Day 142/260: Read Matthew 17

We must never neglect the power of God as we do His work. That was the apostles’ problem in their failure to cast out the demon. They forgot to include God, even though they were working for Him! “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

One commentary says, “Prayerlessness and powerlessness go hand-in-hand.” What a powerful statement! When we dismiss God’s part in His work, we are sure to fail!

Who do you know that needs the gospel? We all have friends and family members who do not live as they should; perhaps they are rebelliously living against God, or they may be very devout but in a false religion. Are we looking for opportunities to teach them “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26)? Are we praying for those opportunities?

The apostle Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him. “Praying…for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make know the mystery of the gospel…that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:18-20). If an evangelist as successful and influential as Paul saw the need for prayer in sharing the gospel, in doing the Lord’s work, shouldn’t we depend on it even more?

The power of prayer must be recognized by every faithful worker in the Lord.

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

Matthew 16:26. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Pray

Pray for opportunities to do God’s work among your friends, family members, and neighbors.