Category: Today’s Word

Matthew 12:28-29. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. ²⁹ Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

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Prayer is not merely asking God for what we want or need. Jesus called that kind of prayer the prayer of the pagans (Matthew 6:32). True prayer seeks something fundamental and greater: God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Why must we seek the kingdom? Because another kingdom, the kingdom of darkness, has been at work since the beginning of time. The devil, the ancient serpent, has been deceiving the world and leading people astray (Revelation 12:9). He disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and mobilizes demons to infiltrate and afflict the spirit, soul, mind, and body of people (Mark 5:1–10; Acts 16:16–18).

Using politics, economics, ideologies, media, and culture, the “god of this age” blinds people so they cannot see the light of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4–5). His kingdom is organized and relentless, crafting schemes against believers (Ephesians 6:11–13) and attacking them on every front (Ephesians 6:16).

Cut off from spiritual reality, people chase after the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16), unknowingly following “the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air” (Ephesians 2:2).

In Today’s Word, Jesus confronts this darkness directly. He reveals that only the Spirit of God can overpower and expel demons and that wherever the Spirit works, “the kingdom of God has come.” Before anything can be restored, the “strong man” must be bound. The devil must be subdued by the authority of God.

When Jesus called us, He entrusted us with that same authority to overcome all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). When we pray in Jesus’ name, the name of our True King who destroyed the devil’s work, the Holy Spirit moves with irresistible power, driving back the darkness.

This is exactly what Philip witnessed in Samaria: “With shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:4–8)

When Jesus ministered, demons left at His command: “He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.” (Matthew 8:16–17)

When Paul proclaimed Christ, the kingdom of God broke into the darkness of his mission fields: “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!”
At that moment, the spirit left her. (Acts 16:16–18)

Today’s world is overwhelmed with crisis, catastrophe, and confusion just as Jesus foretold (Matthew 24:1–35). Yet people remain blind to the spiritual reality behind their suffering. They run after idols, false ideologies, and empty religions, unaware that they are worshiping demons.

God is looking for those who understand the real condition of the world and who know how to pray with spiritual authority. He is calling watchmen, men and women who stand in the gap, who bind the strong man in prayer, who proclaim the gospel, and who fight for souls. Where the gospel is proclaimed in the power of the Spirit, demons will flee, people will be restored, and entire cities will be transformed.

Will you answer that call?

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Prayer. Father, I thank You for destroying the devil’s work through Christ. Open my eyes to discern the enemy’s schemes. Fill me with Your Spirit so I may stand against him. Use my life to set free, by the power of the gospel, those who are living under the enemy’s bondage. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Mark 11:24. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

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Before we pray, we must listen carefully to the Word of God and believe His promise. The disciples heard Jesus curse the tree the day before, yet no one took His words seriously. Only the next morning did Peter remember, surprised at what had already been fulfilled.

In the same way, if we treat God’s Word lightly, we will miss the blessing of seeing His Word fulfilled in our lives. When we pray, we must believe and not doubt, or we will be like a “wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6).

But whose power must we trust when we pray? Jesus said, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22). Prayer moves the hand of God:

“I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem;
     they will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest,
     and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem
     and makes her the praise of the earth.” (Isaiah 62:6–7)

So do not be discouraged or shaken when you pray. Believe in the power of your Father.

Prayer offered in faith makes the impossible possible. Our situation may appear hopeless, but nothing is impossible with the Lord. He can move mountains and “shake the heavens, earth, sea, and dry land” (Haggai 2:6). So stop doubting—start believing (Mark 11:24).

As you hold onto God’s covenant and trust His power, you will see His glory (John 11:40). When you pray, your standard must be God, not yourself. If we rely on our own perspective, we will fail.

Consider the Israelites at the Red Sea. Scripture says they were “terrified and cried out to the Lord” (Exodus 14:10). Why? Because all they could see was Pharaoh’s army bearing down on them. Moses saw the same army—but he also saw the hand of God and declared:

“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)

Moses believed his life was in God’s hands. He trusted in the power that struck Egypt with plagues, and he held firmly to the covenant of the Messiah, knowing God was leading His people toward that promised fulfillment.

So believe in the One who brought you out of the kingdom of darkness and now leads you by His Spirit. He will guide your life into eternity.

Stop focusing on your present circumstances. Start trusting the One who transcends all circumstances and understanding. Faith in the Lord opens your eyes to see from God’s perspective. You will discover God’s perfect plans in everything.

When God becomes your standard, you will know what to pray, and you will see His answers in all circumstances. Do not fear the mountain before you. As Mark Batterson, an American pastor, beautifully said: “There comes a moment when you must quit talking to God about the mountain in your life and start talking to the mountain about your God.”

So begin moving it by the power of prayer.

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Prayer. Father, I thank You for placing a mountain before me so I may grow in faith in You. I believe and declare that no mountain is higher or greater than You. Nothing is impossible with You. Help my unbelief. Teach me to live a faith-filled life that pleases You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daniel 10:12-14. Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. ¹³ But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. ¹⁴ Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.”

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Prayer. Father, I thank You for sending Your angel armies whenever I pray. May the work of Your kingdom be done through Your angels in my life today. Mobilize them wherever I go so I may boldly proclaim the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Mark 11:20-24.  In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. ²¹ Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”

²² “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. ²³ “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. ²⁴ Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

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In Today’s Word, Jesus teaches us what prayer truly is. Prayer is not human effort reaching upward; it is the promise of God reaching into our lives. It is the covenant privilege made possible by the finished work of Christ. Because of this, prayer is the greatest blessing next to salvation itself, and nothing is impossible for the one who prays in faith.

Your prayer is powerful and effective simply because you are in Christ. God, who hears your prayer, transcends time and space. His power has no limit. His wisdom cannot be measured. One second of God’s intervention is greater than one hundred years of human effort.

Nothing you do for others has more impact than prayer. Prayer is the most powerful way to carry God’s blessings into another person’s life. And because God sees the heart, prayer must begin by surrendering our motives and seeking His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Jesus said that faith-filled prayer can move a mountain. You may feel weak, unqualified, or powerless, but when you pray in faith, the power of God manifests as the answer to your prayer. How is this possible? Because when we pray, the Holy Spirit comes upon us:

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13)

When you receive the Word and pray according to it, the Holy Spirit moves to fulfill God’s plan in your life. This was the promise Jesus gave before He ascended: “Do not leave Jerusalem… you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:4–5)

The disciples believed this promise and devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 1:14). God fulfilled it: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:1–4). Nothing can stop the Spirit’s work when God’s people pray.

When the persecuted church prayed, the Holy Spirit filled them with boldness (Acts 4:29–31). When Philip prayed and proclaim Christ, the Spirit brought revival to Samaria and “there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:4–8). When Peter prayed, the Spirit came upon Cornelius’ household, opening the gospel to Rome (Acts 10:45).

In the same way, when you pray, the Spirit will work regardless of your ability or circumstance because “you have an anointing from the Holy One” (1 John 2:20). This is your greatest privilege. God’s power does not depend on your strength; His answers do not hinge on your qualifications. What matters is the Spirit who lives in you and works through you.

So find your rhythm of enjoying God throughout the day. In the morning—let the Triune God restore your soul and body (Psalm 5:3). At midday—connect everything to prayer (Psalm 23:1–6). In the evening—commune with Him and find all the answers in the Word (Psalm 17:3).

But what did Jesus mean by, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it?”

The power of prayer rooted in the covenant is immeasurably great because it carries the very power of creation of God’s Word. From the moment you hold onto the covenant and pray, answers immediately begin, even if the visible fulfillment seems to come much later.

Moses, David, and even Paul experienced answers that unfolded over decades or even centuries, yet those answers were already in motion from the very beginning. The covenant of the gospel contains what was hidden before eternity and promises something that will remain forever. The bartizan, journey, and guidepost of the throne are fulfilled not suddenly at the end, but continuously from the moment you embrace the covenant.

Many people receive answers without even realizing it, noticing only much later. Their descendants often see the results and acknowledge God’s precise work. This unrecognized fulfillment is pure grace. But now, with understanding, holding onto the covenant becomes not only grace but mission.

From the moment you take hold of a lifelong covenant, God’s works begin, and they continue without ceasing. What matters most is recognizing that covenant answers start immediately—not someday—and that living with awareness turns grace into a mission-filled life.

This is how you enjoy 24-hour prayer, and when you do, you will begin to see God’s precise timing for every part of your life. Prayer opens the door to experiencing eternal blessings here on earth. Walk before the Lord today—moment by moment, breath by breath.

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Prayer. Father, I thank You for the name of Jesus Christ—the name above every name. By the power of His name, I know I will overcome the world and lead many back to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Matthew 8:5-13. When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. ⁶ “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”

⁷ Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”

⁸ The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. ⁹ For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

¹⁰ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. ¹¹ I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. ¹² But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

¹³ Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.

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You are in the covenant of God. That is why your confession of faith can move the throne of heaven. Your prayer is powerful and effective (James 5:16). When you speak in faith, the kingdom of God comes and the things pertaining His kingdom will appear. When you act in obedience, the Holy Spirit changes everything by His power. Through you, Christ brings life, healing, and restoration to the mission field He has entrusted to you.

In Today’s Word, a Roman centurion approaches Jesus with a burden he cannot solve. His servant is paralyzed and suffering terribly. But unlike many in Israel who doubted or questioned Jesus, this Gentile officer displays a faith that astonishes Him.

What made his faith so remarkable? First, He recognized Jesus’ divine authority. As a commander, he understood authority. When he spoke, soldiers moved. When he gave an order, it was carried out. So he reasoned: if human words carry human authority, then the Word of Jesus—God in flesh—carries divine authority. He saw Jesus not merely as a healer or rabbi, but as the One whose Word commands disease, demons, and creation itself.

The centurion also believed that Jesus is the Word who transcends time and space and knows no limits. So he exclaimed, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You under my roof… but just say the word and my servant will be healed.” He believed that the Word of God accomplishes what God desires and achieves the purpose for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11). It is not limited by location, conditions, or human constraints. And the centurion believed this wholeheartedly. This is pure, childlike faith that amazed Jesus.

Acknowledging the absolute impossibility of man and the absolute possibility of God and the Word is true humility. Though a man of significant authority, he humbled himself before Christ. His humility opened the door for God’s power. Scripture says that God gives grace to the humble, but opposes the proud (James 4:6).

When Jesus heard this, Scripture says, “He was amazed.” What could possibly amaze the One who spoke galaxies into existence? Faith—simple, pure faith. Faith that takes God at His Word. Faith that trusts His authority above circumstances and human understanding. This is the kind of faith that moves the throne of the Triune God.

Your situation today may seem impossible. You may feel as helpless as the centurion’s servant, trapped in circumstances you cannot fix. But when Jesus speaks, everything changes. His Word is living and active. His Word carries the Creator’s authority. So rise today with renewed confidence in the authority and power of God’s Word.

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Prayer. Father, give me childlike faith in Your Word. Help me overcome my unbelief. Let the power of Your Word fill, heal, and restore every part of my life and every place You send me today. Fulfill Your Word in me and through me, that Christ may be known. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. ¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

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Every circumstance in life is a blessing from God for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Because of this, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). God has called us to live for the gospel—the power of God that saves—and through it, He reveals His righteousness that comes by faith (Romans 1:17).

As we enjoy the gospel in our daily lives, God will begin to heal and restore those around us—our families, our church, and even the field of our everyday living. When we see our families through the lens of the gospel, we begin to understand that each difficulty and relationship is an opportunity to manifest Christ’s love and His power to heal. The restoration of our homes begins when we take small, deliberate steps to bless, forgive, and yield to one another in love.

We are also called to save and restore the church. Sadly, many have grown weary or even wounded by the church. Yet God’s heart is to renew His church so that His glory may shine once again. When Christ is exalted as the center of the church, the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).

Stand firm in faith and not in unbelief. Become a source of joy and strength to your pastor and your congregation. Let your life become a model of the gospel, prayer, and evangelism for the next generation.

God has given you a heavenly mandate in His plan. Wherever you are—at home, in your workplace, in your community—you are the light of the kingdom of God. Every encounter and every relationship is a divine appointment prepared by Him.

So, bring hope in Christ to those around you. Encourage the weary, strengthen the weak, and pray for everyone entrusted to your care. As you do, you will see your field come alive with the power of the gospel. You will realize that the very place you stand is your mission field, and through you, God will save your family, your church, and your world.

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Prayer. Lord, I thank You for the privilege of worship and prayer. Thank You for revealing Your righteousness through the gospel of Christ. Help me choose faith over unbelief in every situation today. Let me become Your instrument to restore my family, strengthen my church, and bring Your salvation to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Psalm 119:107. I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.

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David cried out to God for revival, not according to his emotions but according to the Word. He understood that prayer without the Word is like a ship without a rudder—adrift, uncertain, and easily carried away by the waves of circumstance. The Word reveals the heart of God and provides direction for prayer, anchoring our petitions in the promises of God.

When we pray according to His Word, the throne of the Triune God moves. Jesus said, “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). Prayer aligned with the Word unleashes the power of the throne, not because of our eloquence, but because it reflects God’s will.

God is not impressed by programs, strategies, or outward strength. He is looking for hearts that submit to His Word and listen to His Spirit. He searches for those who know the mystery of prayer—those who long to walk with Him, not just work for Him. Without His direction revealed in the Word, our efforts will be useless. That is why prayer and the Word must become the two pillars of our lives.

Jesus modeled this perfectly. His life was a rhythm of prayer and obedience. “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). Even amid His busy ministry, He often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), and there were nights when He prayed until dawn (Luke 6:12).

To pray is not merely to speak—it is to be with God, enjoying and and communicating with Him. You don’t have to ask for anything. Your Father already knows what you need before you ask (Matthew 6:8). Prayer is the joy of being in His presence, the time of listening to His voice through the Word.

Prayer is surrendering your will to His, the moment you choose His kingdom and righteousness above your own desires (Matthew 6:33). As you make prayer your life, like breathing, you will begin to sense the living presence of the Holy Spirit guiding, renewing, and strengthening you in ways you could never have imagined. And others will see His presence reflected through your life.

So today, withdraw to your solitary place. Turn off the noise. Be still before God. Let His Word speak and His Spirit breathe new life into your soul.

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Prayer. Father, draw me close to You today. Teach me to enjoy Your presence more than anything else. Let my heart be anchored in Your Word, and let prayer become my delight and strength. Renew me, Lord, according to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Zechariah 4:6. So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”

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God’s people are not called to fight earthly battles but spiritual ones. We are soldiers in the Lord’s army, engaged in a battle that began long before our time—a battle against our true enemy, the devil, as Scripture reminds us, “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3–4).

The devil is not a myth or symbol. He is a fallen angel with great power, one who deceived the first humans in Eden and has been leading the world toward destruction ever since (Genesis 3:1–5, Revelation 12:9). From the beginning, he has waged war not through visible weapons but through deception, fear, pride, and doubt. He will not surrender before human effort or willpower. He bows only before the power of God.

Scripture describes him as “a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). His targets are often anxious or spiritually complacent believers. He attacks those who have forgotten that Christ has already won the victory. That is why Scripture commands: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

The enemy’s strategy has not changed. He still disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). He still manipulates people to draw them away from God. He still blinds the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4). His hierarchy of darkness operates with frightening precision, launching spiritual attacks on every front (Ephesians 6:11–16).

That is why human strength is useless in this war. Our intelligence, wealth, or power cannot overcome the devil’s schemes. The battle is won only “by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6).

The Holy Spirit is our power, and the Word of God is our sword (Ephesians 6:17). The Word pierces through the enemy’s lies—it is “alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He did not argue with the devil or rely on reason. He spoke the Word: “It is written.” Each time, the devil retreated in defeat (Matthew 4:1–11).

That same authority belongs to every believer who stands in Christ. When you declare the truth of the gospel, darkness flees. The cross has already broken Satan’s power. The victory of Jesus is now your victory:

“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38)

This is the essence of evangelism—to set captives free from the power of Satan, the curse of sin, and the shadow of hell. And the method remains unchanged: “The Word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power” (Acts 19:20).

When you live by the Spirit and speak the Word, the power of the Throne will flow through you. You will become a vessel through which God reveals His might and mercy to the world. Do not be afraid—the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead dwells in you.

So stand firm. Know who you are in Christ. Do not define yourself by fear, failure, or circumstance, but by the Word of God. The battle is not yours—it belongs to the Lord. Live not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.

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Prayer. Father, thank You for giving me the victory through Jesus Christ. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may stand firm in Your Word and overcome the schemes of the enemy. Use my life to bring freedom, healing, and salvation to those still trapped in darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hebrews 4:16. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

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There is no greater privilege in the Christian life than to come before the throne of grace. Because of Jesus Christ our Lord, the veil has been torn, and the way into God’s presence is open. When you kneel in prayer, you are standing before God the Almighty, face to face with your Father who listens to every single word you say. Before a word is on your tongue, He knows it completely, and He knows all your needs. Your prayer is powerful and effective and rises like incense before God’s throne.

Jesus Himself modeled this life of prayer. While it was still dark, before the demands of the day began, He withdrew to a quiet place and spoke with His Father (Luke 2:15). David, too, began each morning with expectant prayer, laying his requests before the Lord and waiting for His answer (Psalm 5:3). Prayer was not a duty for them—it was delight. It was their “downtime” with God, a spiritual rhythm of rest, renewal, and guidance.

Daniel prayed three times a day, even under the threat of death. Peter and John were on their way to pray when a great work of God of salvation unfolded at the temple gate. Philip met the Ethiopian official while he was praying. Ananias was in prayer when the Lord entrusted him with Saul, who would become Paul. Every encounter, every turning point, began with prayer.

When you pray, seek not your will, but God’s. True prayer is not trying to persuade God but aligning yourself with His perfect plan. John writes, “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14-15).

The Apostle Paul understood this deeply. Throughout his missionary journeys, he never relied on instinct or impulse but sought the guidance of the Spirit. Even when the Spirit blocked his path, he waited until the next direction was revealed. Paul pressed on not for his own ambitions but to take hold of the very purpose for which Christ had taken hold of him.

So, connect every situation in your life to the Word of God. Let His Word shape your prayers. When you pray with selfish motives, heaven remains silent—not because God is unwilling, but because His love refuses to feed what will harm you. But when you pray in faith, grounded in the gospel, your prayers move heaven.

Bitterness, division, and resentment can block that flow. Forgiveness restores it. When you choose to forgive, Scripture promises that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20).

Jesus also gave His church divine authority through prayer: “Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” When believers gather and pray together, heaven’s power is released. When the church prays, miracles happen. Chains fall and doors open as the early church prayed (Acts 12:5-19).

Most of all, pray in the name of Jesus. His name is the key that unlocks every door of heaven. It is the name above every name, before which every knee must bow—in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. At His name, the forces of darkness tremble. The curses of sin lose their grip. The way from earth to the throne of grace swings wide open. There is no other name by which we are saved, protected, and empowered.

So hold firmly to His name. Speak it. Declare it. Proclaim it to the nations. The world is healed when the name of Jesus is lifted high. Do not neglect this privilege of prayer. Each time you bow your head, heaven listens. Each time you call His name, the power of the throne moves on your behalf.

Come boldly before your Father’s throne. Mercy is waiting. Grace is waiting. Strength for your need is waiting.

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Prayer. Father, thank You for opening the way to Your throne through Jesus Christ. Teach me to seek Your will and to treasure every moment in Your presence. Fill me with Your Spirit, align my heart with Your Word, and let my prayers bring glory to Your name and life to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Matthew 17:14-20. When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. ¹⁵ “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. ¹⁶ I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”

¹⁷ “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” ¹⁸ Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.

¹⁹ Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

²⁰ He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

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The greatest obstacle to the guidance of the Holy Spirit is unbelief. This is the very sin that prevents the people of God from experiencing His power and presence. Scripture declares, “Everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).

When we refuse to believe in the presence of God and His Word, it becomes impossible to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. In today’s passage, Jesus rebuked His disciples not for their lack of compassion or effort but for their lack of faith. Their failure to cast out the demon was not due to inexperience but to unbelief.

Jesus’ words were strong: “You unbelieving and perverse generation.” The problem was not the demon’s power but the disciples’ hearts. They had forgotten who was with them. They had seen Jesus calm storms, heal the sick, and raise the dead, yet they failed to believe in the power of His name in that moment.

When unbelief takes hold, spiritual sight fades. The world begins to seem larger than God. Doubt whispers louder than the Word. And like Peter on the stormy sea, we begin to sink when we take our eyes off Christ (Matthew 14:29–30).

Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Without faith, it is impossible to overcome the world (1 John 5:4–5). Without faith, it is impossible to see the work of God (Mark 9:14–29).

Even those who have seen great answers to prayer can still fall into unbelief. Peter himself confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), yet shortly afterward he rebuked Jesus, saying, “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” (Matthew 16:22). How quickly faith can turn into fear when we rely on human understanding and “do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:23).

That is why we must continue to hear and confirm the Word of faith. But “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17). True faith is not emotional confidence but spiritual conviction grounded in the Word.

When you believe that Jesus is your True King, you will know that no one can touch you, not even the “evil one” (1 John 5:18). Your King reigns over all powers and authorities, holding you securely in His hand. No one can snatch you from the Father’s grip (John 10:28–29). The devil’s accusations lose their power because your King has already declared you righteous and victorious (Revelation 12:10-12).

When you believe that Jesus is your True Priest, you will know that His blood has already cleansed you from all sin. You are no longer condemned but seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). Your past failures no longer define you. Your guilt and shame have been nailed to the cross. “It is finished” (John 19:30).

So, do not depend on your feelings. Cling to the cross. Fix your eyes on Jesus, your True Priest, and you will not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 12:3). When guilt rises, remember that He lives in you, interceding for you day and night (Romans 8:34).

When you believe that Jesus is your True Prophet, you will know that peace with God has been restored (Romans 5:1). You will no longer fear judgment, for you have already crossed from death to life (John 5:24). The True Prophet has opened a new and living way to the Father (Hebrews 10:20). Stop striving through religion and start resting in His finished work.

Jesus is not looking for gigantic faith. A mustard seed is small, but when planted, it grows and bears fruit. Even the smallest faith in the Triune God moves mountains. The power is not in the size of our faith but in the object of our faith—Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

So, stop listening to the voice of doubt and dwelling on it. Stop measuring your faith by feelings or circumstances. Simply trust the Word and declare that Christ is enough, and He will do what only He can do. The more you trust in Him and His Word, the more you will be able to entrust everything to Him.

Yet, when you find yourself struggling with unbelief, like the father of the boy possessed by an impure spirit, cry out to your Father, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

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Prayer. Lord Jesus, thank You for walking with me through Your Spirit. I confess my unbelief and ask You to strengthen my faith. Help me to trust in Your power, not in my own ability. Let my faith, though small, rest fully in You—the True King, the True Priest, and the True Prophet. May Your Spirit guide me to live each day by faith, not by sight. In Your precious name, Amen.