Category: Today’s Word

Living a New Life in Christ

Romans 6:11-14.  In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

God did not call you just to survive in this world. He called you to give you a new life and to have it to the full (John 10:10). But what is the key to experiencing the abundant life He promised?

The answer begins with your union with Christ. When you believed in Jesus as the Christ, something miraculous happened: you became one with Him. His death became your death; His burial, your burial; and His resurrection, your resurrection.

Your True King Jesus destroyed the devil’s work and set you free from his grip. The devil is no longer your master; you now belong to Christ. Now you live under the authority of the One who reigns forever, and His victory is your victory.

Your True Priest, Jesus, broke the power of sin and its curses through His death on the cross. Because of His sacrifice, God declares you holy and blameless in His sight. You have been made right with God, and there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Your True Prophet, Jesus, opened a new and living way to God. You are no longer trapped in the shadows of spiritual death. Instead, you now live in God’s kingdom, offering every part of your life as an instrument for His good purposes.

This is not just theology—it is your new reality. You have crossed from death to life. Jesus Himself revealed the heart of your calling when He appointed His disciples:

“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mark 3:13-15).

Did you notice the order? Being with Him comes first. God did not call you to put you to work but to invite you into a relationship. Enjoying His presence is the foundation of the abundant life.

This desire of Jesus never changed. At the beginning, He said, “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). At the end, He promised, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). He did not promise something temporary or worldly but something eternal—His constant presence. That is the greatest blessing.

Before Christ, we were slaves to sin, trapped under its power and penalty. Scripture tells us, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The only way to end slavery to sin is to die. That is exactly what happened at the cross: “Our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6).

This truth is symbolized in baptism. When you are immersed in water, you declare that your old self has died and been buried with Christ. As you rise from the water, you proclaim that you have been made alive with Him, raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).

But we must remember that though our old self has been crucified, our flesh still lingers. Temptation will surface, and spiritual battles remain. That is why Paul confessed: “I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). Victory comes when we daily yield to Christ and walk in His Spirit.

When Jesus cried out on the cross, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), He declared that the power and penalty of sin were broken forever. He knew we could never overcome sin in our own strength, so He accomplished it for us. That means you are free—not because of your effort but because of His finished work.

This is why Scripture urges us to fix our eyes on Jesus, not our feelings. Feelings fluctuate, but the truth remains: you are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Your old self is gone. You are no longer under the law but under grace.

Make Jesus the Lord of your life and live by faith in Him alone. He will lead your life, strengthen you to overcome the world, and empower you to live the abundant life He promised. He will soon crush Satan under your feet (Romans 16:20) and take you to the spiritual summit where, by the power of the gospel, your family, your campus, your workplace, and the next generation will be saved.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for the abundant life You promised in Christ. Help me die in Christ every day and live by faith, not by sight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Power of the Cross

1 Corinthians 1:18. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Tragically, there are many pious unbelievers in the church. They practice a religion but do not know the gospel. They “have a form of godliness but deny its power” (2 Timothy 3:5). They are zealous, yet their zeal lacks life and power. They try to love others in a merely religious way—much like the Pharisees—seeking approval and outward conformity rather than the life of Christ.

What they do means nothing to God because it does not flow from His grace or rely on His power. When troubles, conflicts, and crises arise, they collapse into discouragement; without resting on God’s strength, their hearts can only cycle through effort, pride, and disappointment. Genuine faith is rare. Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).

Scripture declares, “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). Those headed for destruction dismiss what is spiritual; they deny what God has accomplished through His Son, Jesus Christ. Yet the power of the cross was real when Jesus hung there, is real today, and will remain until He returns.

All your sins and deepest problems were nailed to the cross where Jesus was crucified. When He was crucified, you were crucified with Him (Galatians 2:20). When He rose from the dead, you were raised with Him to new life (Romans 6:4–5; Ephesians 2:5–6). What once defined and defeated you? No more.

The power of sin and the curse over you was decisively broken at the cross (Colossians 2:13–15). Our Lord Jesus nailed everything dragging you toward destruction to His cross. He destroyed the works of the devil that dominated your life and family line (1 John 3:8).

Your physical weakness is not excluded from the cross: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases” (Matthew 8:17; Isaiah 53:4). In sickness, look to the blood of the Son of God who loved you and gave Himself for you. He has already carried what crushes you. Rise above your weaknesses, declaring, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Remember what is yours in Christ. Jesus has already nailed your former bondage to His cross. What once belonged to you—guilt, shame, condemnation—was transferred to Him. What belongs to Him—righteousness, sonship, inheritance—now belongs to you in union with Him (Ephesians 1:13–14).

Lay down worry and take up your identity. Jesus is alive. You are a child of the Most High God. Your Father hears and answers prayer. You belong to heaven; the Holy Spirit is the deposit guaranteeing your inheritance.

Nothing is lacking in the life of those who trust the Lord (Psalm 23:1; 2 Peter 1:3). Do not settle for religious busyness. Receive—and daily experience—the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).

Prayer. Father, thank You for the cross that pulled me out of the pit of eternal destruction. I will love, cherish, and proclaim the cross of Jesus all my days. Keep me resting in Your power, not mine, and living from my union with Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

God’s Good Purpose in You

Philippians 2:13. For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Who are the workers God is looking for? They are those whose hearts are pure, whose motives are sincere, and whose desires are aligned with the heart of God. They have no selfish ambitions or hidden agendas of their own. Their lives are not driven by personal plans, wealth, recognition, or human approval. Instead, they live entirely for the purpose of God, longing to see His will fulfilled on earth as it is in heaven.

Such workers constantly seek God’s will in every circumstance, both great and small. In times of abundance or in seasons of lack, their hearts are fixed on Him. Because they trust His perfect plan, they live by faith—walking confidently into the unknown, knowing that God goes before them. Wherever they go, their lives bear fruit, saving lives, because the Spirit of God works through them. They willingly surrender their own desires, laying them down at the feet of the Father, and they submit themselves fully to His purpose:

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them” (John 14:21).

The workers God desires are single-minded in their devotion to the kingdom of God. They are innocent and pure-hearted, yet they walk with spiritual wisdom and discernment. They are humble before God and man, yet they are bold in declaring the gospel and standing for truth. Though the world may misunderstand them, they possess an inner strength and courage that cannot be shaken because it flows from the presence of God within them.

No matter the challenges they face, their perspective remains hopeful and anchored in God’s covenant. They maintain a positive outlook in all situations, not because life is easy, but because they know the One who wills, acts, and fulfills (Philippians 2:13). Since they pursue God’s plans above their own, they live with deep assurance and confidence, knowing His purposes cannot fail.

At the core of their identity, above all else, these workers love God with every part of who they are and all that they have:

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).

It is this love that compels them to act. Every decision they make, every step they take, and every sacrifice they endure flows out of their love for God. Nothing they do for the sake of the gospel feels heavy or burdensome, because their strength does not come from themselves but from the Lord who sustains them. They labor gladly, pouring themselves out for the kingdom, knowing that their work is never in vain when it is done for Christ (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Their obedience also produces a deep and lasting joy. Those who walk in step with God’s will experience a peace the world cannot give and a joy that circumstances cannot take away:

“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. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:10-11).

They are confident in prayer, knowing God hears them and delights to answer according to His perfect will. They understand God’s deepest desire—the salvation of souls—and they dedicate their lives to advancing His kingdom and His righteousness. Like Paul, their greatest passion is to see lives transformed by the gospel and the name of Christ exalted in every nation:

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24)

Because they live this way, their very lives become a testimony to the world. People cannot help but notice the difference. They see the light of Christ shining through them—the evidence of God’s presence revealed in their words and their actions (Matthew 5:16). These workers may never seek recognition, but their lives draw others closer to God.

To become such a worker, we must continually seek God’s will in every situation. Understand His purposes in His Word. Discover them through prayer. Confirm them in your mission field. Let every area of your life be surrendered to Him so that He may accomplish His good and perfect plan through you.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for calling me to fulfill Your good purpose in my life. Open my eyes to see Your perfect will revealed in Your Word. Teach me to walk in obedience, to serve You with all my heart, and to live as a testimony of Your grace. Use me for the advancement of Your kingdom and for the glory of Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We Are the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:12-26. Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Some people say they only need God and do not need anyone else. While it is true that God alone is our salvation and strength, the Bible teaches us that success and failure in life are also revealed in our relationships with others. According to Today’s Word, the way we associate with people deeply matters to God—especially within His church.

Relationships shape our spiritual journey. When we become close to those who are legalistic, we naturally learn their patterns of legalism. When we spend time with those who chase after miracles and signs without grounding themselves in the gospel, we can easily fall into unhealthy ways of faith. But when we walk closely with people who hold onto the gospel, our hearts are anchored in God’s grace, and we learn to live a gospel-centered life.

This is why Paul warns Timothy so strongly:

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Paul makes it clear that the environment we place ourselves in deeply impacts our faith. Choosing companions who live by God’s truth draws us closer to Christ, while surrounding ourselves with those who distort the gospel leads us into spiritual confusion.

God has called us together as His church so that we may grow in faith and maturity as one body. Before we met Christ, we were all useless and without hope. But through faith in Him, God has made us useful vessels in His house. We have been saved by His grace, not by our works or efforts. Even the faith we have is a gift from God, “so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

In the church, therefore, no one can say that some are more valuable than others. Every believer—regardless of background, appearance, or ability—has a place and a purpose in God’s plan. The Spirit has united us through peace, and Paul urges us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

We are called to follow the example of the first church born after Pentecost:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

This passage reveals four essential elements of a healthy church: devotion to God’s Word, authentic fellowship, celebration of the gospel, and continual prayer. These are the foundations God has given us to grow together in faith and fulfill His mission.

The first thing we must restore in the church is the blessing of worship for all members. Worship was the reason God created us: “the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise” (Isaiah 43:21). During worship, we confirm God’s infinite, unconditional love for us, and in doing so, we rediscover our identity and authority as His children. True worship restores our hearts, renews our strength, and unites us as one body.

We must also help one another devote ourselves to the Word of God. When the Word of life continues to flow from the pulpit, weary hearts are strengthened, dry bones are revived, and lost souls are brought to life (Ezekiel 37:1-14). As people see God’s promises fulfilled in their lives, their trust in His Word deepens, and “the Word of the Lord spreads widely and grows in power” (Acts 19:20).

A beautiful fellowship takes place when God’s children gather to worship, pray, and share life together. As we experience God’s love, we naturally desire to love one another. We begin to share, forgive, and encourage each other. Like the first believers, we become of “one heart and mind,” having everything in common and enjoying the favor of all people (Acts 4:32-33).

To maintain this unity, we must transcend our differences, abandon our prejudices, and fix our eyes on Christ, who binds us together. Whether in our homes, workplaces, or church, we experience the power of the cross—“the breaking of bread”—remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection daily. Through Him, we find reconciliation with God and with one another.

When the church walks in unity, we begin to see God’s power manifest in incredible ways. As spiritual prophets, we reconcile the world to God because Christ is the True Prophet who reveals His salvation. As spiritual kings, we overcome the enemy because Christ is the True King who has defeated Satan. As spiritual priests, we bring healing and restoration to a broken world because Christ is the True Priest who has forgiven all sin. As a result, God will “add to our number daily those who are being saved” (Acts 2:47).

Prayer is central to all of this. Throughout Scripture, whenever God carried out His plans, His people prayed (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:42-47; Acts 3:1-10; Acts 4:23-31; Acts 6:1-7; Acts 12:1-24; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 16:13-34). History testifies to the power of a praying church, and the same is true today. When we join together in prayer, God reveals His will, pours out His Spirit, and accomplishes His mission through us.

Let us commit ourselves to praying for our communities, schools, workplaces, nation, and the world. By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us rise as Christ’s church and intercede on behalf of those suffering from spiritual oppression, generational curses, and brokenness. God has called us to be watchmen for this generation, blocking the disasters of sin and declaring His salvation to all 237 nations and 5,000 tribes.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for calling us to be Your church and for placing us into Your family. Teach us to walk in unity and love, keeping the bond of peace through the Spirit. Use us as Your vessels to reveal the gospel, strengthen one another, and bring Your light to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God’s Plan or My Plan?

Exodus 3:7-10.  The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

 

Moses spent 40 years in the land of Midian after the dreaded day he killed an Egyptian, trying to take matters into his own hands (Exodus 2:11-25). Though he had been raised as a prince of Egypt, he had no understanding of God’s plan for his life. But everything changed when he encountered the Lord at Mount Horeb. There, God revealed His heart for His people and His plan of salvation through the blood of the Lamb (Exodus 3:18). When God’s plan became Moses’ plan, he stopped wandering aimlessly and began walking in God’s purpose.

True success is not defined by human accomplishments, wealth, or recognition but by seeing God’s plans fulfilled in our lives. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have dreams, plans, or goals—but all our desires must align with His. Life is far too short to pursue anything less than what God desires most. But how do we discover God’s plan?

First, God’s will is revealed in His Word—the Scriptures. This is why we must continually devote ourselves to His Word (1 Peter 2:2). God’s greatest desire revealed in Scripture is that we realize, enjoy, and remain in the salvation we have received in Christ. His Word is not only our foundation but also our strength against the enemy’s attacks. Jesus modeled this truth perfectly during His temptation in the wilderness.

When Satan attacked Him after forty days of fasting, Jesus did not argue, compromise, or rely on His own reasoning. Instead, He responded with the power of God’s Word, declaring,

“It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4)

Satan cannot overpower you when God’s Word is hidden in your heart. The Word of God is the greatest weapon in spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:17). It also leads us on the path of righteousness:

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2)

When you follow God’s Word, you will no longer wander aimlessly. Instead, you will flourish like “a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:3), bearing fruit in every season.

Second, God’s plans are revealed when we pray. The highest priority of David, “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22):

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3).

Even Jesus’ daily focus was not on ministry but on prayer: “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).

Prayer is not merely a religious duty—it is enjoying God’s presence and aligning our hearts with His. Prayer is the time of greatest strength, happiness, and rest. Learn the secret of having “downtime” with God, moments of quiet intimacy where His Spirit speaks and leads you. David treasured this time, Daniel prayed three times a day even when facing death (Daniel 6:10), and the believers in the Early Church continually devoted themselves to prayer.

Peter and John encountered the crippled beggar during their time of prayer (Acts 3:1-10). Philip met the Ethiopian official while praying in Samaria (Acts 8:26-40). Ananias was entrusted with restoring Paul’s sight while enjoying time with God (Acts 9:10-16). In each case, God revealed His plans and opened divine opportunities during prayer. When the early church prayed together, God’s power was unleashed:

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place… They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:1-4).

The promised work of the Holy Spirit began when they joined together constantly in prayer (Acts 1:14). This is why we must lay aside pride, selfishness, and distractions that keep us from gathering as a church to seek God’s will together.

Failure in prayer leads to failure in life: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). But when we pray instead of worrying, God promises His peace:

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

Prayer is the source of every answer, every strength, and every victory. It is where God aligns our hearts with His plans. Make your “downtime” with your Father the most joyful part of your day. Make prayer your life itself, not just your last resort.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for revealing Your plans in Your Word and for the privilege of seeking You in prayer. Open my eyes to see Your direction in every situation and teach me to delight in Your presence. Mold my heart to follow Your ways, and let my life align with Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Useful Vessels in the House of God

2 Timothy 2:20-21. In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Many believers believe that the Christian life is primarily about living uprightly, following moral principles, and striving to become a better person. While upright living is important, the gospel goes far deeper than outward behavior. The message of the cross transcends human definitions of goodness and morality because even our best efforts fall short before a holy God.

Becoming a better person is not the ultimate goal of the Christian life; rather, it is being united with Christ and living by His life and power in us. God sent Jesus Christ not simply to make us moral but to make us new, for nothing we do can earn His acceptance. All we are and all we have must rest completely on the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Knowing this, we must ask ourselves: What kind of Christian life are we called to live? How can we become “instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work” (2 Timothy 2:21)? The first step is brokenness before God. Paul confesessed,

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20)

To be crucified with Christ means dying to our own plans, our ambitions, and our will, so that His will becomes ours. As long as we cling to our self-centered desires, the power of Christ cannot fully rest upon us, and we will attempt to live the Christian life in our own strength—a life God never intended us to live.

We must continually ask what God desires of us, seek what advances the gospel, and strive for unity in the body of Christ. This kind of life is only possible when our old self is fully surrendered to Christ. If we allow the old nature to rule, we will find ourselves living in defeat and spiritual immaturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). When jealousy, division, and strife dominate us, we remain spiritual infants, unable to grow into maturity. And the longer we hold onto the desires of the flesh, the more they consume us:

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity…hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage…selfish ambition…envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like…those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21)

If we continue to live in the flesh, we risk becoming vulnerable to Satan’s schemes, as some did during Paul’s time. Paul warned Timothy to remind believers not to engage in meaningless quarrels, false teachings, and godless chatter that spread like gangrene, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus, who “departed from the truth” and destroyed the faith of some (2 Timothy 2:14-19).

But God has provided a better way. When we yield to the Holy Spirit, He gives us power and wisdom from above, opening our eyes to discern spiritual truth: “The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things…we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:14-16). Through His guidance, we begin to see life from God’s perspective and walk in His perfect will, no longer bound by human limitations or worldly understanding.

Thus, replace your heart and mind with the heart and mind of Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead your life completely, and He will bear His fruit through you—love, joy, and peace toward God; patience, kindness, and goodness toward others; faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control within yourself (Galatians 5:22-23).

Living this way is not about striving harder but about surrendering to the One who loved you and died for you, so that His life can flow through you. And when you live in Him, He fills you with strength to face every challenge: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Ultimately, the Christian life is not about what you face but where you stand. If you are in Christ, your victory is already secure, no matter the circumstances. God desires to use you as a vessel of His grace, a witness of His power, and an instrument for His purposes. The question is not whether you are strong enough but whether you are surrendered enough.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for Your desire to use me for Your glory. Break my pride, mold my heart, and make me into the vessel You want me to be. I surrender my plans, ambitions, and desires into Your hands. Fill me with Your Spirit, and make me useful to You, prepared to do every good work You have called me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Trap of the Devil

2 Timothy 2:14-26. Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Paul writes this letter to Timothy as a spiritual father to his son in the faith, urging him to remain steadfast and guard the truth of the gospel. He warns believers to avoid meaningless debates, divisive arguments, and false teachings that distract from the central message—that Jesus is the Christ. God’s people are called to correctly handle the word of truth, which requires not only knowing Scripture but also living by it, staying anchored in the unchanging gospel of Christ.

Satan is far more cunning than many realize. From the very beginning, he destroyed the first family with a single lie: “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5). Through deception, he brought sin, death, and destruction into the world, and he has been using the same tactics ever since.

Scripture warns us that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). The devil rarely appears as evil; he disguises his traps behind attractive appearances, persuasive reasoning, and even religious-sounding language. He may come as a false teacher, a seemingly moral influencer, or even a voice that appears compassionate but subtly undermines God’s truth. But he is “the great dragon… who leads the whole world astray” (Revelation 12:9).

Today, Satan’s influence permeates nearly every area of life—family, education, entertainment, politics, economy, and culture. Through books, music, movies, and modern media, his agenda is subtly embedded, shaping minds and hearts without people realizing it. Many, especially the youth, are being drawn into lifestyles and patterns of thought that lead to spiritual, mental, and emotional destruction.

In an effort to find relief, people turn to alternative spiritual practices—such as yoga, transcendental meditation, and occult philosophies—but these cannot bring true peace or healing. Jesus warned that such empty pursuits will leave people worse off than before (Matthew 12:43-45).

Satan’s strategy extends even deeper into religion and culture. Many nations celebrate spiritual sites, artifacts, and practices as “cultural heritage” without realizing that in doing so, they become participants with demons (1 Corinthians 10:20). Idols are elevated and admired rather than rejected, blurring the line between cultural appreciation and spiritual deception.

Even within the church, his tactics are more subtle and destructive than anywhere else. Many churches established by God to be houses of prayer and worship have turned into tourist attractions, losing their spiritual authority. Without the ability to create a culture rooted in the gospel, many believers are conforming to the patterns of this world rather than transforming it through the power of Christ (Romans 12:2).

Today’s Word directly addresses these dangers. The devil promotes quarrels about words, godless chatter, false doctrine, evil desires, and foolish arguments—all of which divide the church and weaken its witness. Satan hates unity among God’s people and works tirelessly to keep the church from realizing, experiencing, and proclaiming the only true gospel that Jesus is the Christ.

Thus, we must resist his schemes by living as vessels set apart for God’s special purpose. Those who cleanse themselves from ungodliness become instruments of honor, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do every good work. Let us flee youthful passions and instead pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, walking alongside those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Our lives should reflect humility, kindness, and patience, gently instructing others, which comes only from knowing and enjoying the power of the gospel, so that God may lead them to repentance and freedom from Satan’s traps.

Instead of engaging in quarrels and useless debates, let us speak words that build up, encourage, and point people to Christ. Let us turn godless chatter into testimonies of God’s grace, false doctrine into sound teaching, evil desires into a passion for God’s kingdom, and foolish arguments into mutual understanding. By standing against the devil’s deception and sharing the truth of the gospel, we become living witnesses of Christ’s power and grace in a broken world.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for opening my eyes to the traps of the enemy. Help me put on Your full armor so that I may stand firm against Satan’s schemes. Purify my heart and make me an instrument for Your purposes. Strengthen Your church and unite us to fulfill the Great Commission in this generation and beyond. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Changing the Direction of Our Lives

2 Corinthians 5:14-15. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Many people think that believing in Jesus is simply choosing one religion among many. Others assume that committing their lives to Christ means they will have to give up everything they enjoy and live under strict rules. Even some believers struggle with the fear that living a godly life is too difficult and that following Jesus means losing everything. But this is a misunderstanding that comes from not knowing the core of the gospel.

The truth is, when we give our lives to Jesus, God doesn’t call us to abandon everything; He calls us to change the direction of our lives. It’s not about giving up your job, your possessions, or your dreams. It’s about letting God reshape your purpose. You can still keep your career, your resources, and your relationships—but now they are aligned with something far greater than yourself: God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

This is the key difference between religion and the gospel. Religion says, “Give up everything and try harder to be worthy.” The gospel says, “Jesus gave everything for you, and now you live for Him because you are already loved and accepted.” We no longer live for ourselves because Christ’s love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14). His love is not distant or theoretical; it was demonstrated at the cross, where He took our place and bore our sins.

When Jesus died, our sinful nature, worldly ambitions, and misplaced pursuits died with Him. Through His resurrection, we were raised into a new life with a new identity and a new purpose. That’s why Paul says it is only right that we no longer live for ourselves, but for the One who gave everything for us. Paul captures this mindset perfectly in his letter to the Colossian believers:

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3)

When this truth takes root in your heart, your entire perspective on life changes. You realize that your true home is in heaven and that your greatest blessings come from above, not from the temporary things of this world. Earthly success, wealth, and recognition no longer control you because your identity and security are anchored in Christ.

And when your focus shifts to the eternal, you find a new strength to face life’s challenges. Paul experienced incredible hardships—persecution, imprisonment, rejection, and suffering—yet his faith never wavered, as he writes:

“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)

Paul’s life was far from easy, yet his joy remained unshaken because his direction in life had completely changed. Even from prison, he encouraged others, writing, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). His strength didn’t come from himself but from Christ, as he boldly declared, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

This same transformation is available to you. When despair, trials, or crises come, you are not left to face them alone. God invites you to “give all your worries and cares to Him, for He cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7). What the enemy intends for harm, God uses for your growth and His glory. Problems are not obstacles meant to destroy you—they are God-ordained opportunities for you to experience His power and discover His plan.

So stop worrying and start praying. Trust that God is working behind the scenes in ways you cannot yet see. Hold onto His promise in all circumstances:  “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28). That includes you.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for changing the direction of my life when I believed in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Teach me to live no longer for myself but for the One who died and rose again for me. Help me fix my eyes on the realities of heaven and trust Your plan in every circumstance. May Your perfect will be done in my life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Making Peace with Others

Proverbs 16:7. When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.

As your relationship with God deepens, your relationships with others will also begin to change. Our connection with Him directly affects how we relate to people. An uneasy relationship with God naturally leads to tension and misunderstandings with others. But according to Today’s Word, when you live to please God, even your enemies will be at peace with you (Proverbs 16:7).

When your heart is aligned with your Father, He will give you the strength and grace to embrace anyone, even those who have wronged you. You will find the power to rise above conflict and overcome difficult relationships. Some people may be hostile to you because of your faith, but God is able to soften even the hardest hearts and turn them toward peace in His perfect time.

No matter what challenges arise, you will experience the peace of God, which transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Even when you make mistakes, God’s Spirit will gently lead you back to the path of righteousness, restoring you and helping you walk in His will.

God promises that in all things, He works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). This includes your relationships, your struggles, and even your failures. In every circumstance, you can declare with confidence: “I can do all this through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

When you enjoy a close, intimate relationship with God, loving others becomes a natural response. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves His child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands (1 John 5:1-2).

When you are in love with someone, you naturally want to listen, understand, and please them—it does not feel burdensome. In the same way, when you truly love God, it becomes natural to obey Him and love others. His Spirit transforms your heart, making His commands not heavy but joyful.

This is why Scripture reminds us: “We know that we have passed from death to life because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death” (1 John 3:14). Loving others is evidence of our spiritual life in Christ. And when you share the gospel, you demonstrate the highest form of love, because you are offering eternal life to those around you.

Through Christ, God has entrusted you with a powerful mission—the ministry of reconciliation:

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are, therefore, Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).

Your calling is clear: make peace with others, and help them make peace with God. This is not a duty but a divine privilege. When you live this way, your life becomes a reflection of Christ’s love and an invitation for others to encounter Him.

God’s design for your relationships is not rooted in conflict, resentment, or bitterness but in reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration. As you walk closely with Him, your heart will overflow with love, and your life will become a channel of His grace. This is the joy-filled life God has promised:

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete” (1 John 1:3-4).

Ultimately, everything begins and ends with your personal relationship with God. When your heart is fully surrendered to Him, His love will naturally flow through you to others. As His ambassador, your life becomes a living testimony of His grace, forgiveness, and power. Every word you speak, every act of kindness you show, and every prayer you lift up carries eternal impact. Choose today to abide in Him, walk in His peace, and become a vessel of His reconciliation and love in a world desperately searching for hope.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for making peace with me through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who bore my sins on the cross. Teach me to reflect Your love and forgiveness in every relationship. Use my life to share the message of reconciliation with those You have placed in my care. Help me walk in Your peace and extend it to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Life of a Mature Christian

1 Peter 2:2. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.

As soon as you are born again by the Spirit of God, your life begins to change, and you will begin to see the evidence of God’s work in you. God restores His broken relationship with you in a personal and unique way, filling your heart with His presence and confirming that you now belong to Him.

As you continue to “crave pure spiritual milk,” which is the Word of God, you will grow strong in your salvation (1 Peter 2:2). Just as a newborn baby depends on milk for growth, your spiritual life depends on feeding daily on God’s truth. The more you abide in His Word, the more your faith matures and your heart becomes aligned with His will.

First, you will know with certainty that you have been given the right to become a child of God. This right was granted to you the moment you received and believed in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord (John 1:12). Your identity is no longer tied to the family of Satan—your past, your failures, or what the world says about you—you now belong to the family of God.

You will also realize that you are no longer on a path to destruction because the Spirit of God Himself dwells in you (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Creator of the universe, the One who spoke the heavens and the earth into existence, now lives in you! His power, His wisdom, and His presence are with you at all times.

But if you do not know the authority you have as a child of God, you will continue living like a beggar or an orphan, defeated and powerless. That is why the Word of God is so vital—it reminds you of who you are and what you have been given in Christ. God’s promises equip you to walk confidently in His calling, knowing that your Father has already provided everything you need.

Because the Spirit of God is leading your life, you no longer need to live in fear or anxiety about tomorrow (John 14:26–27). His guidance is constant, gentle, and perfect, just as the Good Shepherd leads His sheep beside quiet waters and restores their souls (Psalm 23:1–3). Trusting His leading will bring you peace even in the midst of uncertainty.

Not only that, you have been given the incredible privilege of prayer—the ability to ask God for anything according to His will (John 14:14). The Holy Spirit Himself works powerfully in you and through you, interceding on your behalf and strengthening you in every circumstance (Romans 8:26). When you pray in Jesus’ name, holding onto the promises in God’s Word, the heavenly armies of God move on your behalf, and your prayers rise before His throne like incense (Revelation 8:3).

Whenever the devil attacks you through temptations, lies, and spiritual battles, take heart—he cannot prevail against you. His weapons will fail because Jesus has already won the victory. At the cross, your True King crushed the head of the ancient serpent, and when He rose again from the dead, Satan’s power was forever defeated. Stand firm and use your spiritual authority over all forces of darkness (Luke 10:19), knowing that nothing can separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:37–39).

From this moment on, set your heart and mind on things above, for you belong to heaven (Philippians 3:20). While you live on this earth, you are under the blessing, authority, and protection of God’s kingdom. This world is not your final home—you are a citizen of heaven, sent here with a divine purpose.

That purpose is the critical task Jesus entrusted to you: to testify to the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18–20). Sharing the good news and leading others to salvation is the highest calling and greatest privilege you could ever receive. Through this, you will experience the ultimate blessing of all—being used by God to save lives and expand His kingdom.

The same Lord Jesus who saved you now lives within you, and He has given you the power of God to fulfill His calling. His divine power has granted you everything you need for life and godliness through your relationship with Him. By His glory and goodness, He has given you exceedingly great and precious promises so that you may share in His divine nature and live in freedom from the corruption caused by sin (2 Peter 1:3–4).

This is the kind of abundant, victorious life God desires for you—a life rooted in His Word, guided by His Spirit, secured by His promises, and filled with His presence.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for inviting me into a new life with You and restoring my relationship with You through Your Son. Help me to crave Your Word daily and desire Your presence above all else. Lead me by Your Spirit, strengthen my faith, and use my life to testify to the gospel of Jesus Christ in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.