Category: Today’s Word

Living with the Holy Spirit

John 14:16. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to help you and be with you forever.

To live a victorious Christian life, we must understand who the Holy Spirit is. Many people know about God the Father and Jesus the Son, but very few truly know the Holy Spirit in a personal and living way. Yet it is impossible to live as a witness of Christ apart from Him, as Jesus said,

“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)

Who, then, is the Holy Spirit? Why did He come to us? What kind of relationship should we have with Him? And how can we be filled with Him? These are not abstract theological questions but the very essence of our spiritual reality and power.

The Holy Spirit is not an idea, a mystical force, or a religious emotion. He is God Himself, the Spirit of Christ, living in us. When Jesus returned to the Father, He did not leave us as orphans; He sent His Spirit to dwell within us, to guide, comfort, and empower us in all things. The Spirit is the continual presence of the Triune God in the hearts of believers.

In Today’s Word, Jesus promises to send “another Counselor.” The Greek word used here for “another” means another of the same kind. Jesus was revealing that the Holy Spirit would not be a different or lesser helper, but one exactly like Himself—divine, eternal, and equal in nature and power. In essence, Jesus was saying, “I am sending you another of Myself.” The Spirit is not merely a substitute for Christ but His ongoing presence within us—Immanuel, God with us, now dwelling in us forever.

In the ancient world, a ‘counselor’ was an advocate who stood beside another to help, defend, comfort, guide, or speak on his behalf. When Jesus promised to send “another Counselor,” He was describing the Holy Spirit as the One who would come alongside believers to strengthen, counsel, and empower them. He is our Advocate who defends us against the devil’s accusations, reminding us that we are forgiven, justified, and accepted through the blood of Christ. While the enemy seeks to condemn and sow doubt, the Holy Spirit assures our hearts that we are God’s beloved children and intercedes for us according to God’s perfect will.

When you pray, you are not speaking into the air—the Holy Spirit connects your prayer to the throne of heaven. When you pray for someone far away, the Spirit who transcends time and space works powerfully in that person’s heart, working in ways we cannot see. This is the invisible yet living reality of the Spirit’s ministry.

The Holy Spirit is eternal—He existed before creation and will continue forever. Yet the miracle of the gospel is that this eternal Spirit of God now dwells in us. The moment you confessed Jesus Christ as Lord, He came to live within you. He is not a visitor who comes and goes; He abides with you forever!

The Spirit is “a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:14). In other words, the presence of the Holy Spirit is God’s seal upon your life, proof that you belong to Him and that His promises are certain. His indwelling, guiding, and empowering presence is the assurance that what God has begun in you, He will surely bring to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

Sadly, many believers live without awareness of this truth. They try to serve God through human effort and, yet remain spiritually powerless and weary. They know the Bible intellectually but have not experienced the life and power that the Spirit gives through the Word. The key is not more effort but acknowledging and depending on the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit in every circumstance.

If the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you (Romans 8:11), how can you remain powerless? It is a contradiction for the children of God to live defeated lives when the Spirit of the Almighty God dwells in them. The Christian life without the Holy Spirit is like a lamp without oil—it may look functional but cannot shine. Thus, we must continually desire the filling of the Holy Spirit, acknowledging that apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

To be filled with the Holy Spirit means to let Him rule your soul, heart, mind, and body. It is to yield control—to allow Him to fill you with His love and align your will with God’s. Being filled with the Spirit should not be a one-time experience but a continuous lifestyle of surrender. Just as wine can control a person’s behavior, thoughts, and emotions, so the Spirit desires to fill and direct every part of our being (Ephesians 5:18).

When the Holy Spirit fills you, your life begins to change in both visible and invisible ways. Fear gives way to boldness, confusion turns into clarity, and weakness becomes strength. Your prayers—once dry and awkard—begin to move the unseen world as the Spirit intercedes and empowers you. The transformation He brings is not merely emotional but spiritual, reshaping your thoughts, words, and actions to reflect the life of Christ within you.

And when the Spirit overflows in you, evangelism becomes the natural fruit of the Holy Spirit. Just as the early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, turned the world upside down with the gospel (Acts 1:8), your life too becomes a vessel through which the good news reaches those in darkness.

Living by the Spirit is not about chasing feelings but walking by faith. Whether you sense His presence or not, He is always at work—guiding you into truth, interceding for you with groans too deep for words (Romans 8:26), and reminding you that you are God’s beloved child. Therefore, do not ignore (1 Thessalonians 5:19) or grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

Learn to walk with Him moment by moment. When you speak, let Him speak through you; when you act, let Him lead; when you pray, listen for His voice in the Word. The more you acknowledge His presence, the more His reality and power will fill every part of your daily life—fueling a life of witness, compassion, and mission for the glory of Christ.

Prayer. Father, thank You for sending Your Spirit to dwell in me. Teach me to recognize His voice and depend on His power every day. Fill me afresh with Your Spirit, that I may live as Your witness with courage, wisdom, and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Peace of God in Every Circumstance

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.

In this age of noise and confusion, it’s easy to lose focus as countless voices compete for our attention. Scripture reminds us that “the god of this age,” the devil, has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4).

But you are a precious child of God. You don’t have to live in fear, anxiety, or confusion. Even in the storm, God is with you. With full assurance that He hears your prayers, you can give thanks in every circumstance, knowing His perfect plan is at work.

Prayer is not a ritual or duty but a relationship. It is not about how long or how eloquently we speak, but about how deeply we remain in Christ. Prayer begins where God’s Word abides in us and His heart becomes ours (John 15:7). When you pray in the name of Jesus, the power of darkness is broken, and the peace of God beyond human understanding fills your heart and mind.

Yet many believers struggle to find joy in prayer. They pray, but their prayers feel unanswered, and their hearts grow weary. Why? Because they have lost hold of the covenant (Matthew 16:13–14). They failed to see that Jesus is the Christ, the fulfillment of every promise. Every true prayer begins from the confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Others fail in prayer because their prayers focus only on what they want or need. Jesus said, “The pagans run after all these things” (Matthew 6:32). God already knows what you need. Prayer is not convincing God to meet your desires but aligning your heart to His. It is seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

And still others fall into unbelief. Worry replaces faith, and self-centered motives corrupt pure devotion. Scripture warns, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives” (James 4:3). Prayer should not begin with greed or fear. Our hearts must first be renewed before God by His Word.

Today’s Word gives us a powerful secret of prayer. When your heart and mind are governed by His peace, your value system, faith, worldview, and view of life are transformed. You no longer see prayer as a negotiation but as communion. The anxious heart becomes a grateful one. The restless mind becomes anchored in truth.

And when your priorities are right—God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Christ)—everything else follows (Matthew 6:33). The most powerful prayers come from those who seek what God seeks: the salvation of souls and the fulfillment of world evangelization.

When you pray within the covenant, unseen spiritual forces begin to move. Jesus said, “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24). Through prayer, the Holy Spirit works powerfully within you.

At the same time, the powers of darkness are bound. Jesus declared, “I have given you authority… to overcome all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19). Prayer is not passive. It is spiritual warfare. When you pray in Jesus’ name, Satan’s schemes collapse.

Prayer is the divine system through which we are connected to the throne. As you pray, angels are dispatched. Your prayers rise before the Triune God like incense, and angels deliver every thought and word of your prayers to the heavenly throne (Revelation 8:3–5).

Through such prayer, God’s will and His kingdom are fulfilled through you. Your field changes. The people around you experience life and restoration. You become a channel of re-creation—wherever you go, a life movement begins.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for Your peace that guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Help me to enter Your presence in every situation today. Let every force of darkness and unbelief be broken in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Why Do Believers Fall Under Temptations?

2 Corinthians 1:3-4.  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

God’s way of leading our lives is often very different from what we expect. Scripture reminds us, “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). All things include not only blessings but also trials, temptations, and hardships. When we fail to understand this divine principle, we grow restless, anxious, and discouraged—eventually falling into unbelief. Yet what seems painful or confusing in the moment is often the very tool God uses to shape our faith and deepen our dependence on Him.

The testing of faith is never without purpose: “You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:3). Hardships refine our faith like fire purifies gold, teaching us to wait, to pray, and to cling to God’s promises. In the midst of trouble, we encounter “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles” (2 Corinthians 1:3). This is the mystery of suffering—that in our weakness, we come to know His strength. Through our pain, we receive His comfort, so that we in turn can comfort others with the same comfort we have received (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Every hardship allowed by God carries a purpose. The writer of Hebrews explains, “Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves… God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness” (Hebrews 12:6–10). What feels painful in the moment produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who are trained by it (Hebrews 12:11). God allows such seasons not to crush us but to bless us.

When we yield to God’s process, our trials begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). Like Job, we may lose much, but we never lose our identity in Him. In every hardship, we acknowledge His sovereignty: “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

No suffering is wasted. As with Joseph, what others intend for harm, God intends for good (Genesis 50:20). Every event, every person, and every challenge in your life has been allowed by God as part of His plan to advance the gospel through you. When temptations come, do not despair—look for the hidden purpose of God and the greater work He is preparing to reveal.

Hold fast to His promise: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind… and when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). After you have suffered a little while, “the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).

Prayer. Father, I thank You for being with me in every hardship. I believe You are shaping me for Your greater purpose. Mold my heart, renew my mind, and make me into a vessel You can use. Prepare me to do every good work You have planned for me, and let my life bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Eyes to See the Problems, Conflicts, and Crises

Philippians 1:12-14. Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

When you find yourself pressed on every side and walking through trials that test your faith, remember this: nothing in your life happens by accident. Every event, every trial, every encounter is part of God’s absolute plan to reveal His glory and advance the gospel through you.

Paul experienced this truth firsthand. While imprisoned in Rome, he declared with joy, “What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). The chains that seemed to limit him became instruments of God’s purpose, spreading the gospel even into the palace guards. Instead of being silenced, Paul’s suffering inspired other believers to proclaim the gospel with boldness.

This is the mystery of God’s work—His blessings often come wrapped in the garments of suffering, hardship, or delay. When things appear to be falling apart, God is often aligning them perfectly for His greater plan. The problem is not that God is absent, but that we often fail to see His hand behind the scenes.

Some, like Paul, see their trials as opportunities to trust and glorify God. Others, like the Israelites before the Red Sea, become paralyzed by fear and unbelief. When they saw Pharaoh’s army advancing, they cried out in despair (Exodus 14:11). But Moses stood firm, saying, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today… The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:13–14). Faith sees beyond the crisis. Moses saw what the Israelites could not see—the God who parts seas and delivers His people.

Likewise, Joseph, though sold as a slave and falsely imprisoned, held onto God’s promise. His circumstances did not define him; the presence of God did. “The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered… When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor” (Genesis 39:2–4). Even Pharaoh, a pagan king, later recognized it and said, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the Spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:38).

God’s plan for Joseph included betrayal, slavery, false accusation, and years of confinement—but each of these was a step toward God’s ultimate purpose: saving nations during famine and preserving the covenant line of Christ. What others meant for evil, God turned into good (Genesis 50:20). The same is true for you. Every setback, every closed door, every heartbreak can become a stage for God’s power when you entrust it to Him.

Job’s story echoes this truth. He lost everything—family, health, and wealth—yet his faith in God did not waver. He said, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21). Even when he could not understand his suffering, Job trusted the sovereignty of God. And in the end, God restored him, revealing that none of his pain was wasted but was turned into a lasting testimony of the living God.

Like Paul, Joseph, and Job, you too can discover the hidden blessings behind every trial. Your seasons of loneliness and disappointment may be God’s appointed times to prepare you for something far greater. What seems like chains may actually be platforms for proclaiming Christ. The key is your perspective—will you see your situation as a curse or as an opportunity for the gospel to advance?

God uses trials to strengthen your faith and suffering to refine your heart for world evangelization. Nothing happens by chance in the life of an evangelist; God orchestrates every detail with purpose.
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

So, when you walk through times of trouble, remember that God is still at work. He is not punishing you, but positioning you for His greater purpose. Like Paul, you can rejoice even in chains, because your life is part of something much greater than you can see. As you surrender your situation to Him, He will use it to glorify Christ and reveal His power through you.

Always remember, every problem has an answer, every conflict is a time for renewal, and every crisis is an opportunity to experience the power of God.

Prayer. Father, open my eyes to see Your hidden blessings in every hardship. Help me trust that You are at work even when I cannot understand. Teach me to rejoice like Paul, to stand firm like Moses, and to endure like Joseph and Job, so that my life may advance the gospel and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Remain in the Love of Christ

John 15:7-11. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

When you remain in Christ—resting in His love, embracing your identity and authority as a child of God, and letting His Word dwell richly within you—the power of the Throne begins to overflow through you. The Christian life ceases to be a struggle of striving and becomes a life of abiding. Transformation is no longer the result of religious effort but the natural fruit of union with the living Christ. As the branch draws life from the vine, you draw fundamental life and strength from Him, and the things of the kingdom of God begin to shine through yours.

You will never know spiritual hunger or thirst again. Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). Nothing in this world can revive your soul like Jesus. People search endlessly for satisfaction—through money, pleasure, power, and approval—only to discover emptiness. But Jesus offers living water that permanently quenches the soul’s deepest thirst (John 4:10). Once you drink from Him, you no longer crave the world’s temporary satisfactions. Instead, you are filled with contentment, knowing that in Him you have all things.

As you enjoy daily fellowship with Christ, His peace, joy, and rest will rest upon you—treasures the world cannot manufacture or take away. Jesus promised, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:26–27). This peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ within you. It guards your heart and mind, even in storms. So stop searching elsewhere for peace, rest, and joy—they are already yours through the indwelling Spirit.

Do not be anxious about anything. Your heavenly Father rejoices over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17); He loves you more than you can imagine. The Prince of Peace, who has destroyed the power of sin, Satan, and hell, walks beside you (Isaiah 9:6), calming your heart and silencing every fear. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, lives within you—guiding you into all truth, revealing the Father’s will, and even showing you what lies ahead (John 16:13). In the presence of the Triune God—the Father who loves you, the Son who redeemed you, and the Spirit who empowers you—every sorrow turns into joy (John 15:11). In every problem, conflict, and crisis, you find God’s answers, plans, and blessings.

When you remain in His love, weakness and discouragement disappear, and you can boldly confess, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). True strength flows not from willpower but from the life of Jesus within you—His strength made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:10). This is why Paul’s life was focused on constant communion with God: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18). For Paul, prayer was not an event but a way of life—a continual awareness of God’s presence, direction, and power. God is still searching for believers who will walk this way—those who trust His power more than their own, who depend on His Word more than their wisdom, and who seek His kingdom above all else.

When you remain in Christ’s love, nothing is impossible. “‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes’” (Mark 9:23). Faith connects you to God’s limitless resources. Through that faith, God will send you to places others cannot go, give you words others cannot speak, and use you to bring healing and hope that only the gospel can provide. Do not fear—Lord Jesus walks with you every step of the way. The One who sits at the right hand of the Father is working in you, working with you, and working through you to accomplish His eternal purpose (Mark 16:19–20). In His presence, you will bear much fruit to the glory of God the Father.

Prayer. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your unfailing love that sustains me. Help me to remain in You and let Your Word remain in me. Fill me with Your peace, strength, and joy so I may bear fruit that glorifies the Father. In Your precious name, Amen.

Abide in the Power of Christ

Matthew 18:18-20. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.

How can we abide in the power of Christ? Merely knowing about Jesus is not enough. You must know Him personally—walk with Him, hear His voice, and experience His presence. Christianity is not a philosophy to learn or a system to follow. It is a relationship with the living Christ, who promised, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

The power of Christ is not something external that you reach for in moments of need; it is a living presence within you that must be enjoyed daily. To abide in Him is to dwell continually in His life, His love, and His authority. When you walk in union with Him, His power flows through you naturally, just as life flows from the vine into its branches (John 15:1-7).

The most vital way to abide in Christ’s power is through prayer. Prayer is not merely asking for things; it is entering into fellowship with the Triune God. It is stepping into the throne room of grace (Hebrews 4:16) and communing with your Father who already knows what you need before you ask (Matthew 6:8).

Jesus’ entire life on earth was rooted in prayer. Even amid the demands of ministry and crowds pressing around Him, He always withdrew to spend time alone with the Father. “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). If the Son of God needed to pray, how much more must we?

Through prayer, you acknowledge that you are not the source of your own strength. You confess that you are utterly incapable. You surrender your will to His, saying, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” You exchange your weakness for His power, your anxiety for His peace, your confusion for His wisdom.

Prayer and praise unleash divine power even in the darkest circumstances. When Paul and Silas were beaten and chained in prison, they did not despair. Instead, “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). The power of the throne of the Triune God responds to the voices of those who worship in faith.

This is the privilege of the children of God—to open and close the gates of heaven through prayer. Jesus said, “Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 18:18). This means that through prayer, you participate in God’s sovereign work on earth. Heaven moves when the children of God pray in the name of Jesus.

So, stop worrying about anything, and turn everything into prayer. “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests… and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18). The life led by the Holy Spirit knows no failure, for the Spirit Himself intercedes for you with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:22).

To abide in Christ’s power also means making Him the Master of your life. At the wedding in Cana, Jesus was first treated as a guest. But when He became the master of the banquet, everything changed. Water turned into wine—the best wine anyone had ever tasted (John 2:1–11). The same is true in your life. When Jesus remains only a guest, you may have religion but not transformation. But when He takes the throne of your heart, you will experience His miracle-working power for world evangelization.

How can you make Him Master? Mary gave the answer: “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). Obedience to the Word of God is the key to unlocking His power. When the servants obeyed Jesus’ simple command to fill the jars with water, they witnessed divine power at work—the very Word that created the universe transforming water into wine before their eyes. Even though the servants were considered the lowest in society, they had the highest honor of seeing God’s miracle firsthand. In the same way, those who obey the Word, even in small things, are entrusted with the great works of God.

To abide in the power of Christ, you must offer yourself completely to God. Paul writes, “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1). To abide in Christ is not merely to think about Him but to surrender every part of your life—your time, your work, your relationships, your plans—as an offering to Him.

When you live this way, your mind is renewed by His Spirit, and you begin to see the world as God sees it. You no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but you discern “His good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). God’s will is clear: the proclamation of the gospel to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit works most powerfully where Christ is proclaimed, for that is where His authority and glory are revealed.

So, abide in the One who loved you and gave Himself for you. In Him, there is divine power to overcome, abundant fruit that lasts, and limitless possibilities. Jesus promised, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). When you remain in His power, you can do all things through Him who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13).

Prayer. Lord Jesus, thank You for the power of Your presence and for the privilege of prayer. Teach me to dwell in You, to obey You, and to make You the Master of my life. Let my heart burn with love for You and my life bear fruit for Your kingdom. In Your precious name, Amen.

Who is Jesus to You?

Philippians 2:5-11. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Who is Jesus, the One living in you? He is not merely a teacher, a prophet, or a moral example—He is in very nature God. The eternal Son of God stepped down from heaven’s throne, clothed Himself in human flesh, and entered our world to reveal the invisible God. He is the Creator and the Sustainer of all things. Yet, in humility, He became one of us to redeem what was lost. On that cross, He bore our sins, set us free from the curse of hell, and crushed the head of the enemy, the devil. Through Him, we have been redeemed forever.

And yet, this same Christ lives in you through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Lord of all creation has chosen to establish His throne within you. You are His dwelling place, His temple, His chosen vessel. Because of this truth, you have nothing to fear. “You have been set free from the law of sin and death by the law of the Spirit of life” (Romans 8:2). The Spirit within you gives you power to overcome your weaknesses and the world. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).

When Christ was crucified, your old self was crucified with Him (Galatians 2:20). The sinful nature that once ruled you no longer has authority. You are a new creation, raised with Christ to walk in His life and power. The cross destroyed the power of sin, and the resurrection opened the way for you to live in victory.

To live in this new identity means daily surrender. Every selfish ambition, every trace of pride, every thought of unbelief must be nailed to the cross. You no longer live for yourself, but Christ lives in you. The more you yield to His Spirit, the more His life flows through you.

Jesus has also given you full access to His kingdom. He said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven… For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:18–20). This means heaven’s throne moves when you pray in Jesus’ name, and His angel armies are mobilized in your situation.

Wherever you go, Christ’s presence goes with you. When His people gather, His Church is established, and the gates of hell cannot prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). You are part of that unshakable Church—called, chosen, and empowered to proclaim the gospel until all nations hear.

Even now, Jesus walks with you, just as He did with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:15). Though they did not recognize Him at first, He opened the Scriptures to them until their hearts burned within them (Luke 24:32). When they realized who He was, they could not remain silent—they ran back to Jerusalem to proclaim, “The Lord has risen indeed!” (Luke 24:34).

That same living Christ walks beside you in your doubts, your weariness, and your confusion. He speaks through His Word, opening your eyes to see His truth. When you truly meet Him—when your heart is ignited by His presence—everything changes. Despair turns to hope, fear turns to faith, and silence turns to proclamation.

So, if you feel weary today, meet Jesus again in His Word. Let His Spirit breathe new life into you. The same Lord who reigns above all creation is alive in you, empowering you to live, to overcome, and to proclaim His name.

Prayer. Lord Jesus, thank You for watching over me with eyes like blazing fire. Thank You for strengthening my heart through Your Word. Keep me from the evil one and make me a person of prayer who walks in step with Your Spirit. In Your precious name, Amen.

Know Your Position in Christ

John 15:1-7. I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Christian life is not about doing, but remaining in Christ. Jesus said, “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” True fruitfulness is not achieved through effort, discipline, or zeal but through union with Christ—the source of life Himself.

The joy of Christian living flows from this intimate relationship: “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” It’s not about doing for Christ, but being in Christ. Tragically, many believers have lost this joy because they do not know how to remain in Him. They turn instead to religion (Matthew 12:43–45), philosophy (Colossians 2:8), moral uprightness (Isaiah 64:6), legalism (Romans 3:20), or even a different gospel (Matthew 16:13–14). But all of these paths lead only to disappointment and spiritual exhaustion, leaving the soul disconnected from the Vine.

Thus, understanding your position in Christ is essential. Jesus made it unmistakably clear: “I am the vine; you are the branches.” Your relationship with Him is not mechanical or ceremonial—it is a relationship grounded in life itself. Just as a branch cannot survive apart from the vine, your spirit cannot thrive apart from Christ.

Jesus came to restore that life and fellowship with the Father: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Eternal life is not merely a future promise of heaven—it is the present reality of those who are united with the Son: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” (1 John 5:11–12). Your life in the kingdom of God begins the moment the Holy Spirit breathes new life into you.

Because you are in Christ, nothing can separate you from God’s love. His love is not shaken by failure, fear, or circumstance—it is steadfast and eternal. As Scripture declares, “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future… will be able to separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).

As long as you remain in Him, His life will continually flow through you, and fruit will naturally appear. When the branches abide in the vine, they receive nourishment and produce fruit in due season. In the same way, when you remain in Christ, His Word and Spirit will sustain you, and your life will bear fruit that brings glory to God.

You will be like “a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither” (Psalm 1:3). You were created to live by God’s power, not your own. Jesus said plainly, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” When you depend on yourself, your limitations, fears, and failures will dictate your life. But when you remain in Him, His power will work through you—and “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20).

Abide in Christ throughout the day. Let His words remain in you, and your prayers will align with His will. Then, whatever you ask will be done for you (John 15:7).

Prayer: Father, I thank You for calling me to abide in Christ, the true Vine. Help me to remain in You and let Your Word remain in me. May my life bear lasting fruit that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Arm Yourself with Christ!

Ephesians 6:10-20. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 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, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Our enemy, the devil, knows us better than we know ourselves. He is a cunning adversary—aware of our weaknesses, failures, and fears. He constantly accuses us, seeking to wear down our spirit and mind. The enemy carries out his evil schemes through rulers, authorities, and the powers of this world. That is why we must always clothe ourselves with Christ, the One who destroyed the devil’s work by His death and resurrection. When you are armed with Christ, you are untouchable in His power.

First, protect your mind with the helmet of salvation. When you know the worth of your salvation, live in the joy of salvation, and experience it daily, Satan cannot touch you. Salvation is everything. To have life in Christ is to have everything. The moment the Holy Spirit came into your life, the power of God began to dwell in you. So always clothe yourself with Jesus Life and Jesus Power.

Guard your heart with the breastplate of righteousness. Always remember God’s grace that made you righteous. God made Jesus who had no sin to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). When you live in gratitude for the cross, Satan loses his grip. A thankful heart is a strong shield that the enemy cannot pierce.

Fasten the belt of truth around your waist. Hold tightly to the promises of God. Let His covenant become your covenant. Even when circumstances look bleak, stand firm on His unchanging Word as Paul did in the storm: “I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me” (Acts 27:25). One person who believes God’s promise can can save everyone on board. Stand firm and guard the truth of the gospel from the enemy’s lies.

Let your feet carry the good news of peace wherever you go. The gospel is not just a message you share—it is your identity and privilege. Live in the peace of Christ and enjoy rest in His presence. When you do, your life will shine His eternal light to all nations.

Hold up the shield of faith against every flaming arrow of the enemy. No weapon formed against you will prevail (Isaiah 54:17). No temptation or trial can overcome the one who walks by faith. For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).

Your most powerful offense against Satan is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus Himself defeated the devil in the wilderness by declaring, “It is written.” A pure, living Word movement is essential in our spiritual battles. Fill your heart and mouth with the Word until it becomes your first response to every attack.

Finally, protect everything through prayer. Pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests (Ephesians 6:18). Stand as a spiritual watchman over your family, your church, and your mission field (Isaiah 62:6-7). Enter into a 24-hour prayer life—continual conversation with God—and stay alert for those He has entrusted to your care.

Do not let your guard down. The moment you stop praying, the enemy advances. Resist the devil in Jesus’ name, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Remember this promise: “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet (Romans 16:20). Through your life, God will bring salvation to many living under the power of darkness.

Prayer. Father, thank You for giving me the authority to stand against the forces of darkness. Open my eyes to see the unseen battle and strengthen me to wear Your full armor each day. Let me walk in the victory of Christ, declaring His gospel wherever You send me. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Stop Friendship with the World!

James 4:4. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

Why should we put on the full armor of God? Because our fight is not against people. Our true battle is spiritual: “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

That is why human strategies and worldly weapons cannot win this war. We live in the world, but we do not fight as the world fights. “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Through the power of God, we tear down every argument and every proud thought that sets itself up against the knowledge of Christ, and we take every thought captive to obey Him (2 Corinthians 10:5).

When you are armed with Christ—who finished all things on the cross (Acts 1:1)—you will witness His kingdom breaking forth wherever you go. The Holy Spirit will empower you to live as a bold witness for Christ (Acts 1:8). When you connect everything in life to Him, you will begin to see impossible situations transformed by His power.

Stop struggling in human relationships—the Holy Spirit lives in you (1 Corinthians 3:16). Love people with the same unconditional love you have freely received from God. Stop following the world’s ways—you are a child of God who possesses everything in Christ (John 1:12). Hold firmly to the Word of life in this crooked generation (Philippians 2:14–16).

Why must we wear the full armor of God? Because the day of evil has already come. The world is being shaken on every side. People are collapsing under the weight of anxiety, depression, and confusion. Even in the most advanced nations—Europe, Japan, and the United States—mental illness is spreading like wildfire. Science and medicine can treat symptoms, but they cannot reach the spiritual root of human suffering.

Families are under fierce attack. From the beginning, the devil has targeted families (Genesis 3:1–20). Divorce rates climb higher each year, leaving children scarred and societies fractured. And yet, the church fails to offer the fundamental solution—the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the very strategy of the devil.

People live under deception, blinded by “the father of lies” (John 8:44), disguised as “an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14), serving “the ruler of the kingdom of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), and worshiping “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4). The devil has been stealing, killing, and destroying lives (John 10:10). He spreads chaos through systems of power, economics, culture, and even religion (Revelation 12:9). His ultimate goal is to hinder true gospel movements by distorting or diluting the message of Christ.

Knowing that the church cannot be destroyed, Satan instead aims to weaken it—creating division, pride, and compromise within the body. Many believers, forgetting their identity as spiritual soldiers, have surrendered to worldly comfort and pleasure. Churches are closing; faith is cooling. Meanwhile, the kingdom of darkness advances through worldly influence and ideology, capturing the hearts of the next generation.

But God has called us for such a time as this. He commands us to stand firm for the gospel and rescue this generation. He has not left us defenseless—He has clothed us with His own armor: Christ our righteousness, His kingdom authority, and the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:13). When the battle is done, we will still be standing firm, strong, and steadfast in Christ.

So, stop making friendship with the world (James 4:4). You are not an enemy of God—you are His friend (John 15:15). You have been called to save the world with the gospel of life. You have one life to live; do not waste it running errands for the world and the devil. Stand on the everlasting covenant of truth, and never compromise.

Stop chasing the desires of the flesh. Jesus said, “It is what comes out of a person that defiles them… evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, greed, deceit, envy, arrogance, and folly” (Mark 7:20–23). Such things belong to those who love the world and follow the devil’s lies. But you are not of the world—you are sanctified by the Word of truth (John 17:13–19).

You have been set apart for God’s good purpose (Ephesians 2:10). Therefore, “put to death the acts of the flesh”—sexual immorality, idolatry, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition, and envy (Galatians 5:19–21)—and live in the blessing of God’s kingdom: “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

And do not grow complacent. “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). Stay awake in prayer. Resist him, standing firm in faith (James 4:7). Let the Holy Spirit lead your every step (Galatians 5:16).

Let the Word of God renew your mind from the inside out, so that you may discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect in God’s will (Romans 12:2). Walk in the victory Christ has secured for you.

Prayer. Father, thank You for the privilege of being called Your child and friend. Strengthen me in Your mighty power to stand against the enemy and his schemes. Guard my heart from compromise and fill me with boldness to proclaim the gospel that saves. Help me to live every day as a soldier of Christ, rescuing this generation from darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.