Saturday's message doesn't have to end on Saturday. This 5-day plan gives you an easy way to keep reflecting throughout the week with a daily reading, prayer prompt, and practical step to live it out.
Rules of Engagement - #9 & #10 Living in Truth & Freedom from Coveting
Jim Walden 6/27/2026
Day 1: The Father of Lies
Read: Genesis 3:1-13, John 8:44, Acts 5:1-11
Reflect: Satan is called the "father of lies"—the originator of deception. When we lie, we participate in his kingdom rather than God's. Notice in Genesis 3 how Adam and Eve's first sin led immediately to hiding and half-truths. When Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit, they lied to God Himself.
Pray: "Lord Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life. Forgive me for the times I've participated in lies—big or small. Reveal any ways I'm being dishonest with You, with others, or with myself. Holy Spirit, convict my heart when I'm tempted to deceive. I want to walk in Your truth."
Action Items:
Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind any recent lies you've told—even "small" ones like exaggerations or convenient half-truths
Confess them specifically to God
If possible, make amends where your dishonesty has hurt someone
Day 2: God Seeks Truth-Tellers
Read: John 4:23-24, Psalm 51:6, 1 John 1:5-10
Reflect: God seeks those who worship Him "in spirit and in truth." He doesn't just want outward religious activity—He wants honest hearts. Notice in Genesis 3 that when Adam and Eve stopped answering truthfully, God became quiet toward them. He desires authentic relationship, not performance or pretense.
Pray: "Father, You desire truth in my innermost being. I confess that I sometimes hide from You like Adam did—afraid of disappointing You or facing what's really in my heart. Help me come to You honestly, knowing that You already see everything and love me completely. Teach me to worship You in spirit and truth."
Action Items:
Spend 10 minutes in silent reflection: "Lord, is there any area of my life where I'm not being completely honest with You?"
Write down what surfaces—no editing, no justifying
Bring each item to God: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us" (1 John 1:9)
Day 3: Walking in Truth Daily
Read: John 14:6, 15-17; John 17:17; 3 John 1:4
Reflect: Jesus is the embodiment of truth, and He's given us the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of Truth—to guide us into all truth. The Spirit uses God's Word to speak truth to our consciences. Walking in truth isn't a one-time decision; it's a daily practice of abiding in Jesus and His Word, moment by moment.
Pray: "Jesus, You said Your Word is truth. Holy Spirit, guide me into all truth today. Help me recognize when I'm stretching the truth, withholding information, or deceiving myself. Make me sensitive to Your voice. I want to be someone who walks in truth—not just talks about it."
Action Items:
Identify one specific area where you're prone to "little lies" (work emails, social media, conversations with family, financial matters)
Before speaking or acting today in that area, pause and pray: "Holy Spirit, help me respond in complete truth"
Practice radical honesty in at least three conversations today
Day 4: Freedom from Coveting
Read: Exodus 20:17, Hebrews 13:5-6, Philippians 1:21, Matthew 6:19-21
Reflect: Coveting reveals what we're truly living for—it exposes the "other gods" in our hearts. The final commandment brings us back to the first: "No other gods before Me." What's in your box? What are you actually living for? Paul could say, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Death either takes us further from what we covet or closer to what we love.
Pray: "Lord, search my heart. What am I coveting? What am I living for? Reveal any idols—success, comfort, approval, possessions, control. I don't want to clutch fool's gold when You offer me eternal rewards beyond imagination. Help me live for what lasts. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Action Items:
Complete this sentence honestly: "If I lost ______________, I would feel like my life fell apart."
Whatever you wrote is likely something you're coveting or idolizing
Ask God to replace that desire with deeper satisfaction in Him
Practice gratitude: List 10 things you already have that you can thank God for
Day 5: Transformation—Living for Jesus & Others
Read: Romans 13:9, John 13:34-35, Philippians 2:3-8
Reflect: All the commandments are summed up in one: "Love your neighbor as yourself." As Christ-followers, we carry His name wherever we go. We're called to live for Jesus and others—especially for eternity. Jim Elliott said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." What will you be remembered for?
Pray: "Father, I want to be known by Your name—as someone who walked in truth and loved well. Forgive me for living for temporary things. Transform my heart to treasure what lasts forever. Help me love others sacrificially today. Let my life be a blessing to many, for Your glory and their good. I'm planting seeds for eternity."
Action Items:
Write your own "What's in your box?" statement: "For me to live is __________"
Is it "Christ" or something else? Be honest.
Choose one specific way to sacrificially love or serve someone today—especially someone who can't pay you back
Share with a trusted friend what God has revealed this week about truth and coveting—and ask them to pray for and encourage your continued transformation
Remember: "You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32)—but only when you hold to Jesus' teaching and let the Spirit of Truth guide you into all truth. Walk in His truth today, and live for what lasts forever.
Every Sunday: Review your three names and pray for them
Every Week: Have at least one meaningful interaction with each person
Every Month: Look for an opportunity to invite one of them to church or a spiritual conversation
Remember: You're not responsible for outcomes—just obedience. Plant, Invite, Share, Love. God handles the growth.
"How can they hear without a proclaimer? And how can they preach unless they are sent?"
- Romans 10:14-15
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