Today’s Word – Page 26

The Method of God: The Christ

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:3-14)

Apostle Paul opens his letter to the church in Ephesus by testifying about Christ, the Anointed One—the method of God’s salvation. For thousands of years, God had been promising the coming Christ. That is the Old Testament. And He fulfilled His promise and testified to the Christ who came. That is the New Testament. Thus, the entire Bible is all about Christ (Jn 5:39).

Why did it have to be the Christ? For no one can escape from the curses that came upon humanity. Scripture states that everyone is born under the fundamental curses of Satan (Rev 12:9), original sin (Rom 3:23), and hell, completely cut off from the glory of God (Eph 2:1).

Their entire life, they are caught in the devil’s trap of self-reliance and self-centeredness (Gen 3:5), corruption and worldly pleasure (Gen 6:1-8), and pride and worldly success (Gen 11:1-9).

Not only that, but they are also caged in the devil’s frame of powers (Ac 13:4-12), economy (Ac 16:16-24), and the culture of this dark world (Ac 19:8-41).

That is why every person is destined to live as children of the devil (Jn 8:44), worshiping idols (Ex 20:4-5), suffering mentally (Mt 11:28) and physically (Ac 8:4-8), eternally condemned in hell (Lk 16:19-31), and, in the end, leaving generational curses to future generations (Mt 27:25).

Compelled by His great love for mankind living in this dark reality of Satan, God sent the True King to destroy the devil’s work (1 Jn 3:8). To set us free from the law of sin and death, He sent the True Priest to die on the cross (Mk 10:45). To rescue us from the background of hell, He sent the True Prophet to open a new and living way to Him (Jn 14:6).

Jesus of Nazareth was this Christ. He fulfilled all the prophecies concerning Christ, more than 400 in all (Isa 7:14, Mt 1:21). To fulfill the ultimate prophecy about Christ, He died and rose again (1 Cor 15:3-4).

God did this unthinkable act to bring us back to Him. He didn’t have to, but he did because He dearly loved us. It was the only way to make us right before the Holy God.

When you hold onto God’s method of salvation, the Christ, the work of the True King, who crushed the head of Satan, will be displayed in your life. When you realize that you are under the law of Spirit of life, the work of the True Priest, who broke all the curses of sin, will be displayed in your life. When you believe that the Holy Spirit lives in you, the work of the True Prophet, who paved the way back to God, will be displayed in your life.

You do not have to worry about anything; you are a child of God. The kingdom of Satan has collapsed before you. The Holy Spirit works powerfully in you and through you. All disasters and calamities that sin brought to your life are no more. All the walls blocking you from the kingdom of God have come down.

The gospel of Jesus Christ began when God created the heavens and the earth. God drove out darkness, chaos, and emptiness by creating a light (Gen 1:2-3).

To rescue us from the fundamental curses (Gen 3:1-7), God gave us the promise of the “offspring of the woman” to crush the head of the ancient serpent (Gen 3:15)—the promise of the Christ who would come to shatter the power of Satan.

To save us from the age of the Nephilim, filled with corruption and evil, God gave us the promise of the Ark, the Christ, through Noah (Gen 6:1-14). This is why anyone in Christ will be saved from all disasters.

For us to escape from the disasters of the Tower of Babel, God commanded Abraham to leave the land of idols and go to the land where Christ would come (Gen 12:1-3).

To set us free from our slavery to sin and Satan, God gave Moses the blood covenant of the Christ (Ex 3:18). Without our knowledge, our thoughts and lives have been taken captive by the world.

To bring us back to Him, God promised Immanuel—the blessing of being with Him (Isa 7:14).

To liberate us from the occupation of the kingdom of Satan, God revealed the mystery of the Christ (Mt 16:13-20).

When the Early Church was under severe persecution, God gave the ultimate covenant of Christ (Ac 1:1), the kingdom of God (Ac 1:3), and the filling of the Holy Spirit (Ac 1:8). This gospel has been hidden for long ages past has now been revealed and made known to us! (Rom 16:25-27)

When you hold onto only Christ, you will begin to experience and enjoy the kingdom of God. You will realize your problems are not problems but an opportunity to experience the things of heaven, and your life’s crises and conflicts are a time for renewal.

You will also realize that what you may call a curse turns out to be a blessing. You will see that it was God who allowed problems, crises, and conflicts in your life while He is with you (Gen 45:5). God did not intend harm but hope and a future (Jer 29:11). You will get to enjoy spiritual feasts with Jesus every day (Rev 3:20).

Remember, nothing happens by accident in the lives of those God has chosen. He knows about all your circumstances. He loves you more than you can imagine. He plans and allows all things to happen in your life.

So trust in the God whose ways and thoughts are higher than yours. Live by faith in the One who loved you and died for you. That is life in the kingdom of God.

The only thing left for us now is to experience the power of the Holy Spirit Jesus promised and go to the ends of the earth as Christ’s witness.

Open your eyes and see the reality of the world entirely covered by darkness. As a child of God, you have an anointing of a king. In the name of Jesus, break every stronghold of the enemy. With the anointing of a priest, bring healing to those living under the curses of sin. With the anointing of a prophet, deliver the message of reconciliation to those struggling in the background of hell.

We have one life to live, and it’s too short to do anything other than what God desires most—saving this generation by the power of the gospel and passing it on to the next.

To that end, remain in God’s complete covenant—Christ. Enter deeply into prayer, enjoying Christ until no one, no circumstances, and no conditions can become a problem.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for sending Your Son as the Christ. He is the answer to my life. Help me fully experience Jesus Life, Jesus Power in my life today. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may proclaim Your ultimate method for salvation, the Christ, to all nations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Sovereignty of God

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,“Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (1 Chronicles 29:10-14)

The most critical element of prayer is faith in the sovereignty of God. He has hidden answers in every part of our lives.

Without acknowledging God, the Eternal, we will follow the ways of this temporary world. Without believing God owns “everything in heaven and earth,” we will worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ (Matthew 6:31).

Without faith in the Ruler of all things, including wealth and honor, we will have to compete in this world, trying to gain the things of the world. Without acknowledging all power and strength come from God, we will rely on their own strength.

Thus, without faith in God’s sovereignty, we won’t be able to overcome the power of unbelief. Unbelief leads to confusion, restlessness, fear, and all kinds of problems in life. But if we live under God’s sovereignty, all is well.

Our God is sovereign because He is the Creator of all things: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). He created us: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). And He gave us life: “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). So, do not be afraid. Your life is in the hands of your Creator.

God had plans for us before the beginning of time: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will” (Ephesians 1:4-5).

You were included in God’s family even before you were born when you did anything right or wrong! God knew you from eternity past. He called your name while you were still in your mother’s womb (Isaiah 49:1). He has set you apart for world evangelization (Jeremiah 1:5).

God has been guiding your life and will accomplish His plans for you: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

God knows everything about you (Psalm 139:1-10). He gives life and takes it away. He numbers your days on earth. He can bless or curse anyone. No one can escape from His presence. He is always with you. This is wonderful knowledge for us whom God has chosen as His own.

Everything in the spiritual realms is also under His control: heaven, hell, angels, and demons. (Luke 16:19-31). One day, everyone will stand before the judgment seat of God: “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This is why living in the kingdom of God here on earth is the greatest blessing of all.

History belongs to God: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). But, tragically, a majority of people live a life that has nothing to do with the covenant of world evangelization. Ask yourself how close your life is to “His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

How is then the sovereignty of God displayed in our lives today? First, God speaks and fulfills the Word:

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)

See how God accomplishes what He desires and achieves His purpose in your life throughout the day. But how? Take in your heart the Word you received during worship at your local church and pray, holding onto God’s covenant for you. And God will “answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

When this happens, you will see God’s work of salvation everywhere in your life: “The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42). In His perfect time, “all who were appointed for eternal life” will believe (Acts 13:48). You will stand as Christ’s witness in your mission field like Peter and John: “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

Living under God’s sovereignty doesn’t mean that we ignore our present reality. We rest under His wings, knowing that nothing will be able to consume us because the gospel is sufficient (Psalm 91:4). Early Christians risked their lives for the sake of the gospel. That’s how much the gospel was worth to them. They lived under God’s absolute sovereignty.

Remember that in everything, God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). God has plans in all circumstances of your life. You are in Christ, who shattered the power of Satan, sin, and hell for you. So, begin a new spiritual challenge!

God created everything from nothing. He predestined everything according to His perfect and pleasing will. He prepares and guides everything with His divine care (Acts 17:26). He accomplishes His eternal plans in His time (Ephesians 1:11).

God always existed throughout all eternity past. Nothing exists without Him. He does not change. He is holy and transcends everything. There is nothing too hard for Him. He is present everywhere. And yet, He is our Father who loved us and sent His only Son to die for us. He lives in us through the Holy Spirit. The blessing and power of the Triune God is with you right now.

God’s greatest gift to us is salvation, the ultimate expression of His love for us (John 3:16). The power of His love sets us free from our long-standing spiritual problems and the devastating condition of destruction.

The gospel God has given to you through Christ is complete. It is secure and eternal. So you don’t have to worry about anything. Abide in the gospel. Experience the power of the gospel. Proclaim the gospel that Jesus is the Christ where Christ is not known!

Remember, God is in control (1 Chronicles 29:10-13). All we are and have is because of Him (1 Chronicles 29:14). Nothing happens by accident in the lives of His chosen. God allows every situation in your life with a specific plan. It is God who brings every person into your life. He loves you. Continue to trust Him and His plans for your life.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for choosing me in Christ before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in Your sight. In love, You predestined me to be adopted as Your child through Jesus Christ by Your pleasure and will. Help me to restore my faith in Your salvation and Your power. I ask for the spiritual strength that I may not be controlled by what I see and hear. I pray for strength from above that I may not fall into legalism, indulgence, and my spiritual problems. I desire to enjoy the gospel to the point where my spiritual condition may be healed and restored. Help me begin a new spiritual prayer, enjoying the gospel through Your Word, gaining the strength I need in my life, and painting a picture of transforming the culture of this age. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Healing Our Families

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. (Acts 16:29-34)

The devil targeted the family first to bring disasters to the entire human race (Gen 3:1-6). He tempted the first couple, Adam and Eve, to break the covenant with God, forcing a devastating separation from Him. This is called original sin, which brings death to everyone and curses into the lives of individuals, families, and nations.

As a result, all have been living in the background of hell under the power of the devil. That is the reason for the breakdown of the institution of the family God has established.

The devil causes conflicts in our families using the scars from the past, different family backgrounds, different ways of upbringing, failures, or some unusual experiences. If we dwell on these problems, Satan can use them as an instrument to destroy our families.

Thus, it is critical to recognize these conflicts as spiritual problems traced back to the first family (Gen 3:1-20). The devil lied and took over the entire human race as his own (Jn 8:44).

The devil has filled our hearts and minds with anxiety and still goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone or some family to devour (1 Pet 5:7-8). With a powerful delusion, he leads people away from the truth and causes them to believe a lie (2 Thess 2:10-11).

The devil also blinds the people’s minds, so they cannot see the light of the Good News—the message about Christ (2 Cor 4:4-5). He uses his favorite weapons against us and our families: religion, idols, superstition, and philosophy (Mt 12:25-45).

Furthermore, he mobilized the rulers and authorities, the powers of this world’s darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph 6:10-20).

But, when you see the root cause of your family’s conflicts, healing of your family will finally begin. The assurance of healing will come from the One who crushed the head of the ancient serpent (Gen 3:15).

When you see various issues and struggles of your family members, you will understand and embrace them with the love of Christ. With your loved ones, by the power of your True King Jesus, fight against the enemy trying to destroy your family. You will ultimately win.

It is possible that healing may not occur in someone’s life at all. But if you continue to help them with their spiritual problems in mind, God’s unique plans and blessings will be displayed in your life.

You will be like Hosea, who tried to embrace and help his wife, Gomer, a former prostitute. Through this experience, Hosea realized a message of God that changed the course of a nation.

David understood the spiritual backgrounds of his wife, Michal, and his father-in-law, King Saul. Even when Saul tried to kill him, David refused to take revenge but instead wanted to help him.

Think about Joseph. During the entire time of his slavery in the land of Egypt, Joseph did not have a grudge against his brothers who had sold him there. He knew that it was God who had sent him to save the world (Gen 45:1-8).

When you see troubles in your family as God’s way of blessing you and your family, you will be like Paul, who experienced God’s sufficient grace amid trials (2 Cor 12:1-10).

Make Jesus the Lord of your family (Jn 2:1-11). Help your family fix their eyes on Jesus alone (Heb 12:2). Do everything in the name of Jesus (Col 3:17). Your family will become a family of witnesses like the jailor’s family in Today’s Word.

Prayer. Father, help me and my family to serve You alone. Make my family a family of witnesses that brings the good news of healing of Your Son Jesus Christ to the families of the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Happy Family

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)

Families are under attack all over the world. The devil has been targeting our families from the beginning of time (Gen 3:1-20). We see the divorce rate skyrocketing all over the place, and the children of the divorce are suffering from various spiritual and emotional scars, leading to major social issues in our times. And yet, the church cannot offer the fundamental solution and healing in the gospel.

God considers families very important. He created male and female in His own image and blessed them (Gen 1:27-28). He established the institution of family (Gen 2:22-24). Man and woman would become one. So they are no longer two, but one. God has joined them together (Mt 19:4-6).

To experience joy and happiness in the family, God commanded the wives to be willing to serve their husbands the same as the Lord and the husbands to love their wives the same as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it (Eph 5:22-25).

God also gave children to the family to be “fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it” (Gen 1:28). He blessed them with a promise: “You must honor and respect your father and your mother. Do this so that you will have a full life in the land that the Lord your God gives you” (Ex 20:12).

God wants our children to develop into mature persons like Jesus, full of wisdom and God’s blessing (Lk 2:40). Thus, parents should make every effort to help their children grow physically, intellectually, spiritually, and socially (Lk 2:52).

The family is God’s vital instrument to carry the gospel to the world. That is why it is critical to build our families on the foundation of the Word. We should not follow the standards of the world: “It is better to be poor and respect the Lord than to be rich and have many troubles. It is better to eat a little where there is love than to eat a lot where there is hate” (Prov 15:16-17). Unity through the gospel and experiencing the power of the gospel should be of the utmost importance for our families.

God has unique plans for our families: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household”(Ac 16:31). God planned to save Noah’s family through the Ark, the Christ (Gen 7:1-13).

If you have unbelieving family members, do not be discouraged. Try to see them through the lens of the gospel and embrace them with God’s love. Never stop praying for them.

Do not compromise with the standards of the world. Confess your faith before the Lord and the people as Joshua has done: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Jos 24:15). God’s time for salvation will eventually come to your family.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for our families. Strengthen our love for one another and keep us as one so we can show the world the power of Your Son that can heal them and their families.In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Physical Healing

When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” (Matthew 8:14-17)

The whole world is sick spiritually (Eph 2:1), mentally (Mt 11:28-30), and physically (Mt 8:15-17). The root cause is recorded in Genesis 3:1-20—the eternal separation from God, the curse of sin, and the power of Satan.

That is why God sent the One who was utterly free from original sin to crush the head of the ancient serpent (Gen 3:15). His name is Jesus. He is the eternal God, who existed from eternity past, came and died to save us from the curse of sin and hell, rose again from the dead, crushing the head of Satan, and will return as the ultimate Judge to take us home in heaven.

Jesus finished the work of the Christ (Mt 16:13-20). The True King who destroyed the devil’s work (1 Jn 3:8). The True Priest who suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous (1 Pe 3:18). The True Prophet, who opened a new and living way to God (Heb 10:20).

When you believe and trust in Christ alone, true spiritual healing will take place in your life (Mt 17:1-8). He has all authority in heaven and on earth (Mt 28:18). He promised to fill you with the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome your spiritual diseases, the world, and Satan. As a result, you will stand as a witness for Christ, who brought you spiritual healing.

When you come to Christ, He will give you rest in your heart and mind. He will make your new life with Him easy and light (Mt 11:28-30). He will turn all of your scars and failures of the past into a blessing (Php 4:6-7).

Christ Jesus will drive out the forces of darkness from your life by bringing the kingdom of God through the Holy Spirit. (Mt 12:25-45). He will fill your life with reasons for thanksgiving (1 Thess 5:16-18). He will turn everything from your past into a masterpiece to save lives.

So, abandon all the idols in your life (Ex 20:4-5). Escape from religion and legalism. Stop relying on human tradition and deceptive philosophy (Col 2:8). Replace your thoughts and ways with the gospel.

Stop worrying about anything because God cares for you. Always be aware of your enemy, the devil (1 Pet 5:7-8). Maintain a healthy spiritual environment by fixing your eyes on Christ alone (Heb 12:2).

If you are suffering from physical illnesses, know that they are a God-ordained, God-permitted, and God-given opportunity to experience His power, the filling of the Holy Spirit. It is time to focus only on Christ and the kingdom of God. It is time to put your life on the Word of God, which penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow (Heb 4:12).

Let the Spirit of God take over your spirit, heart, mind, and body (Eph 5:18). When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, along with the help of doctors, healthy food, adequate exercise, and deep breathing with prayer, you will be able to overcome all physical challenges in your life. And God will place you as a witness to His healing for the world.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for bringing fundamental healing to my spirit, mind, and body through Christ, who took away my diseases and carried away my sicknesses. Use my life today to bring the good news of Your healing to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Mental Healing

Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “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)

Mental illnesses are real and everywhere, destroying the lives of individuals, families, and our communities. The United States alone spends billions of dollars annually on mental health care. And yet, there are no fundamental cures.

Scripture says people are unhappy because they have been separated from God, the very source of happiness. They may acquire things of the world but no peace and rest. In pursuit of happiness, people turn to all kinds of things in life, but they provide only temporary relief from their present reality. Scripture explains why: People cannot escape from the power of Satan, sin, and hell (Ac 10:38).

God so loved the world that He sent His Son Jesus as the Christ to destroy the devil’s work (1 Jn 3:8). Jesus gave us the promise of healing to our mental illnesses when He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).

Like Paul in Today’s Word, when you realize who Jesus is and know the spiritual authority God has given to you, the forces of darkness will collapse in your life.

If you or someone in your family has been struggling with severe mental issues, know that God has a unique plan for you and your family. Commit your situation to the Word of God. “For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb 4:12).

Remain in the Word proclaimed at your local church (Ac 2:42-47; Ac 11:19-30). With the help of ministers of the Word, continue to feed your soul, heart, and mind with the Word (Ac 13:1-12; Ac 16:16-18; Ac 19:8-20). Discover the rhythm of your life through prayer. Team up with your family to fight the battle against the enemy.

Only Christ, the kingdom of God, and the Holy Spirit can ultimately defeat the power of mental illnesses. God promised you the power from above. You and your family will be Christ’s witnesses, bringing God’s healing to your community (Ac 1:8).

Prayer. Father, You have searched and know me in the deepest part of my life. I come to You as I am. I commit my life to You and Your Word. May Your Word heal my soul and spirit, joints and marrow, the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Healing of Life

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. “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.” (Matthew 12:25-29)

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” (Matthew 12:43-45)

Spiritual healing begins when you rely entirely on the covenant of God, that is, Christ. Only when you live by faith in Christ alone will the forces of darkness finally collapse in your life. Only when you are filled with the Holy Spirit will you be able to overcome your weaknesses, the world, and your enemy, the devil.

Only when prayer becomes your life will you be able to experience the presence of God in all circumstances. Only when you live a life of witness for Christ will you finally discover your reason for living.

When this happens, the devil cannot touch you with the problems of your heart and mind. God has already turned all of your scars, failures, and troubles of the past into a blessing. They have become God’s ordained opportunity to heal you and save lives through you. They will become the reason for singing and thanksgiving.

God desires to heal our spirits, hearts, and minds as well as our lives as a whole. But the biggest obstacle to living a life of faith is idols—our own thoughts, philosophy, convictions, religion, and legalism, including all forms of physical idols.

Unseen to our eyes, these idols occupy our hearts and minds and dictate our speech and actions. Unable to escape from the reality of the idols, many believers experience a vicious cycle of spiritual instability in life.

Therefore, we must first escape from our religious environment. For Nicodemus, religion was the greatest obstacle to his coming to eternal life. Completely blinded by his religious achievements and pious life, he could not understand why spiritual rebirth was necessary (Jn 3:1-12).

Many people are also caught in legalism. The law is God’s Word, but legalism is an idol. Giving tithes, for instance, is God’s Word, but giving tithes religiously, trying to earn God’s favor, is legalism. Legalism is detestable to God and becomes like a heavyweight to Him (Isa 1:13-14).

Also, many believers place compassionate attitudes, all forms of godliness, and religious zeal before the gospel. Some follow the principle of positive thinking, and some even follow pessimism. All of these create a toxic spiritual environment.

We also need healing in our environment, filled with idols—anything we make, statues or pictures of anything up in the sky or anything on the earth, or anything down in the water (Ex 20:4-5).

We must stop clinging to what we used to believe—”hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Col 2:8).

We should also stop placing church authority over the gospel and the Word. No organizations are above the authority of Scripture. We must always choose the gospel over a practice of piety, the power of the gospel over a form of godliness (2 Tim 3:5).

Listen to what Jesus says in Today’s Word. It is Satan who causes division and all kinds of conflicts (Mt 12:25-29). He uses all forms of idols, his primary instruments of destruction. He knows very well that idolatry leaves people’s lives dry and empty. He aims to intensify the life of idolatry to make the final condition of people worse than the first (Mt 12:43-45).

This is why we need to rely only on Christ, only the spirit of God, and only the kingdom of God. Do not leave your heart, mind, and life dry and empty. Fill them with the Word of God. Never stop enjoying the good news that Jesus is the Christ, the ultimate answer to all of your problems.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for healing my life filled with idols by the power of Your Spirit. May Your kingdom come to my life today. Drive out all the demons trying to devour my life. And fill my spirit, heart, and mind with Your Word. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

Healing the Mind

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Scripture states that everyone was born with a deadly spiritual disease (Eph 2:1). The problem gets deeper during toddler ages and exposed during primary ages. When they reach adolescence, they begin to get afflicted by these hidden problems. When they reach college and become young adults, their minds are completely overtaken by their long-standing spiritual issues.

If you are struggling with continual conflicts, they may be traced back to the scars of your past, family background, upbringing, failures, or some unusual experiences. If you dwell on these problems, they can be used as an instrument of Satan, which can destroy your life.

The devil continues to try to devour you (1 Pet 5:7-8), causing anxiety (Php 4:6-7), trying to build a foothold in your mind (Eph 4:20-27), blinding your spiritual sight (2 Cor 4:4-5), and bringing a dangerous delusion (2 Thess 2:10-11).

But these problems can be used positively when you see them through the lens of the gospel. They are a God-ordained opportunity to display His work in your life and the lives of others suffering from similar issues. God can use them to save lives through you when you discover the directions and missions for your life in all this.

Remember, your True Priest Jesus came to give rest to your mind and heart. He wants you to know that He already carried the burdens of your mind on the cross. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Heb 12:3).

Your True King Jesus has destroyed the power of the enemy who forced you to carry your burdens. It was not intended for you to carry. Take the yoke of your True Prophet Jesus on you instead, enjoying the gospel of peace and rest (Mt 11:28-30).

Don’t forget to wear God’s full armor—the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit (Word of God), and the gospel of peace (Eph 6:10-17).

Engage in your spiritual battle through prayer on all occasions (Eph 6:18). God will turn all your problems into a reason for thanksgiving, the most destructive weapon we have against the enemy. Don’t give up; the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet (Rom 16:20).

Prayer. Lord, I thank You for bringing rest to my life through Jesus Christ. Help me proclaim the gospel of peace to those struggling with broken hearts and minds. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Spiritual Healing

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)

Why do the people of religion perish? They do not know, accept, and believe the good news that Jesus is the Christ. What is, then, the reason for the continual failure of many believers? To them, the good news that Jesus is the Christ is not everything.

Their old self still lives and rules their own lives. Christ is not the Lord of their lives. They are still sitting on the throne. They do not live by faith in Christ alone. They are still holding onto something else. As a result, they cannot escape from their own spiritual problems.

Scripture warns us that the devil goes around like a roaring lion looking for believers to devour (1 Pe 5:8). Scripture also commands us not to give the devil a foothold (Eph 4:27). The enemy constantly tries to trap us with various spiritual problems through idols, ideologies, philosophy, religion, humanism, anxiety, and jealousy.

This is why so many of us are tired and weary from carrying the heavy burden we have been forced to carry without being able to experience rest in Christ. We don’t find the gospel easy and light (Mt 11:28-30). We need spiritual healing.

Spiritual healing comes only from complete reliance on God’s covenant, namely, His Word. The Word of God is alive and active. It is sharper than the sharpest sword and cuts into us. It cuts deep to where the soul and the spirit are joined. God’s word cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. It judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts (Heb 4:12).

When only Christ remains in our lives, all the power of the enemy will collapse (Jn 17:1-8). Only by the power of the Holy Spirit will we be able to overcome the world. (Ac 1:8).

Only by living a life of continual prayer will everything in our lives be restored. Only by living a life of Christ’s witnesses will we know God’s perfect time, plans, and answers (Ac 2:1-47).

Do not be deceived by the devil. He is always against the truth. There is no truth in him. Everything he says is a lie. He is the father of lies (Jn 8:44). Don’t let him fool you with your long-standing spiritual problems. Hold onto Christ alone. Make Christ your Christ. Make the gospel your gospel.

Do not also be deceived by your old self. You can be truly honest before God. You cannot and don’t have to hide anything from God. If you think you can, you are only fooling yourself. You will harvest from your own spiritual problems. Rely on the power of the blood of Christ. That is the only way to stop living to satisfy your sinful self. Live a life that pleases the Spirit, and you will harvest eternal life (Gal 6:7-8).

And do not be deceived by your present circumstances. What you see is not the end, no matter how miserable and hopeless that may seem. Nothing is impossible for God, who has given you the only name by which you must be saved (Rom 7:24-25).

Your present circumstances are a God-ordained opportunity. All hardships are an instrument God has chosen to bless you. When you are in trouble, know that it is God’s perfect time to fill you with the Holy Spirit.

Remember, your True King Jesus, who destroyed the devil’s work, lives in you. Your True Priest, who broke the curses of sin over you, lives in you. Your True Prophet, who opened the way from hell to heaven, lives in you.

So, do not worry about anything. Do not let your spiritual problems trap you any longer. Live by faith in the Son of God who loved you and gave himself for you.

Why did God use Paul? He sought out remnants and preached the gospel to them. He also carried out healing ministries. Therefore, we must be healed by the power of the gospel and heal others, or evangelism and missions are practically impossible. Embrace it in your heart.

Prayer. Father, thank You for healing my spirit and soul through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me hold onto only Your word, only Christ, only the Holy Spirit, only prayer, and only evangelism throughout my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Convinced of the Gospel

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

Prayer should not follow your life. Instead, your life should follow prayer. Life itself should be prayer. Prayer should not be the last resort in your life.

Prayer is not something you do only when you are in trouble. Prayer is not something you use to improve your present circumstances. That is the prayer of the people of religion.

Prayer is enjoying God. In the morning (Ps 5:3); in the daytime (Ps 23:1-6); in the evening (Ps 17:3). And all the time (Eph 6:18).

Learn the secret of having a “downtime” with God. King David knew the joy of having his downtime with God. Daniel prayed three times a day, holding onto the covenant even when faced with death (Dan 6:10).

Peter and John met a crippled beggar when they went to the temple to pray (Ac 3:1-10). Philip met an Ethiopian official while praying in Samaria (Ac 8:26-40). While enjoying his downtime with God, Ananias was entrusted with the man who would become the greatest evangelist of all time, Paul (Ac 9:10-16). So, make your downtime with your Father the happiest time each day. Make prayer your life.

When you pray, confirm the Word of God recorded in Scripture (1 Tim 3:14). These are the words of prophecy that have been, still are, and will be fulfilled.

That is why great blessings belong to the person who reads, hears, and obeys the word God (Rev 1:3).AndtheWord of God lasts forever(Isa 40:8), and nothing will disappear from Scripture, and the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter until it has all been done(Mt 5:17-18).

Scripture is also complete(Deu 4:2). Anyone who adds anything to or takes away from Scripture will be eternally condemned (Rev 22:18-19). God’s Word is like a lamp that guides your steps, a light that shows the path you should take(Ps 119:105).

You don’t have to rely on anything in this world as God’s Word of grace can build you up (Ac 20:32). The Word of God is the most potent weapon against Satan(Mt 4:1-11).

Scripture will open your eyes to see the world through the lens of the gospel. You will realize that people have been fundamentally cursed because of Satan, sin, and hell (Gen 3:1-15, Eph 2:1-3). You will also realize why God had to send the Christ(Gen 3:15).

Based on the evidence in Scripture, you will acknowledge that Jesus had to be the Christ, who fulfilled all the prophecies concerning Him, more than 400 in all (Isa 7:14, Mt 1:21). Scripture also gives you the eternal promise that the Holy Spirit lives in you, guiding and empowering your life (Jn 14:26-27, Rom 8:2).

This is why God has given us Scripture—so we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and then, by believing, we can have life through His name (Jn 20:31).

Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. It was written so that we could have hope. That hope comes from the patience and encouragement that the Scriptures give us (Rom 15:4). These things that happened in the past are examples for us. These examples should stop us from wanting the things of the world(1 Cor 10:6).

Therefore, receive the Word of God as if your life depends on it. Your life does depend on God’s Word. Keep the Word deep in your heart (Ps 119:11).

In all circumstances, stop worrying and start praying by faith in the Word of God. As you get deeper with God in prayer, you will experience His power to overcome anything in this world. You will see undeniable evidence of God in your life.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for spending time with me today. Help me continue what I have learned from Scripture and become convinced of it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.