Returning to Intimacy

Author: youngpl24

  • A Reflection of God’s Love

    A Reflection of God’s Love

    In a world often clouded by fear, uncertainty, and division, the words of 1 John 4 offer us a radiant light and an anchor of truth. The Apostle John reminds us that love is not merely an emotion or an ideal, it is the very essence of God.

    “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
    This verse reassures us that we are not walking this journey alone. The Spirit of God within us is greater than any force of darkness, any fear, or any challenge we might face. When we feel small, weak, or overwhelmed, we can lean on this truth: we are overcomers not because of our strength, but because of His presence within us.

    “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.” (1 John 4:7)
    Love is not optional for the believer—it is our calling, our mission, and our identity. When we love one another, we reflect God Himself. In a world desperate for compassion, kindness, and genuine care, our love becomes a testimony to who God is. Love isn’t just something we do; it is who we are in Christ.

    “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” (1 John 4:16)
    To abide in love is to abide in God. This abiding isn’t passive; it’s an active choice to stay connected to the Source. When we dwell in God’s love, it changes the way we see ourselves, others, and even our challenges. Love becomes our lens, our motivation, and our response.

    “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18)
    Fear is a powerful emotion, but it has no place in the presence of perfect love. God’s love doesn’t just comfort us, it expels fear. When we allow His love to fill our hearts, fear loses its grip, and we are free to live boldly, generously, and joyfully.

    Let this reflection remind us that God’s love isn’t distant—it’s active, present, and transformative. As we face challenges, let us remember that His love strengthens us, His Spirit empowers us, and His Word sustains us.

    May we not only know His love but also show His love to a world in need.

    Prayer Thought: Lord, help us to rest in Your perfect love, to walk in unity, and to live as reflections of Your light. In Jesus Name, Amen.

  • The Casting of Stones

    The Casting of Stones

    The casting of stones reflects on the profound lesson in John 8:1-11, where Jesus demonstrates love, grace, and forgiveness toward a woman caught in adultery. When confronted by self-righteous accusers, Jesus disarmed their condemnation with the powerful challenge, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone” (John 8:7). This moment not only exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees but also emphasized the necessity of compassion over judgment.

    The narrative serves as a reminder to avoid self-righteousness, as cautioned in Galatians 6:3, and to model Christ’s approach of kindness and mercy. By extending grace instead of casting stones, we can bring healing and restoration to those in need, creating opportunities for transformation. As followers of Christ, our calling is to offer love, forgiveness, and support to others, mirroring the Savior’s heart and fostering peace and reconciliation in a very broken world.  

    Heavenly Father,

    We come before You humbled by the reminder of Your grace and mercy. Forgive us for the times we have judged others, forgetting our own imperfections. Help us to lay down the stones of condemnation we so easily pick up and replace them with hands that offer love, understanding, and compassion.

    Teach us to see others through the eyes of Christ, who knelt in the dust to defend and restore, not to condemn. May our hearts reflect His mercy, and may our actions bring healing to those who are hurting.

    Lord, help us to be instruments of Your grace, always seeking to build up and not tear down, to restore and not destroy. We thank You for the forgiveness You extend to us each day, and we ask for the strength to share that same forgiveness with others.

    In Jesus’ name, we pray,

    Amen.

  • The Multifaceted Love of God

    The Multifaceted Love of God

    God’s love for you is expressed in many powerful ways throughout Scripture:

    1. As a Shepherd: God is your Shepherd, guiding and protecting you with care and compassion. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” (Psalm 23:1-2)
    2. As a Mother: God’s nurturing love is likened to a mother’s tender care. “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you…” (Isaiah 66:13)
    3. As an Engraver: God’s love is permanent, like being engraved on His hands. “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…” (Isaiah 49:16)
    4. As a Conqueror: God fights for you, conquering all that stands against you. “The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his name.” (Exodus 15:3)
    5. As a Husband: God’s relationship with His people is intimate and faithful, like that of a loving husband. “For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name…” (Isaiah 54:5)

    With this profound, multifaceted love, don’t give up—God is with you, guiding, protecting, and conquering for you.

  • Living In Unity – 2025

    Living In Unity – 2025

    1 Corinthians 12:13

    “Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.”

    In a world filled with division and conflict, both across borders and within our communities, we must look to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Our actions should reflect grace, mercy, and forgiveness. True unity begins when we recognize the inclusive salvation Christ offers to all who turn to Him. Living in unity is not an easy path, but it is a necessary journey if we hope to heal the deep wounds of division. This requires us to set aside differences, let go of prejudices, and overcome preconceived notions. Our common humanity, bound together by God’s love, must take precedence.

    Through the power of God’s love and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can bridge the gaps that have separated us. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity, it means choosing forgiveness, compassion, and humility as our guiding principles. It means being willing to extend a hand to those who have hurt us, to love even when it feels impossible, and to reflect Christ in our actions.

    As we step into 2025, let us boldly heed the call to unity. The world needs to see a people who stand together—brothers and sisters united in faith, purpose, and love. This is not a suggestion; it is a divine mandate.

    When we walk in harmony, being of one mind and one purpose, we unleash God’s transformative power in our communities. Together, we can overcome the darkness that seeks to divide us. Together, we can show the world the strength of a life lived in service to the Lord. The time is now. The choice is ours. Let us live in unity.

    Abba Father,

    We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, that her walls may forever stand (Psalm 122). In these uncertain times, spiritual forces of division and discord seek to tear us apart. Lord, help us rise above these temptations and walk the path of unity.

    May prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people, leaders, and those in authority, so we may live peaceful and godly lives (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Let our unity shine as a light of joy, strength, and resilience, overcoming all obstacles.

    Holy Spirit, guide us to set aside our differences and focus on God’s love for all mankind, regardless of race, creed, or color. May Your sovereignty and comforting presence stretch across the world, allowing Your perfect love to reign.

    Together, may we usher in an era of peace, love, and understanding. The time is now. Let us walk in unity and let the world see God’s love in action.

    In Jesus’ name, Amen.