God's Holy Fire: 'Kingdom Arrival'

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

[Jesus:] "But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you."
— Matthew 12:28 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus healed broken people. The results of his miracles were beyond dispute, even to his critics. His miracles forced everyone in his day - and they should force everyone in our day - to make a very clear decision. Either Jesus accomplished what he did by the power of Satan or by the power of God's Spirit. There was and is no middle ground. He is the Son of God or a charlatan. He is Spirit-empowered or Satan's seductive lackey. Jesus' claim is clear. He says that he is casting out demons by the power of God's Spirit. The Kingdom comes as God's will is done. Where God's Spirit leads and empowers, God's reign has begun; and the first light of Jesus' Kingdom has dawned.

Today's Prayer

We praise you, O God. You live in us through the Holy Spirit. We welcome your reign over our hearts and enjoy this taste of your Kingdom coming into our lives. We join our hearts with tens of thousands who have gone before us and say, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." And we ask that we will live with confidence and righteous character as we share in the advance of your Kingdom by the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Spoken Bindings Are a Weapon Against Enemies
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then indeed the kingdom of God is come upon you. Or how can anyone enter into the house of the strong...."
Binding the Strong Man
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued his reply to the Pharisees who said his power came from Satan:] "And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They...."
Teach Us to Pray 08: Redemption Partners
Article by Phil Ware
The earth is sick. Our world is sicker. We are to bridge the gap until Jesus' return! Phil Ware along with Doug Peters help us hear the Lord's Prayer for the kingdom to dawn on earth so that the will of God can be seen on earth as it is in heaven.
Isn't Jesus Enough?
Article by Phil Ware
Why do we run after other things to add to Jesus? Phil Ware continues his messages out of Colossians; this one focuses on Jesus being enough and anything added to Him is less.
See All 5 Related Resources about Matthew 12:28

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 12:28 NLT — [Jesus:] "But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Ephesians 5:1-2
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'The Easy Sins of Youth' (2 Ti. 2:22-25)
"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Oswald Chambers:
"Faith is unutterable trust in God, trust which never dreams that He will not stand by us."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'He Died, for Us' (Mt. 27:45-50)
"At noon [when Jesus was being crucified], darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. At about three o'clock, Jesus called out with a..."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations