Today's Scripture:
Matthew 17:14-21

Key Verse:
Matthew 17:21

"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

The Point:
Prayer is the acknowledgement of need, and fasting is the denial of self.

When combined, these two elements of faith (prayer and fasting) can bring about incredible results. Prayer activates God's ability to do the work, fasting eliminates man's ability to do the work.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Are you secretly pleased by the misfortunes of others?
• Are you secretly annoyed by the accomplishments or advancements of others?
• Are you guilty of contention, strife, quarreling, or arguing?
• Are there people you deliberately slight or insult for amusement?

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I am a new creature in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Request:

• Ask God for boldness to obey His command to share the gospel with friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
• Ask God to help you develop the discipline of excellence.

Meditate On:

• Do you ever feel afraid to tell others about Jesus? Meditate on Psalms 118:6.
• Meditate on 1 Corinthians 10:31 and think about the discipline of excellence.