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This Weeks Service
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SOAKING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR USING THIS MEDITATION BOOKLET
Picture yourself in the midst of ferocious winter blizzard. The wind is howling, the blowing snow is stinging your face. Frigid air is robbing your body of precious heat
because you are not dressed to face the blizzard. This is a matter of survival. Unless you find a warm shelter from the storm where your body can soak in some
heat, your body will freeze. Your body’s internal source of producing heat is not sufficient; you need to be warmed by an external source of heat or you will die.
This is a basic truth about your spiritual life. I don’t believe that just reading devotions, saying prayers or thinking positive thoughts is enough to ward of the cold of
the secular world we face every day. We will too soon succumb. We need to soak in God’s presence to warm our souls. We need the fires of the Holy Spirit to set
our hearts ablaze with the truth, love and power of God. These meditations are not meant to be read through quickly. They are guides for you to use in letting the
warmth of God’s promises sink deeply into your soul. As you use them, think of yourself sitting in a hot tub or jacuzzi, absorbing the comforting warmth of God’s
Spirit.
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR THIRTY DAYS OF SOAKING IN GOD’S PRESENCE
EACH DAY
My suggestion is that each day you begin by soaking in the Presence of our Eternal God, who reveals himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Speak to Him
personally. Spend time with Him to praise and thank Him. Here is a sample of how you might soak in his Presence:
Eternal Father,
As the father in Jesus’ story welcomed home his wayward son, who had squandered his life in sin and rebellion, Father, you welcome me into your presence.
Father, I want to soak in your grace this morning—your magnanimous, undeserved love for me. Reveal to me the depth of your love for me. Father, I know that I am
valued and blessed in your presence this morning. Father, I love you. I offer you my thanks and praise!
Precious Jesus,
The man in one of your stories discovered hidden treasure. It was so great a treasure that he sold everything he owned to purchase the land where the treasure
was hidden. Jesus, in you are hidden “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Jesus, I thank you that you are my health and my salvation. You are my hope
and my joy. Jesus, I love you. I offer you my heart, soul, mind and strength. Come and live in me today.
O Holy Spirit,
Jesus talked about the “pearl of great price.” Something so beautiful as a pearl is formed by irritation. Holy Spirit, I am trusting that through the troubles of life and
the irritations of those around me, you are forming within me a pearl of great price. Holy Spirit, transform me more and more into the image of Jesus Christ. Holy
Spirit, I yield my life to you this morning. Holy Spirit, come and fill me with your divine life. Holy Spirit, I love you.
After you have soaked in his Presence, then proceed to the mediation for the day. Thirty devotions are supplied, for you focusing on four major topics: Faith, the
Beatitudes of Jesus, The Ten Commandments fulfilled in Jesus and spiritual warfare.
DAY 1 LIVING FAITH
Prayer: Father, today I make the decision in faith to submit my life totally to You. I soak in my baptism, proclaiming I have been united with Jesus Christ in his death,
so that I may also be united with Him in his resurrection. I pray for the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit to stand firmly on the Promises You have made to me
in Scripture. Hear my prayer, for Jesus’ sake!
FOCUS: I AM A NEW CREATION
I affirm that God Almighty is my Creator. He spoke the world into being through his Living Word, Christ. I confess, God, that you created me unique and special in
your love. In response I recognize it is my duty to shout to You, “You are worthy of all honor, praise, thanks, adoration and worship. More than that, I recognize that in
Christ I am a new Creation. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone; the new has come!” In grateful response I cry,
“Worthy are, You, Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God who was slain, to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing!”
SOAK in your newness in Christ. Express your praise to Jesus, who is your new life.
DAY 2 LIVING FAITH
Prayer: Father, today I make the decision in faith to submit my life totally to You. I soak in my baptism, proclaiming I have been united with Jesus Christ in his death,
so that I may also be united with Him in his resurrection. I pray for the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit to stand firmly on the Promises You have made to me
in Scripture. Hear my prayer, for Jesus’ sake!
FOCUS: I AM CHOSEN
God knew you before you were born—yes, even before you were conceived. God told the prophet Jeremiah, “Before you were born, I knew you. Before you were
conceived I appointed you a prophet.” Not only did God know you in eternity past, he chose you to fulfill his purpose for your life in this world. “God chose us in Him
(Christ) before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Do you know God’s exact purpose for you in life? Maybe you do; maybe you don’t.
Nevertheless you can know that his purpose for you is that you are “holy and blameless in his sight” through your faith in Jesus Christ.
SOAK in the knowledge that God has chosen you in love to be his and to live in his kingdom here on earth and in eternity forever. SOAK in God’s purpose for your
life in Christ.
DAY 3: LIVING FAITH
Prayer: Father, today I make the decision in faith to submit my life totally to You. I soak in my baptism, proclaiming I have been united with Jesus Christ in his death,
so that I may also be united with Him in his resurrection. I pray for the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit to stand firmly on the Promises You have made to me
in Scripture. Hear my prayer, for Jesus’ sake!
FOCUS: I AM LOVED IN CHRIST
God has demonstrated his love for me in sending his Son Jesus into the world to die and rise again. “In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of his grace, which he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” Soak in the “riches of God’s grace”
this morning. Express your joy to the Father: “Thank you that You have lavished your love upon me in Jesus, my Savior. Express your thanks to Jesus: “Thank you,
Jesus, for your great and awesome salvation!
SOAK in the joy of knowing your are loved and saved.
DAY 4: LIVING FAITH
Prayer: Father, today I make the decision in faith to submit my life totally to You. I soak in my baptism, proclaiming I have been united with Jesus Christ in his death,
so that I may also be united with Him in his resurrection. I pray for the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit to stand firmly on the Promises You have made to me
in Scripture. Hear my prayer, for Jesus’ sake!
FOCUS: CHRIST IS IN ME—MY HOPE OF GLORY
Paul gives us a test of faith: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Don’t you know that Christ Jesus is in you—unless you fail the
test.” Not only is Christ your Savior; God’s divine plan is that your Savior comes to live in you. You have a new main spring, a new energy source. Jesus, God’s holy
Son is living in you. You have a new nature. You are not just a “child” of Adam; now you are a “child” of God. Soak in the knowledge that by faith Jesus is alive in you.
Communicate with Him: “Thank you, Jesus that you are now my life. Encourage me in my faith. Make me aware of your presence within me.
Give me your heart to do my Father’s will today.”
SOAK in the divine life you now have because Jesus is living in you.
DAY 5 LIVING FAITH
Prayer: Father, today I make the decision in faith to submit my life totally to You. I soak in my baptism, proclaiming I have been united with Jesus Christ in his death,
so that I may also be united with Him in his resurrection. I pray for the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit to stand firmly on the Promises You have made to me
in Scripture. Hear my prayer, for Jesus’ sake!
FOCUS: I AM BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
How can you be assured of your salvation? How can you know God’s promises are real for you?
That is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. “Having believed, you were marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit, a guarantee of our salvation.”
Another work of the Spirit is to call you into a body of other believers and to equip you with his gifts to be of service (minister) in that body of believers. Soak in the
presence of the Holy Spirit this morning. “God gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask.” Ask Him! “O Holy Spirit, fill me with the fire of your love and the zeal to serve
God. Encourage me with a testimony of your presence in my life.”
SOAK in the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit this morning.
DAY 6 THE BEATITUDES: A PORTRAIT OF THE SON OF GOD
The Beatitudes reflect the qualities that become the standard of God’s will for the believer’s life. These qualities of the divine life that Jesus lived on earth are
impossible to imitate; they can never be faked. They are never a result of my efforts to live the Beatitudes. Just the opposite: It is Jesus’ wonderful life that is
imparted to me that will allow me to live the way he did. That is what Paul describes in Galatians: “I have been crucified with Christ. I live no more, but Christ lives
in me” (Galatians 2:19,20).
FOCUS: “Blessed are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
How will I look when I begin reflecting the image of God that Christ is restoring in me? I will be poor in self-consciousness, yet rich in Jesus Christ and in the
treasures of his kingdom. If I am afraid to lose some possession I have in this world, he will back off. People will no longer see his poor spirit in me. Instead they
will see me as proud and possessive. Lord Jesus, I want to soak in your poverty this morning. Though you had no worldly possessions and no place to call home
in this world, you offer me the riches of every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.
SOAK in thinking about how you might be a blessing for someone in God’s kingdom by giving them something or sharing something with them.
DAY 7 THE BEATITUDES: A PORTRAIT OF THE SON OF GOD
The Beatitudes reflect the unmistakable evidence of a person touched by the Spirit of Christ. These qualities of the divine life that Jesus lived on earth are
impossible to imitate; they can never be faked. They are never a result of my efforts to live the Beatitudes. Just the opposite: It is Jesus’ wonderful life that is
imparted to me that will allow me to live the way he did. That is what Paul describes in Galatians: “I have been crucified with Christ. I live no more, but Christ lives in
me” (Galatians 2:19,20).
FOCUS: “Blessed are those who mourn; they will be comforted.”
How will I look when I begin reflecting the image of God that Christ is restoring in me? In mourning all my losses of what the world says is so important, I will be
nurtured with the comfort of the Spirit of Christ. If I’m angry with him because of all the losses I am mourning and start to fight to get back what is “rightfully” mine, he
will disappear in the shadows. I may gain some of my “stuff” back, but I will no longer find my spirit nurtured by the Comforter. Lord Jesus, I desire to soak in your
tears this morning, the tears you weep for all who have lost their way in life. I know that as I share in your sorrows, I will be overjoyed when your glory is revealed.
SOAK in prayers for those you know who are mourning losses that they may find the comfort of God.
DAY 8 THE BEATITUDES: A PORTRAIT OF THE SON OF GOD
The Beatitudes are the atmosphere that surrounds someone whose heart has been captivated by Jesus. These qualities of the divine life that Jesus lived on earth
are impossible to imitate; they can never be faked. They are never a result of my efforts to live the Beatitudes. Just the opposite: It is Jesus’ wonderful life that is
imparted to me that will allow me to live the way he did. That is what Paul describes in Galatians: “I have been crucified with Christ. I live no more, but Christ lives
in me” (Galatians 2:19,20).
FOCUS: “Blessed are the meek; they will inherit the earth”
How will I look when I begin reflecting the image of God that Christ is restoring in me? I will be so meek that the forceful of the world will step on me. Yet, I will never
be discouraged, because I know the kingdom I am now part of is pushing it’s boundaries to the ends of the earth, despite the opposition of the forceful of the world.
If however, I conform to the world’s standards by asserting my rights and pushing for my own recognition, others may admire the kingdom I am building in the
world, but I will forfeit the purpose for which God placed me in this world: to advance his kingdom, not to build my own. Lord Jesus, let me soak in the meekness of
the Lamb of God—the powerless, weak, unassertive Lamb who was slain. For I know that the Lamb is crowned with glory in the Father’s kingdom.
SOAK in thinking about those who set an example of meekness in the face of the world’s domination.
DAY 9 THE BEATITUDES: A PORTRAIT OF THE SON OF GOD
The Beatitudes are the portrait of a human being transformed by the glory of Jesus Christ. These qualities of the divine life that Jesus lived on earth are impossible
to imitate; they can never be faked. They are never a result of my efforts to live the Beatitudes. Just the opposite: It is Jesus’ wonderful life that is imparted to me that
will allow me to live the way he did. That is what Paul describes in Galatians: “I have been crucified with Christ. I live no more, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:
19,20).
FOCUS: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness; they will be filled.”
How will I look when I begin reflecting the image of God that Christ is restoring in me? I will be so hungry for the righteousness of the Lord, that all the things of this
world and all the world has to offer will fade in importance, losing their attraction for me. If, however, I become focused on material gain and addicted to the
consumption of everything the world has to offer, people will quickly notice that I am full of myself and not full of the grace of God. Lord, allow me to soak in fasting
today. Help me sublimate the desire to ingest every exciting, alluring, appetizing offering of the world and be content to be eat the Bread of Life.
SOAK in prayers for those who have a hunger for the bread of life but do not recognize where the hunger pains come from.
DAY 10 THE BEATITUDES: A PORTRAIT OF THE SON OF GOD
The Beatitudes are a description of the life of the church when she is following her Lord and drawing on his life. These qualities of the divine life that Jesus lived on
earth are impossible to imitate; they can never be faked. They are never a result of my efforts to live the Beatitudes. Just the opposite: It is Jesus’ wonderful life that
is imparted to me that will allow me to live the way he did. That is what Paul describes in Galatians: “I have been crucified with Christ. I live no more, but Christ
lives in me” (Galatians 2:19,20).
FOCUS: “Blessed are the merciful; they will obtain mercy.”
How will I look when I begin reflecting the image of God that Christ is restoring in me? I will find within me the desire to show mercy to the most despicable of
sinners—and even my worst enemies—in the same way I have experienced the mercy of God at the cross. As soon as I stand in judgement of others, my face will
show the harsh lines of a critical spirit. The merciful face of Jesus will quickly disappear, and I will be out of the circle of God’s mercy. Lord, help me to soak in your
mercy today. Remind me that when I soak in the desire for revenge and justice, I wound you again and deprive myself from the riches of your mercy.
SOAK in prayer that you may be able to honestly forgive all who have hurt you and treated you unjustly.
DAY 11 THE BEATITUDES: A PORTRAIT OF THE SON OF GOD
The Beatitudes are a painting of the divine life that God’s Son lived while here on this earth. These qualities of divine life are impossible to imitate; they can never be
faked. They are never a result of my efforts to live the Beatitudes. Just the opposite: It is Jesus’ wonderful life that is imparted to me that will allow me to live the way
he did. That is what Paul describes in Galatians: “I have been crucified with Christ. I live no more, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:19,20).
FOCUS: “Blessed are the pure in heart; they will see God.”
How will I look when I begin reflecting the image of God that Christ is restoring in me? I will be so pure in heart that I will have no mixed motives or hidden
agendas—no need to coerce or deceive to get my way with people. Instead, I will trust God to work in their lives—and in mine—to bring about necessary changes. If
I resort to lies and deception because I am afraid that things will not turn out right for me if I don’t control others, Jesus will back off. People will now see me as
deceitful and manipulative. The pure heart of Jesus will be long gone, and I will no longer see God. Lord Jesus, may I soak deeply in your pure heart, where there is
no duplicity, no hidden motives and no secret agendas. Remind me as I soak in your purity, the purity of the Lamb, I will glimpse more of the glory of God.
SOAK in prayer for purity, recalling that “without holiness no one will see God.”
DAY 12 THE BEATITUDES: A PORTRAIT OF THE SON OF GOD
The Beatitudes are really a statement of the normal Christian life that the world finds utterly offensive. These qualities of the divine life that Jesus lived here on earth
are impossible to imitate; they can never be faked. They are never a result of my efforts to live the Beatitudes. Just the opposite: It is Jesus’ wonderful life that is
imparted to me that will allow me to live the way he did. That is what Paul describes in Galatians: “I have been crucified with Christ. I live no more, but Christ lives
in me” (Galatians 2:19,20).
FOCUS: “Blessed are the peace-makers; they will be called children of God.”
How will I look when I begin reflecting the image of God that Christ is restoring in me? The peace of God will be evident even in the expression of my face, so that I
will be an agent of reconciliation instead of being a source of criticism and cause for alienation. If I resort to violence, however, to attain my goals—worthy as those
goals might be—my face will lose the softness of the Prince of Peace and become hard and offensive. Lord Jesus, I desire to soak in your peace this morning, the
peace that surpasses human understanding. My human nature is always at war with the values of your kingdom. Remind me you have signed the peace treaty with
me in your blood, and have entrusted me with the ministry and message of reconciliation. SOAK in prayer for reconciliation within the Body of Christ.
DAY 13 THE BEATITUDES: A PORTRAIT OF THE SON OF GOD
The Beatitudes are a description of the fruits the Holy Spirit produces in the life of believers who are united to Christ in his death and resurrection. These qualities of
the divine life that Jesus lived here on earth are impossible to imitate; they can never be faked. They are never a result of my efforts to live the Beatitudes. Just the
opposite: It is Jesus’ wonderful life that is imparted to me that will allow me to live the way he did. That is what Paul describes in Galatians: “I have been crucified
with Christ. I live no more, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:19,20).
FOCUS: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
How will I look when I begin reflecting the image of God that Christ is restoring in me? Even when I am persecuted and suffer for the name of Jesus, I will rejoice
deep within my spirit. My eyes will be able to see beyond the momentary pain of suffering with Jesus to behold the glory and triumph of his kingdom. If I protest and
complain to him about the cup of suffering he is offering me to drink, he will quickly rescind his offer and take back the cup. However, I will soon realize that
although I have gained back some of the treasures of life in this world, my treasure chest in the kingdom of God is almost empty. Lord Jesus, help me to soak in
your passion this morning: I see you beaten, insulted, spit upon and deprived of justice, treated like a common criminal. Allow me to realize that when I suffer for
you, I am filling up what is still lacking in regard to your afflictions. As I soak in your sufferings, I will find your joy as well.
SOAK in prayer for the love of Christ to so fill your heart that when you are called upon to suffer for him, only sweet wine—no vinegar—will come from your lips.
DAY 14 TEN COMMANDMENTS: SEEING JESUS ON MT. SINAI
PRAYER: Righteous, holy Father, the Ten Commandments you spoke at Mt. Sinai were a summary of your eternal will for mankind. We who know Jesus recognize
that no “commandment” could possibly contain your will for mankind. Only your Son Jesus is the perfect embodiment of your will. Help me, Father, to soak in the
presence of your Son Jesus, glowing with his glory this morning as you reveal Him to me in this commandment.
FOCUS: 1ST Commandment: “I am the Lord, your God. You will have no other gods before me.”
Jesus, I confess that you are God, one with the Father and the Spirit. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. You are my Savior who has
redeemed from the bondage of sin and cleansed me in the waters of Baptism and is bringing me safely into the Promised Land. I pray that as you live in me, I
would fear you and love you and trust your promises throughout this day. May I be so captivated with your love for me that I would refrain from worshiping any other
gods besides You.
SOAK in the revelation that Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings, One with the Father.
DAY 15 TEN COMMANDMENTS
PRAYER: Righteous, holy Father, the Ten Commandments you spoke at Mt. Sinai were a summary of your eternal will for mankind. We who know Jesus recognize
that no “commandment” could possibly contain your will for mankind. Only your Son Jesus is the perfect embodiment of your will. Help me, Father, to soak in the
presence of your Son Jesus, glowing with his glory this morning as you reveal Him to me in this commandment.
FOCUS: Second Commandment: You will not make for yourself any images of God.
Lord, Jesus, I am thankful that you are the image of the invisible God, God in the flesh. You did not think equality with the Father something to be grasped, so you
humbled yourself to share in our human condition. I desire to let You live through me that I may be the image of Jesus for those I meet and converse with today. I
desire to die to my self-image and allow you to fill me more and more, that I may reflect your glory.
SOAK in the revelation that Jesus is re-creating you in the image of God.
DAY 16 TEN COMMANDMENTS
PRAYER: Righteous, holy Father, the Ten Commandments you spoke at Mt. Sinai were a summary of your eternal will for mankind. We who know Jesus recognize
that no “commandment” could possibly contain your will for mankind. Only your Son Jesus is the perfect embodiment of your will. Help me, Father, to soak in the
presence of your Son Jesus, glowing with his glory this morning as you reveal Him to me in this commandment.
FOCUS: Third Commandment: You will not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Lord Jesus, your name is the name of salvation, the name that is above every
other name,the name at which every knee will bow in heaven and on earth. I thank You, Jesus, that in baptism you placed your name upon me and that I belong to
you for all eternity. I thank you that Satan has no grounds to condemn me or destroy my faith, because I belong to you.
SOAK in the revelation that you have the authority to use Jesus’ name because you belong to Him.
DAY 17 TEN COMMANDMENTS
PRAYER: Righteous, holy Father, the Ten Commandments you spoke at Mt. Sinai were a summary of your eternal will for mankind. We who know Jesus recognize
that no “commandment” could possibly contain your will for mankind. Only your Son Jesus is the perfect embodiment of your will. Help me, Father, to soak in the
presence of your Son Jesus, glowing with his glory this morning as you reveal Him to me in this commandment.
FOCUS: Fourth Commandment: You will honor the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
I thank you, Lord Jesus, that you are my Sabbath rest. In you I find peace, not as the world gives, but only as you can give. In the stress of this day I know that I can
always come back to you and be refreshed with the peace that surpasses human understanding. Help me to find rest in you, knowing that the Father will give me
enough time today to accomplish all that he desires me to do. Help me to find rest in your grace, knowing my salvation does not depend on my accomplishments,
but is already accomplished through your sacrifice on the cross.
SOAK in the revelation that Jesus is pouring his rest and peace into your soul.
DAY 18 TEN COMMANDMENTS
PRAYER: Righteous, holy Father, the Ten Commandments you spoke at Mt. Sinai were a summary of your eternal will for mankind. We who know Jesus recognize
that no “commandment” could possibly contain your will for mankind. Only your Son Jesus is the perfect embodiment of your will. Help me, Father, to soak in the
presence of your Son Jesus, glowing with his glory this morning as you reveal Him to me in this commandment.
FOCUS: Fifth Commandment: You will honor your father and your mother.
I marvel Lord Jesus that you were the totally obedient Son of the Father. You obeyed the Father in everything you said and did, and you desired only for his will to be
accomplished. Lord Jesus, because You dwell in me and have given me a new birth, I also live to do the Father’s will and not my own. As I die to my self will, I trust
you to work in me and inspire me so that my words and my actions—and even my thoughts—will bring glory to God.
SOAK in the revelation that with Jesus living in you, you are a pleasure to your heavenly Father.
DAY 19 TEN COMMANDMENTS
PRAYER: Righteous, holy Father, the Ten Commandments you spoke at Mt. Sinai were a summary of your eternal will for mankind. We who know Jesus recognize
that no “commandment” could possibly contain your will for mankind. Only your Son Jesus is the perfect embodiment of your will. Help me, Father, to soak in the
presence of your Son Jesus, glowing with his glory this morning as you reveal Him to me in this commandment.
FOCUS: Sixth Commandment: You will not murder.
Jesus, You are my life. You are Bread of Life and the Living Water that sustains me. Without you I am a condemned sinner, deserving only death. You have given
me the gift of eternal life, the gift of an eternal relationship with you and the Father and the Holy Spirit. Because you live in me, I have your promise that out of me will
flow rivers of living water. Lord Jesus, may I see the opportunities you give me today to share your life with others. May my words bring life not death to those
around me. May my actions show that I have been raised to life with you, and may others see your resurrection life in me.
SOAK in the revelation that you are drawing divine life from Jesus today.
DAY 20 TEN COMMANDMENTS
PRAYER: Righteous, holy Father, the Ten Commandments you spoke at Mt. Sinai were a summary of your eternal will for mankind. We who know Jesus recognize
that no “commandment” could possibly contain your will for mankind. Only your Son Jesus is the perfect embodiment of your will. Help me, Father, to soak in the
presence of your Son Jesus, glowing with his glory this morning as you reveal Him to me in this commandment.
FOCUS: Seventh Commandment: You will not commit adultery.
Lord Jesus, you are love in the purest form. Your love for me is pure and holy and righteous. Your love is transforming my life. I can trust that even when I am
unfaithful to you during this day, you are faithful to love me. Because you live in me, I can love those around me, even people who I find difficult or impossible to
love. I thank you, Jesus, that you are the heavenly bridegroom who is deeply in love with your bride the church, and you are returning to take her home with you.
Lord, I too love your church and pray for your grace to serve in this body of believers you have called me to.
SOAK in the revelation that you are drawing on the love of Jesus in your relationships today.
DAY 21 TEN COMMANDMENTS
PRAYER: Righteous, holy Father, the Ten Commandments you spoke at Mt. Sinai were a summary of your eternal will for mankind. We who know Jesus recognize
that no “commandment” could possibly contain your will for mankind. Only your Son Jesus is the perfect embodiment of your will. Help me, Father, to soak in the
presence of your Son Jesus, glowing with his glory this morning as you reveal Him to me in this commandment.
FOCUS: Eight Commandment: You will not steal
Jesus, I thank you that you are my Provider. You promise to give me all I need so that I do not have to cheat or lie or deceive in order to get what is not rightfully
mine. I thank you, Jesus, that You give me every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, the greatest of which is the Holy Spirit himself, who will lead me and
guide me, comfort me and counsel me in the troubles and stresses of life today.
SOAK in the revelation that there is nothing you can think of that Jesus, your Provider, has forgotten about.
DAY 22 TEN COMMANDMENTS
PRAYER: Righteous, holy Father, the Ten Commandments you spoke at Mt. Sinai were a summary of your eternal will for mankind. We who know Jesus recognize
that no “commandment” could possibly contain your will for mankind. Only your Son Jesus is the perfect embodiment of your will. Help me, Father, to soak in the
presence of your Son Jesus, glowing with his glory this morning as you reveal Him to me in this commandment.
FOCUS: Ninth Commandment: You will not bear false witness (lie).
Jesus, you are the faithful and true witness. Your word is truth, and it is your truth that sets me free from the bondage and strongholds of the enemy. I thank You,
Jesus, that because you dwell in me, I have your mind, and I can know your thoughts. Lord, give me courage to speak your truth in the conversations I have today.
Give me discernment to know what is truth and what is a lie, so that I will not be deceived in any way and lose my salvation.
SOAK in the revelation that you have the mind of Christ to recognize the truth, speak the truth and believe the truth.
DAY 23 TEN COMMANDMENTS
PRAYER: Righteous, holy Father, the Ten Commandments you spoke at Mt. Sinai were a summary of your eternal will for mankind. We who know Jesus recognize
that no “commandment” could possibly contain your will for mankind. Only your Son Jesus is the perfect embodiment of your will. Help me, Father, to soak in the
presence of your Son Jesus, glowing with his glory this morning as you reveal Him to me in this commandment.
FOCUS: Tenth Commandment: You will not covet.
Lord Jesus, You are the desire of my heart. As the deer pants after water, so my soul longs for you. Because you live in me, you are purifying my desires so that I
can live more and more for you. Since I can trust you to provide for me today, I can be content in life and not be covetous of what others have. I trust that you are
what I need in life more than anything or anyone else.
SOAK in the revelation that Jesus is the desire of all mankind and is able to satisfy the deepest desires of your heart.
DAY 24 WEAPONS OF THE SPIRIT: EPHESIANS 6
Prayer: O Holy Spirit, fill me with your presence this morning. I know that you can equip me with the armor of the Spirit to defend myself against every attack of the
enemy and to invade the enemy’s territory to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ. As I arm myself this morning, equip me with power from on high to defeat all my
enemies and to stand in the grace of Jesus Christ.
FOCUS: Picture yourself placing on your body the HELMET OF SALVATION:
What does the helmet protect? Your mind. Satan’s strategy is to try and control your mind with his lies and deception. He wants you to doubt your salvation and
doubt Christ’s promises to you. By putting on the helmet of salvation, you have a sure knowledge of your salvation. You can say with Paul (Romans 6), I’ve been
united with Jesus in his death, so I have also been united with Jesus in his resurrection. I am sure that Christ has saved me and that I belong to you, Lord. Paul
also says, “We have the mind of Christ.” By putting on the helmet of your salvation, you can look at life the way God does. Put on the helmet of salvation and say,
“Lord, help me to see the people around me the way you do. Help me to see myself the way you do.”
DAY 25 WEAPONS OF THE SPIRIT: EPHESIANS 6
Prayer: O Holy Spirit, fill me with your presence this morning. I know that you can equip me with the armor of the Spirit to defend myself against every attack of the
enemy and to invade the enemy’s territory to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ. As I arm myself this morning, equip me with power from on high to defeat all my
enemies and to stand in the grace of Jesus Christ.
FOCUS: Picture yourself placing on your body the BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
What does the breastplate protect? My heart and soul. Why do we need Jesus’ righteousness? My righteousness will never satisfy a just and holy God. I must
confess, “There is nothing good within me.” That’s why God sent Jesus: to be my righteousness before the Father. This morning I place the breastplate of Jesus’
righteousness over my heart. I say with confidence, “Father, your Son is my righteousness today. I place him over my heart as a breastplate. Be assured, Satan
runs when he sees the righteousness of Jesus.
DAY 26 WEAPONS OF THE SPIRIT: EPHESIANS 6
Prayer: O Holy Spirit, fill me with your presence this morning. I know that you can equip me with the armor of the Spirit to defend myself against every attack of the
enemy and to invade the enemy’s territory to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ. As I arm myself this morning, equip me with power from on high to defeat all my
enemies and to stand in the grace of Jesus Christ.
FOCUS: Picture yourself placing on your body the SWORD OF SPIRIT
What is sword of Spirit? The Word of God. What are four swords we can use to defeat the enemy? 1.The Bible, the written word of God. Jesus used this sword to
defeat Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). 2. The Living Word of God: Jesus. We can use Jesus’ name to force the enemy back. 3. Prayer. We use prayer to “Tie
up the strong man and bind him.”
4. The Holy Spirit. With “words taught by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2), we use the sword to cut off the enemy. Lord, I am taking out the Sword of the Spirit this
morning. As I swing it, I know the enemy is fleeing in fear. I offer myself to you, O Lord, as a Christian soldier, going into battle. Using the sword of the Spirit, I trust, O
Lord, that your Kingdom is advancing.
DAY 27 WEAPONS OF THE SPIRIT: EPHESIANS 6
Prayer: O Holy Spirit, fill me with your presence this morning. I know that you can equip me with the armor of the Spirit to defend myself against every attack of the
enemy and to invade the enemy’s territory to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ. As I arm myself this morning, equip me with power from on high to defeat all my
enemies and to stand in the grace of Jesus Christ.
FOCUS: Picture yourself placing on your body the SHIELD OF FAITH
Satan aims his fiery arrows at us. Like a raging firestorm, Satan’s burning embers are hurled at us with a furious wind. What are the arrows he aims at you? Fears,
temptations, doubts, desire for revenge, lusts? How does God want you to use the shield? For Protection. The shield is not our faith, but the object of our faith:
Jesus Christ. “Fix your eyes on Jesus author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12). Lord, I am putting up the shield of faith today. Jesus, you are my protection
against the temptations, the lusts, the doubts—all those firey arrows the enemy hurls against me. Jesus, you will intercept them so they do not pierece my heart
and my soul.
DAY 28 WEAPONS OF THE SPIRIT: EPHESIANS 6
Prayer: O Holy Spirit, fill me with your presence this morning. I know that you can equip me with the armor of the Spirit to defend myself against every attack of the
enemy and to invade the enemy’s territory to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ. As I arm myself this morning, equip me with power from on high to defeat all my
enemies and to stand in the grace of Jesus Christ.
FOCUS: Picture yourself placing on your body the BELT OF TRUTH
What is Satan’s greatest weapon? The lie. He is always a liar. The lie is always at the bottom of Satan’s attack. How does he use his weapon on you? Where are
you tempted to succumb to his attack? Believing you are worthless? Believing you have no purpose in the world? Believing you are a failure in life? Believing you
can’t be forgiven for the terrible sins you’ve committed?
Lord, today I am equipping myself with the belt of truth. I am confessing the truth of Jesus’ promises to me: You made me and value my life. I find my purpose in life
in worshiping you and serving you. I claim the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse me from all my sins. I stand forgiven and righteous in your sight. No weapon that
Satan has forged to use against me will prevail.
DAY 29 WEAPONS OF THE SPIRIT: EPHESIANS 6
Prayer: O Holy Spirit, fill me with your presence this morning. I know that you can equip me with the armor of the Spirit to defend myself against every attack of the
enemy and to invade the enemy’s territory to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ. As I arm myself this morning, equip me with power from on high to defeat all my
enemies and to stand in the grace of Jesus Christ.
FOCUS: Picture yourself placing on your body the GOSPEL SHOES OF PEACE
What are the Gospel shoes of peace? Where do you get them? Jesus is our peace with God. His blood sacrifice on the cross seals that peace treaty between me
and God. What happens to me when I start wearing them? I have peace in my soul. “Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Jesus’ peace disarms my anger.
The Devil cannot torment us with my sins and failures. Lord, I am putting on the Gospel shoes of peace this morning. As I wear them today, I will experience your
peace in my soul. As I meet others today, I will be extending the peace of Jesus to them as well. When trouble arises or anger flares, Holy Spirit, remind me I am
wearing the Gospel shoes of peace.
DAY 30 WEAPONS OF THE SPIRIT: EPHESIANS 6
Prayer: O Holy Spirit, fill me with your presence this morning. I know that you can equip me with the armor of the Spirit to defend myself against every attack of the
enemy and to invade the enemy’s territory to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ. As I arm myself this morning, equip me with power from on high to defeat all my
enemies and to stand in the grace of Jesus Christ.
FOCUS: Picture yourself placing on your body the WEAPON OF PRAYER
The “weapon” of prayer? Though we may not so easily visualize prayer as a weapon, Paul exhorts us to prayer three times in this section of spiritual warfare in
Ephesians, chapter six.
As you soak in the Holy Spirit’s presence this morning, use this powerful weapon of prayer:
“I am thankful, Holy Spirit, that your weapons have divine power to demolish strongholds of the enemy—thought patterns that Satan hides behind, plotting my
destruction. Therefore in my own life today I tear down the plans Satan has formed against me. I surrender my body, mind and spirit to you, Holy Spirit, and pray you
would bring to my attention any area of darkness or rebellion where Satan has a hold on me. Fill me with the love of Christ that sends the Devil running in fear.”
