Spiritual Warfare: 'Christians Wield Great Power in Their Words'

God's Power for Our Battles — Monday, February 23, 2026

I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth will have [already] been loosed in heaven.
— Matthew 16:19 AMP

Today's Prayer

Lord, thank You for empowering Christians with authority and power. Thank You for the power in our prayers and the spoken word. Thank You for giving Christians authority here on earth. Remind us always to be bold, loving, and forgiving to those around us. Remind us in the heat of the moment that we can speak realities into our daily situations because of that authority. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

My Father Showed You
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Jesus replied, "You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you [that I am the Messiah]. You did not learn..."
Solid Ground or Sinking Sand?
Article by Phil Ware
What are you building your life upon? Phil Ware continues his series on The Story by looking at Peter's confession of Jesus and how Jesus takes flawed, broken, messed-up people and builds his church that is unstoppable.
The Little Church That Could
Article by Larry Davies
Do you think you can? Larry Davies takes the story of "The Little Engine that Could" and applies it to church.
The Question
Article by Phil Ware
When's the last time you thought about life's most important question? Phil Ware begins a four post series on Jesus' question to the disciples about who they thought he was and Jesus comes and asks us this question personally, so what will our answer be?
See All 6 Related Resources about Matthew 16:19

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 16:19 AMP — I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth will have [already] been loosed in heaven.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, February 23, 2026

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'My Mindset'
"Dear Servant of God, Families, churches, groups, and communities are all systems of people. These systems are built upon flawed people and broken..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The Joy of the Lord!'
"And Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'True Disciples' (Jn. 15:8)
"[Jesus continued,] "When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.""
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Christ Working in Me' (He. 13:10-21)
"Dear Father, Help me to obey my leaders and submit to them, as those who keep watch for my soul. Fill my mouth and my heart with earnest prayer for....."

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare