is short. Neither should we rest in prayer.

When we cease to pray, the enemy comes and sows weeds among the wheat. Jesus told this parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away” (Matthew 13:24–25). The devil wants us to reap unbelief, envy, greed, ingratitude, failure, and frustration. But we must continue to sow the Word of life and victory, uproot the lies of the enemy, and cancel the attacks of the powers of darkness.

Here is the secret of victorious living in Christ: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). Recalling these words of Christ, Peter later echoed this truth in his letter to the scattered believers: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Do not forget to ask God for the help of His angelic armies, for He has promised to send them to serve those who will inherit salvation: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14).

So ask, as Elisha did. “’Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:16–17). God will act on your behalf through the ministry of His angels.

You are a precious and honored child of God (Isaiah 43:4). He will remember what you ask in faith and answer you according to His good, pleasing, and perfect will in His perfect time. So keep asking, seeking, and knocking, just as Jesus taught: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

Your Father in heaven desires to give you good gifts when you ask—and far more than you could imagine. Listen to what He says to you: “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession” (Psalm 2:7–8).

Prayer. Father, I thank You for the right to ask anything in Jesus’ name. I know You delight in giving good gifts to Your children. So I will stop worrying and start asking, trusting that You hear me and will answer according to Your perfect will. Thank You for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer of Praise

Psalm 100:4-5.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

When we lift our voices in praise during prayer, the Triune God comes and dwells among us: “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises” (Ps 22:3). The glory of God fills the place of prayer, and His power begins to move among us.

That’s exactly what happened to Paul and Silas in prison: “About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly, there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once, all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:25–26).

Why is praise so powerful? Because praise is more than saying, “I believe.” It is the confirmation of our faith. In praise, we proclaim that Christ is the final answer to our lives and the solution to every problem and circumstance.

Do you know how King Jehoshaphat defeated the armies of Moab and Ammon? Assured of God’s covenant with His people, Jehoshaphat placed the temple singers in front of the army, dressed in their sacred robes, to praise the Lord. They marched ahead, singing: “Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!” (2 Chron 20:21). Placing a choir before the army—that is complete reliance on God, acknowledging that the battle belongs to Him.

And God responded in an astounding way: “As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated… When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped” (2 Chron 20:22–24). This is the power of praise!

When we come before God in prayer, we must do so as those approaching the throne of a king (Ps 100:4–5). With thanksgiving and praise, we humbly acknowledge His absolute sovereignty and power. We entrust our cares, hopes, dreams, and struggles to Him.

To meet the King of the universe is to come face-to-face with the end of all impossibilities. Nothing is too hard for Him. His goodness, love, and faithfulness ensure that His perfect work will be accomplished in us. So let us lay our requests before our King and wait with expectation (Ps 5:3).

If we forget our Father and give in to unbelief, worry, and discouragement, we will be torn apart—and nothing in this world can save us. But when we offer praise and thanksgiving for His glory, we will witness His power and receive answers to our prayers (Ps 50:22–23).

If you are in trouble or surrounded by darkness, do not be afraid. Instead, pray and praise God. Let your praise be a declaration of your faith in Him.

Your true King, Jesus, will strike the head of your enemy, the devil, once more (Gen 3:15). The peace of God will crush Satan under your feet (Rom 16:20). And God will prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies—a celebration of victory (Ps 23:5).

Prayer. Father, I praise You with all my heart. I praise You for who You are and all You have done for me in Christ. I thank You for the victory over my enemy and for the hope and future You have prepared for me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.