Category: Today’s Word

Hebrews 11:6. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

---

Some people say, “I used to believe and go to church, but not anymore.” Tragically, this is not uncommon. Even among those who still attend church, many do not genuinely believe in God or trust in His power. Their faith is superficial, and their hearts are far from Him.

This is why Jesus lamented over the spiritual condition of His people when He asked, “However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). Jesus foresaw a time when genuine faith would become rare.

Many attend church faithfully, but deep inside, they do not live in the reality of God’s presence. They follow rules, perform rituals, and carry the name “Christian,” yet they have not encountered the living Christ. What they practice is not a living faith but a lifeless religion. Jesus warned us about this kind of life, describing its dangers in Matthew 12:43-45:

“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.”

This is the tragedy of a religious life without Christ. The heart may appear “cleaned up” on the outside—attending services, keeping traditions, and avoiding visible sin—but if Christ does not dwell within, the soul remains empty. That emptiness attracts greater bondage, deeper suffering, and restlessness, allowing evil spirits to make it their home.

No matter how long someone has been involved in church, if they have not tasted the grace and peace of God, their Christian life will become burdensome. The Word of God will seem irrelevant and powerless to them because they have never experienced it as “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Over time, their walk grows dry, joyless, and exhausting, leading to discouragement and despair.

What God desires from us is not empty religion but faith: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). God wants us to believe in Him wholeheartedly and love Him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Deuteronomy 6:5).

Our Heavenly Father grieves when we approach Him with cold, routine religion rather than living faith. Listen to His words of lament over His people:

God rejects lifeless rituals because they do not flow from a heart that trusts Him. When we follow a religion without living faith, we cannot understand spiritual truths or experience the fullness of what God has freely given us through His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12). Our lives remain separated from His glory (Romans 3:23), and we are left vulnerable to discouragement, doubt, and defeat. This is the strategy of Satan.

However, there is hope. God works powerfully in the lives of those who truly believe that He is real and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). When you believe in Christ and rest in His promises, you please God.

He delights when you enjoy what He has freely given through His Spirit—assurance of salvation, forgiveness of sins, answered prayers, guidance from the Holy Spirit, and ultimate victory over the evil one. When you fully trust Him in every situation, you bring joy to His heart.

God is not impressed by outward appearances; He looks at the heart. Come before His throne confidently, just as you are, seeking His grace and help. He will fill you with strength, renew your faith, and use you to bring His salvation to the world—just as He did with those who came before us, the people of faith who trusted Him completely.

Choose faith, not religion. Choose to trust God’s power, not your own effort. Choose a living relationship with Christ, not a lifeless routine.

---

Prayer. Father, I thank You for the gift of faith in Christ, which gives me confidence and assurance in my salvation. Help me to live a life that pleases You, holding firmly to Your promises. Teach me to trust You more deeply, to walk by faith and not by sight, and to rest in the power of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-21. 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.

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt ²¹ but test them all; hold on to what is good.

---

We often lose sight of the blessing and joy of salvation in our relationships with others. Misunderstandings, selfishness, and hurt can steal the peace God intends for us. That is why the first thing we must always do is to rejoice in the unending grace of God in Christ, our ultimate bartizan. Only then can we walk on our covenant journey with the power of prayer and establish heavenly guideposts in our mission fields with thanksgiving.

To this end, God has called us to be His church, the body of Christ. Just as the health of the human body depends on the proper functioning of every part, so the health of the church depends on the unity and maturity of its members. Only when each part is healthy can the entire body thrive. God blesses His people as a community, not just as individuals. When His children walk together in love and humility, His blessings flow abundantly. This is His principle of blessing.

The way we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ should be different from the way unbelievers treat others. God calls us to live by a higher standard, placing the needs and interests of others above our own (Philippians 2:3-4). This is not optional; it reflects the heart of Christ, who humbled Himself to serve. When you live this way, you become a channel of His grace and goodness.

Keep your heart always filled with the joy of salvation. Do not allow circumstances, disappointments, or the actions of others to steal the joy Christ has given you. Enjoy the Giver, not just His gifts. When the seventy-two disciples returned to Jesus, rejoicing over their authority over demons, He reminded them: “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Your greatest treasure is not what you accomplish but who you are in Christ.

Never stop praying. Your Father’s throne is always open to you. Prayer is not a ritual but a living connection with the One who rules heaven and earth. Through prayer, you enjoy your identity and exercise your spiritual authority as God’s child. Jesus promised that whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19). Your prayers can move the throne of the Triune. Stop worrying about your life and start praying instead.

Your heavenly Father, the Creator who formed and established the earth, invites you to call on Him, “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” He longs to reveal His plans and purposes as you seek Him in prayer.

No matter what happens, always be thankful. In every situation, God’s will for you in Christ Jesus is good, perfect, and unchanging. Scripture reminds us that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This includes you. Even in trials and temptations, do not doubt His love and faithfulness. Ask and discover His plans in His Word.

Remember Daniel’s example. When the decree was signed forbidding prayer, Daniel did not panic or hide. He went home, opened his windows toward Jerusalem, and prayed three times a day, giving thanks to God just as he had done before (Daniel 6:10). Daniel’s gratitude and faith unlocked God’s power in his life. Like Daniel, keep trusting God and remain thankful, even when circumstances seem against you.

God has plans for your life. He does not intend to harm you but to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Hold on to His promises and trust His perfect timing. Thanksgiving opens the door to deeper faith and greater blessings.

Do not ignore the voice of the Holy Spirit when He prompts you to act. When He leads you to pray for someone, obey. When He sends you to share the gospel, follow without hesitation. Do not dismiss the Word of God when it speaks to you, and do not grieve the Spirit by pursuing fleeting things that cannot last. Instead, set your heart on the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1). Always remember that you are a child of God, led by His Spirit and called to live a life that bears witness to Christ.

---

Prayer. Father, I thank You for Your love, even in the midst of problems and trials. I know that You have plans to give me hope and a future. Fill my heart with gratitude and my life with reasons for thanksgiving. Teach me to trust You fully, to love others deeply, and to walk closely with You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Psalm 37:1-9.

---

Despite all the blessings that came through Christ, why do we continue to worry? We know, in our minds, that Jesus has already finished the work on the cross. We confess that He has saved us, redeemed us, and given us eternal life. Yet, in our daily lives, we often find ourselves anxious, restless, and overwhelmed by circumstances. Why is that?

It is because we tend to focus more on what is visible than on what is eternal. We fix our eyes on our immediate reality rather than on Jesus, “the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith” (Hebrews 12:2). When we look at our situations instead of focusing on Him, we allow fear, doubt, and frustration to take root in our hearts.

The things we see can deceive us. We are often influenced by the temporary successes and failures of this world rather than being anchored in the unchanging promises of God revealed in His Word. When we pray and don’t see immediate answers, impatience grows. We start questioning whether God is really listening, whether He really cares, or whether He has forgotten us. In those moments, our hearts drift from trust to worry, and we lose sight of His faithfulness.

Sometimes we allow the enemy to whisper lies into our thoughts. The devil plants seeds of unbelief, trying to convince us that God’s Word is irrelevant,  unreliable, or that His timing cannot be trusted. He makes us compare ourselves with others, causing envy and resentment to grow. When we encounter people who seem to prosper despite wrongdoing, we feel discouraged and even tempted to follow their ways. But today’s Word reminds us that what we see is not the final reality.

We are the people of the kingdom of God. He wants us to see life from His perspective. Do not let others’ success or failure stir anger, jealousy, or bitterness within you. Acknowledge God’s sovereignty over every person and every situation. He knows the plans He has for you, and He knows exactly what He is doing. Even when the wicked seem to flourish, Scripture assures us that their success is temporary (Psalm 37:2). God’s justice will prevail in His perfect time.

So what should we do while we wait? We anchor ourselves in the gospel and enjoy its power through prayer. Resist the temptation to imitate the ways of those who live apart from God (Psalm 37:7). Do not allow anger to control your thoughts, because anger clouds your judgment and steals your peace. Scripture warns us that when we dwell on resentment, we give the devil a foothold in our hearts (Ephesians 4:27). Instead of reacting in frustration, let us respond in faith in the Word of God.

Continue to trust in God and do good—enjoying and sharing the gospel—even when circumstances seem uncertain. Our Father cannot lie; every promise He has spoken over your life will surely come to pass. When you delight yourself in Him, He aligns your heart with His will and gives you the desires that truly satisfy (Psalm 37:4). Trust Him completely and stop worrying about your future, because He holds it in His hands and will take you to the ends of the earth as a witness of Christ (Acts 1:8).

The One you trust is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He never changes, and His faithfulness never fails. If you keep your eyes fixed on Him, He will guide you step by step along the right paths. There will come a day when God will make your righteousness shine like the morning sun, and everyone will see that you are blessed—not because of your strength, but because of His goodness and grace.

That is why we are called to live in His presence and wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7). Do not be discouraged when sharing the gospel, even in places where Christ is not yet known. God has already gone before you and dispatched His heavenly armies to protect you. He will give you the strength to stand firm, the wisdom to speak His Word, and the courage to remain faithful. You do not fight your battles alone—the Lord Himself fights for you. Victory is already secured through Christ.

---

Prayer. Father, I thank You for the abundant grace You have poured out on me through Your Son, Jesus. Open my eyes to see my reality from Your perspective. Teach me to be still in Your presence, to wait patiently for You, and to trust that Your plans for me are the best. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.