"One Thing I Have Desired of the Lord, That Will I Seek: That I May Dwell in the House of the Lord All the Days of My Life"

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and awe for Your boundless love and mercy. As we gather in Your presence, we humbly ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive Your Word today. May the scales fall from our eyes, allowing us to see clearly the truth and wisdom You have for us.

Lord, we ask for Your protection over each of us as we delve into Your Word. Guard our hearts from distractions and doubts, and fill us with the Spirit of truth, wisdom, and understanding. Let Your Holy Spirit move mightily among us, illuminating our path and guiding our steps.

We pray that Your divine presence will envelop us, empowering us to stand firm in faith and to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we seek Your face in prayer and fasting, may we be drawn ever closer to You, finding refuge and strength in Your divine tent.

We thank You, Lord, for the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through whom we have been sanctified once and for all. Help us to fully grasp the depth of Your grace, mercy, and love, and to live each day in the light of Your truth.

In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen.

"One Thing I Have Desired of the Lord, That Will I Seek: That I May Dwell in the House of the Lord All the Days of My Life"

1. Dwelling in the Presence of the Lord

Beloved, hear the divine call of the Spirit today as we stand at the threshold of a new year, a year of revival and divine transformation. In these times, where the world around us trembles with uncertainty, let our hearts remain anchored in the everlasting truth of God's Word. Allow the Spirit to infuse this message with the holy fire of the Holy Spirit, igniting a passion within you to rise as mighty warriors of the Most High God.

To dwell in the house of the Lord is to live in constant communion with Him, where His presence permeates every aspect of our lives. It is in His presence that we find our true purpose, our strength, and our peace.

2. God as Our Refuge

In moments of turmoil, God provides a place of refuge. Envision being lifted onto a high rock, safe from the raging storm below. This is the promise of God's protection, a fortress where we find peace and security.

Isaiah 30:15: "In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Imagine the profound peace and strength that comes from trusting in the Lord completely. This verse beautifully complements the promises of Psalm 27, reminding us that salvation and strength come from returning to God, resting in His presence, and having quiet confidence in Him.

3. Establishing God's Kingdom on Earth

As we seek to establish God's kingdom on earth, we align ourselves with His divine will. This prayer is a call to action, urging us to embody the values of heaven in our daily lives. Visualize a canvas being painted with the colors of heaven, each stroke representing acts of love, justice, and mercy. This is our mission as the body of Christ—to be the living reflection of His kingdom.

4. The Power of Fasting

In this sacred journey, fasting and prayer become our spiritual disciplines, tools that equip us for the battles ahead. Fasting is more than abstaining from food; it is a profound act of surrender, a means to align our hearts with God's heart. Isaiah 58:6 reminds us that true fasting breaks the chains of injustice and sets the oppressed free. Picture a chain being shattered, its links falling away as we humble ourselves before the Lord.

Fasting draws us closer to God, bringing us into His divine tent, into His protection and provision. It is a way to tune out the noise of the world and tune into the voice of the Lord. As we fast, we enter into a sacred space where we can hear His whispers of love and guidance.

5. The Essence of Prayer

Prayer is our lifeline to the divine, the intimate conversation between our hearts and our Creator. Philippians 4:6 encourages us to bring everything to God in prayer, with thanksgiving, trusting that He hears us and moves on our behalf. Imagine pouring out your heart to a trusted friend, knowing that every word is heard and cherished. That is the essence of prayer. The aroma of prayer rises like sweet incense before the Lord, filling His heavenly temple. As we pray, our words become a fragrant offering, pleasing and acceptable to Him.

Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."

6. The New Covenant Through Jesus Christ

The tent, or house, of God was always meant to be a place for His people to come into His presence, to seek His face, and to find refuge. In the days of the Israelites, the tent of meeting was a physical place where God’s glory dwelled. Unfortunately, despite this divine invitation, the Israelites often rebelled and hardened their hearts, missing out on the fullness of God's presence. Because of their mistakes, a new covenant was established through Jesus Christ. Today, we can enter freely into God's presence through prayer and fasting, without the need for animal sacrifices.

Hebrews 10:10: "By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

We no longer have to offer sacrifices as in the days of old, for through grace, the perfect sacrifice has been made once and for all time. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, took upon Himself the sins of the world, and through His sacrifice, we are sanctified. This profound truth means that we no longer strive to earn God's favor; it has been freely given through the ultimate act of love on the cross.

Justice is getting what we deserve; mercy is being spared what we deserve; and grace is being given what we do not deserve. Imagine standing at the foot of the cross, feeling the weight of your burdens lifted, knowing that Jesus' sacrifice has set you free. Through His grace, we receive the gift of eternal life, a gift we could never earn on our own.

7. Girded for Spiritual Warfare

As we prepare for the spiritual warfare and evangelistic missions of 2025, let us be girded with the armor of God. This armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Each piece is vital, equipping us to stand firm against the enemy's schemes. Picture yourself as a warrior, fully armed and ready for battle, your spirit ablaze with the holy fire of the Holy Spirit.

Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

This verse is a divine command to be brave and courageous. As you step out to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, know that you are not alone. The Lord is with you, guiding your every step.

Beloved, the house of God is not confined to walls and structures. It is a spiritual dwelling where His presence permeates every aspect of our lives. As the collective body of believers, we are the living temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). This sacred reality calls us to live in constant communion with Him, seeking His kingdom and His righteousness above all else (Matthew 6:33).

I Want to Encourage Us to Embrace this Call

Let us embrace this call with hearts ablaze, ready to declare His glory to all nations. Revival is upon us, and the year 2025 will be marked by His power, His presence, and His overwhelming love. Go forth, mighty warriors of the Most High God, and share the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Let the light of His truth shine through you, bringing hope and transformation to a world in need.

Mighty warriors of the Most High God, come into His tent with prayer and fasting often to be empowered, strengthened, and protected. In His house, there is fullness of joy, peace beyond understanding, and a glory that transforms lives. Stand firm in His truth, seek His face daily, and dwell in His presence all the days of your life. For in His presence, we find our true purpose and strength.

Be brave, be courageous, and walk in faith. Let the revival of 2025 be marked by His glory and the outpouring of His Spirit. Go forth, carriers of His glory, and let the world see the light of Christ shining through you. Amen.