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The Quickening Power of the Resurrection

... dealing with the strongholds of spiritual death

DAY 1-3 How the quickening power of the resurrection comes upon our darkened mind and brings the light of understanding

DAY 1--A Prayer for the Darkened Understanding
Eph 1:18a,19,20a The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know... what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead...
• FATHER, my mind has been darkened. Too much of my memory and understanding, too many of my thoughts and ideas have come from the darkness. I am ready to give this darkness to You. Let the light of Christ's Resurrection shine in me so I can see and enter Your Kingdom.
How Life and Light Came to Lazarus--Jn 11:39-44

DAY 2--Release from A Darkened Understanding and a Blinded Heart
Eph 2:3a ... We all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind... Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart...
• FATHER, my mind was as dark an anyone's. It kept me separated from You. My heart too, was blinded to Your love and power. Even now, in knowing You, my path is dim. Draw me out of this darkness into the light that is ready to come upon me. I yield to this light.
Puffing Away the Former Way of Life--Eph 4:20-24

DAY 3--An Understanding Set Free to Do God's Will
Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
• DEAR LORD, my darkened understanding kept me from Your perfect will. I have done so much that is wrong that, now, I have little hope outside of Your mercy. But oh! You are extending that mercy to me today and bringing light to my mind so I can know You and walk in Your will.
Prayer for Understanding--Ps 119:34,73,125,169

Day 4-8 How the quickening power of the resurrection finds us in the deadness of sin and makes us alive with Christ Jesus

DAY 4--Coming Out of Our Spiritual Death
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened (made alive) together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses. Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, (He) hath quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.)
• LORD, what a miracle You have worked in my life! You brought me right out of spiritual death and sin and made me alive with Your Son Jesus! I have no ground on which to stand in this new life except the ground of Your grace. I rejoice in this. Thank You for redeeming me.
Visiting the Scene Where It Happened--Mk 16:1-8

DAY 5--Discovering the New Life that Is Now Ours
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created Him...
• FATHER, the new life You have given me is wonderful. I have been slow in yielding to its embrace. I have known too little of its power. But today I am ready to yield to its energy. Receive me and heal my weak spirit.
Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New--Eph 4:22-24

DAY 6--Seeking Things that Are Above
Col 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection (your frame of mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
• DEAR LORD, I believe You are setting me free from the downward pull my soul has felt for too long. I am ready to seek the things that pertain to Your Kingdom. Draw my spirit after You. Entice me with Your Kingdom's delights. Enrich my mind and my heart with new desire for You and all that pertains to You.
What We Actually Leave Behind--Col 3:5-9

DAY 7--The Fruit of the New Life
Jn 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness and the end everlasting life.
• FATHER, the fruit of the new life has been small in me. I am ready for it to spring forth in new abundance, the fruit of holiness. Search me and reveal to me where holiness is lacking in me. Work it in me in such a way that others can partake of it with me without the condemnation self-righteousness would bring.
The New Creation--Gal 6:15; II Cor5:17; Heb 10:19-22

DAY 8--Partaking of the Divine Nature
II Pet 1:3,4....His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the life of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature…
• GRACIOUS LORD, reveal more to me of the exceeding great & precious promises You have given. I want to know more about being a partaker of Your divine nature. Let your faith, Your wisdom, Your righteousness and Your Kingdom's purposes come over upon me.
The Additions to the New Life--II Pet 1:5-7

Day 9-13 How the quickening power of the resurrection sets us free from the downward pull of the world

DAY 9--Why We Should Give Up Affection for the World and Its Ways
Is 13:11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. Mt 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall he give in exchange for his soul?
• FATHER, the world has had too great a hold on me. I ready to renounce its downward pull and let the attraction of Your Kingdom become the joy of my soul. Please bring about this adjustment in my life.
Our Connection with Him Who Made the World--Jn 1:9-12

DAY 10--How God Loved the World
Jn3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
• FATHER, if I love the world, let me love it as You love it. Let me love the world so much that I'll give my all to help others who are in the world know You and Your Son. Equip me to go among those caught in the world's darkness. I do not want to partake of their darkness. I do want Your light to shine through me to them.
How We Are to Love the World--Mk 16:15; Jn 15:15,16

DAY 11--Withstanding the Contempt of the World
Jn 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Jn 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
• LORD, I have known little persecution from the world. And I am not prepared to receive it. Work into my spirit, my mind, my emotions, and my will the stamina of Your Kingdom and the power of Your Resurrection. Then I can withstand the hatred the world has for You and Yours.
How Jesus Prayed for Us in the World--Jn 17:14-23

DAY 12--Jesus' Testimony as to His Mission in the World
Jn 18:37a Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world... that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. I Tim 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, Who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, Who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession.
• GRACIOUS FATHER, help me remember the testimony of Your Son as He was about to be crucified. Give me the boldness to stand before all men, great and small, with a sure testimony of my own. Let my testimony be that I have taken Jesus as my King.
Holding the Testimony of Jesus in the Day of the Lord--Rev 6:9; 11:7; 12:17; 19:10

DAY l3--Deliverance from this Present Evil World
Gal 1:3,4a Grace be to you and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world... Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
• FATHER, I take my deliverance from this present evil world. I exalt Your Son, even now, as my King. I yield to His rule in my life. Teach me to listen for His commands. Teach me to love His ways. Teach me to embrace His will for me life. Help me come into right relationship with all who are in His Kingdom.
Withstanding the Forces that Will Rise Against Us as the Age Comes to Its End--Mt 24:6-14

Day 14-18 How the quickening power of the resurrection equips us to overcome demonic attacks

DAY l4--How Jesus Spoiled the Enemy's Strongholds
Mt 12:29... How can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. Col 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, He (the Lord Jesus) made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
• FATHER, I want to move with the Lord Jesus in His triumph. Open my understanding so I can know more of what He has done to the enemy. It seems I am constantly beset with trouble from the enemy's hand. I am ready for his overthrow in my life and in my affairs. Discipline my soul to worship You and walk in the triumph You give me.
How God's Mercy Prevails to Help Us Overcome Our Enemies--Ps 41:4-13

DAY l5--The Example Jesus Set for Us in Dealing with Demons
Mt 4:23,24 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And His fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them.
• DEAR FATHER, help me get my life in order so there will be nothing in me the accuser can use against me. I take my stand in Your Son. I confess I am accepted before You in Him. I am complete in Him, equipped in Him, and made ready to stand against the enemy in Him.
How Jesus Commissioned His Disciples to Deal with the Enemy--Mt 9:38-10:1

DAY 16--How an Early Evangelist Dealt with Unclean Spirits
Ac 8:6,7 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
• LORD, raise up Evangelists today who will minister like Philip. If You want me to be one, I am willing. Teach me. Help me bring my life into order with Your Kingdom. Anoint me. Give me compassion for those who suffer.
How Jesus Commissioned Seventy Others beside the Twelve--Lk 10:1-17

DAY 17-Getting Our Priority Right in Our Conflict with the Enemy
Lk 10:18-20 And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
• FATHER, I turn my rejoicing and my worship toward You. You have received me into Your fold. Thank You. Now as I rest in this give me understanding regarding our triumph over the enemy that will soon be known in all the earth. Teach me to walk in this triumph even now.
The Understanding Moses Had about Israel's Triumph at the Red Sea--Ex 15:1-7

DAY 18--The Increased Wrath of the Devil at the End
Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhibitors of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
• FATHER, teach us the secret Jesus knew and Paul knew about dwelling in the heavens while they lived on earth. Open our understanding to know we are there, in Christ, with You. Help us know He is here in this conflict in us. Teach us to rejoice in the face of the devil's wrath.
The Secret of Overcoming--Rev 12:10,11; Rom 8:33,34

Day 19-22 How the quickening power of the resurrection brings us out of unbelief

DAY 19--Trying to Serve with "Little Faith"
Mt 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Mt 8:26 And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. Mt 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Mt 16:8 Which when Jesus perceived, He said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
• DEAR FATHER, we're so much like Your disciples of old. Our faith has been little, but Your faithfulness has been great. Help us to know that even when we have but a little faith, it can reach through mighty barriers and touch Your heart and receive the power You give.
Coming out of Blindness by Faith--Mt 9:27-31

DAY 20--How "Great Faith" May Dwell in Unlikely People
Mt 8:8,10,13 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.... When Jesus heard it, He marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel... And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou host believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
• LORD, sometimes I am put to shame by the faith of others who seem to know so little of You. This shows me Your great power will reach into the heart of any person, even one who has followed you from afar. Here, now, are some I draw in before You that You might release faith and healing in them. They are far off and they need You.
Another Example of Great Faith--Mt 15:21-28

DAY 21--Faith that Moves Mountains
Mt 17:19-21 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
• LORD, there are so many impossible situations surrounding us that we can't even count them. I sometimes feel they are greater than You are--but I know they are not. Place in me the strong desire to wait before You till I see Your greatness rise and the mountains move away.
A Song of Faith Born in the Midst of War--Ps 46:1-11

DAY 22--Living by the Faith of the Son of God
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.
• LOVING LORD, my life is a failure. I am ready to confess that I have no hope to become an overcomer--except by Your grace. You took the penalty for my sin upon You. You went to the Cross in my stead. You were raised up to give new life to me. Now You are giving me Your faith. I receive it. Now I can live the Life of Your Kingdom.
A Lesson Jesus Taught about Believing--Mt 21:18-22

Day 23-26 How the quickening power of the resurrection helps us overcome carnality

DAY 23--How the Carnal Mind Opposes God
Rom 8:5a,6a,7 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh... For to be carnally minded is death... Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
• FATHER, the tendency of my life has been toward carnality. Sometimes its strong pull was more than I could resist. I am sorry. This has not brought glory to You or to Your Kingdom. It has brought grief to me. Teach me how to yield to Your Spirit so He can always win out in me.
The Contest in Which God's Spirit Wins--Rom 8:1-14

DAY 24--How the Carnal Mind Is Unable to Receive Spiritual Things
Jn 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. I Cor 3:1 And I brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
• DEAR FATHER, no longer do I want carnality to keep me from hearing Your voice. Teach me to listen and to remember what You tell me. Give me a heart that listens and listens--all the day long-and that yields to You.
The Tendency of a Carnal Person to Follow a False Prophet--II Pet 2:1-10

DAY 25--The Marks of a Carnal Christian
I Cor 3:3,4 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
• DEAR FATHER, I know that envying, strife and divisions among Your children are a grief to You. Please help me renounce them. Help me learn not to participate in them or to promote them. Forgive and cleanse me wherein I have participated in strife and division.
How the Ministries Appointed by the Ascended Christ Are to Work toward Removing Division--Eph 4:11 - 16

DAY 26--Why Carnal Christians Cannot Participate in Spiritual Warfare
II Cor 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.)
• FATHER, l renounce every carnal thing that will hinder me in overcoming the enemy. Convict me. Show me what displeases You. Cleanse me. I call on the power of the Cross and the Resurrection to set me free and bring me to maturity for Your Kingdom's purpose on my life.
The Removal of Every High Thing that Opposes the Full Knowledge of God--II Cor 10:5; I Cor 1:18-29

For the Remainder of the Month: Take Rom 8. Find in it every time the flesh is mentioned. Then find every time the Spirit is mentioned. After verse 13, the flesh occurs no more, only the Spirit. This keeps me reminded that it is possible for the flesh to be overcome by the Spirit.

Unfortunately, we have no room here to deal with the wrath of human nature. We hope to give attention to it in a future article.

© Berean Ministries

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