Returning to Intimacy

Author: youngpl24

  • Love Poured Out At Calvary 🩸

    Scripture:
    Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
    “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

    Reflection:
    Good Friday marks the most sacred, heart-wrenching act of love the world has ever known. On this day, Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly gave His life as a ransom for many. He was betrayed, beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross, bearing the full weight of our sin, shame, and judgment.

    It was not the nails that held Him there, it was love. Love for you. Love for the ones who would believe. The Lamb of God was offered as the final and perfect sacrifice. The veil in the temple was torn, signifying that access to God was now made available through the blood of Jesus.

    While it’s called “Good” Friday, the goodness lies not in the pain, but in the purpose. The Cross was not the end, it was the doorway to redemption, reconciliation, and victory.

    Prayer:
    Lord Jesus, thank You for enduring the cross for me. Thank You for staying when You could have walked away. You took my place, bore my punishment, and offered me eternal life. Let the power of Your sacrifice never become familiar to me. Teach me to live in a way that honors what You paid for. Amen.

    Reflection Challenge:
    Spend time quietly before the Lord today. Read the account of Jesus’ crucifixion in John 19. Reflect on each moment—His silence, His suffering, His surrender. Then, take Communion in remembrance of His body broken and blood shed. Worship Him for the love that held Him there.

  • One Bread One Table One Meal

    The phrase, “one bread, one table, one meal that lasts forever” speaks deeply to the spiritual unity, communion, and eternal fellowship we have through Christ. Here’s what it means in a biblical and symbolic sense:

    1. One Bread

    This refers to Jesus Himself, the Bread of Life.
    John 6:35 – “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”
    When we partake of the bread in Communion, we are sharing in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, who sustains us spiritually.

    1. One Table

    This symbolizes the unity of all believers in Christ. We come to one spiritual table, regardless of background, race, or denomination, to fellowship with the Lord and with one another.
    1 Corinthians 10:17 – “Because there is one bread, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one bread.”

    1. One Meal That Lasts Forever

    This reflects the eternal covenant through Christ. Communion is not just a ritual; it’s a foretaste of the eternal feast with God.
    Revelation 19:9 – “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” It reminds us that this meal, begun now through faith, continues into eternity when we will dine with Jesus in heaven.

    So in essence, this phrase captures the eternal bond we share through Christ, sustained by His body (bread), united at His table, and looking forward to the everlasting feast in His Kingdom.

  • LOVE vs BETRAYAL

    LOVE vs BETRAYAL

    “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
    —John 12:3 (NIV)


    “Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him over to you?’”
    —Matthew 26:14–15 (NIV)

    Wednesday of Holy Week may be silent in the text, but spiritually, the air was thick with contrasting choices.

    Mary poured out extravagant love, breaking open her alabaster box, anointing Jesus for His burial, and filling the room with worship.
    Meanwhile, Judas secretly plotted betrayal for silver, trading eternal treasure for temporary gain.

    What a contrast: devotion and deception in the same week. One gave everything to honor Jesus. The other sold Him out.

    Yet Jesus was not caught off guard. Even in silence, He remained sovereign and surrendered. He received Mary’s offering with tenderness, and He would face Judas’ betrayal with divine purpose. This reminds us: even in moments of betrayal, loss, or silence, God is orchestrating redemption.

    Lord, help us to have Mary’s heart. Teach us to pour out what is most precious to us at Your feet, our love, our worship, our surrender. Guard us from the spirit of Judas, from coldness, greed, or false intentions. When life feels quiet or confusing, remind us that You are still working and still worthy. In Your precious name we pray. Amen.

  • Family Legacy

    Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you.

    I can’t link it to just one family member. There’s a special kind of joy that fills my heart, not just when my children and grandchildren say “I love you,” but when I see them living it out. When they serve, care for, and show compassion to others, I see my heart in them. That’s when I know the seeds I planted are bearing fruit.

    They’ve watched me love, give, and pour into others. And now, I see them doing the same, not because they have to, but because love has become their nature. That’s passionate love to me, when your legacy is carried not just in words, but in actions that reflect the heart of Christ.

  • Purifying the Temple & Teaching Truth

    On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus cleansed the temple, physically driving out what was unholy to make space for prayer, purity, and the presence of God.
    (“My house shall be called a house of prayer…” – Matthew 21:13)

    Then on Tuesday, He taught in that very same temple. After removing distractions and corruption, He filled the space with truth, clarity, and kingdom revelation.
    (“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” – Matthew 24:35)

    Jesus didn’t cleanse the temple just for the sake of judgment, He did it so that truth could flow freely again. Purification makes room for revelation.
    Likewise, in our own hearts (His temple), the Lord gently but powerfully clears away what doesn’t belong, not to condemn us, but so that we can better hear Him, learn from Him, and live in freedom.

    The same Jesus who overturns tables on Monday is the one who teaches with love and power on Tuesday.

    Lord, thank You for cleansing our hearts and preparing us to receive more of You. We invite You to purify anything in us that resists Your truth. Teach us, fill us, and help us walk in Your Word. Let our hearts be a temple where You’re honored, heard, and obeyed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • The Heart of Jesus

    Abba Father,

    My heart aches for Jerusalem, for My people, for those I was sent to love, to heal, and to restore. How often have I stretched out My hands to them, longing to gather them near, like a mother hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings. I have spoken truth, shown mercy, performed wonders, and yet, they would not come.

    They turn from Me, Father. They chase after shadows, clinging to law but forsaking love. They honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Us. Still, My love does not waver. My compassion does not fail.

    I weep for them, not only for the city, but for every soul who chooses distance over nearness. I long to shelter them from the storm, to cover them with grace, to draw them into the safety of Your presence.

    Father, forgive them. Open their eyes. Soften their hearts. Let them see that I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Send laborers into the harvest. Stir the hearts of the remnant. And when they are ready, when they call upon My name, I will be waiting, arms open wide.

    Even now, I am knocking at the door of their hearts.

    Amen.

  • Praise To Our King

    Sovereign and Holy God, we lift our voices in praise to You! You reign in majesty, clothed in glory and splendor, and there is none like You. From everlasting to everlasting, You are God, and Your kingdom has no end.

    We exalt You, O Lord, for Your faithfulness never fails, and Your mercy is new every morning. You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords, mighty in power yet rich in love. Your righteousness and justice establish Your throne, and Your grace overflows to all who seek You.

    With all creation, we declare Your greatness! The heavens proclaim Your handiwork, and the earth is full of Your goodness. Holy and worthy are You, O King, and we bow before You in reverence and joy.

    Let our lives be a song of praise, and may our lips never cease to honor You. Be glorified in us, O Lord, now and forever.

    In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

  • Perfect Peace

    What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?

    Here are five everyday things that bring me happiness:

    1. Spending time with God – Whether I’m praying, meditating on scripture, or taking communion, being in God’s presence centers me. It’s where I find my peace and strength.

    2. Helping others in need – Through Lazarus Restoration Ministries, I find so much joy in serving the homeless and those struggling. Knowing I can be a vessel of hope makes my heart full.

    3. Moments with my family – Just hearing my children or grandchildren’s voices, seeing their faces, or knowing they’re growing in their purpose, that brings me real happiness.

    4. Encouraging and teaching others – I love when God uses me to speak life, whether it’s through writing, mentoring, or simply being available for someone who needs a word in season.

    5. Worship and music – There’s nothing like the way worship lifts my spirit. As a Psalmist, I feel closest to who I am when I’m lost in a song that glorifies God.

  • Rest in God’s Sufficiency

    In a world that often feels overwhelming, it’s easy to focus on what’s missing,  whether it’s strength, resources, or clarity. But in those moments of lack, we are reminded of a truth that has carried us through every season of life: God is more than enough.

    A Personal Glimpse
    There was a time in my life when I was caring for my mother full-time, trying to balance ministry responsibilities, my own health, and a deep desire to serve the community. I remember one night, exhausted and in tears, asking the Lord, “How can I keep giving when I feel so empty?”

    It was in that still moment that I felt His peace settle over me. Not through a loud voice, but in the gentle reminder that He never asked me to do this alone. That night, I opened my Bible and landed on Philippians 4:19. It felt like a direct message from Heaven:
    “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

    From that moment on, I understood.  He wasn’t just going to give me what I needed, He was going to be who I needed. My provider, my healer, my comforter, and my peace. And He has never failed to show up.

    Jehovah Jireh — my Provider.
    There have been times on my journey when the needs seemed greater than the supply. Whether it was in ministry or as I poured myself into others, I wondered how I could keep going. But God reminded me that He doesn’t call me to work in my own strength. He is the One who provides for me, for those I serve, for the mission He has given me. His provision is always enough.

    Jehovah Rapha — my Healer.
    Grief, loss, and challenges have tested my heart, body, and mind. But in those moments of deep weariness, God has been my healer. He heals the broken-hearted and gives peace to those who trust in Him. When I needed rest, He restored me. When I felt drained, He filled me. His healing power is more than enough.

    Jehovah Shammah — the God who is there.
    One of the greatest comforts I have is knowing that God is always present. He is with me in every moment, in every prayer, every step, and every challenge. And it’s not just His presence that sustains me, but His promise to walk alongside me in everything. When the road feels lonely or hard, I am reminded that He is here. And that makes Him more than enough.

    A God Who Meets Every Need
    In the midst of every trial, there’s a peace in knowing that God is fully equipped to meet every need I have. Whether it’s guidance, resources, energy, or peace of mind, He is more than enough to provide all that I need. His Word promises this truth in Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

    What a comfort to know that we don’t have to carry the weight of everything on our own! God’s sufficiency is the foundation of our hope, and when we lean into His provision, we are never lacking.

    Reflection for You
    Where in your life do you feel that you are running low? Is it your energy? Your hope? Your strength? Take a moment to reflect on where you need God’s sufficiency the most. And remember, no matter what you face, He is more than enough.

    A Prayer for Today
    Lord, You are more than enough for me. You provide, You heal, and You are always with me. Help me to rest in the knowledge that You are all I need. In every circumstance, remind me that You are my sufficiency. I trust in Your provision, and I surrender all that I am to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Final Thoughts
    It’s not always easy to rest in God’s sufficiency, especially when we’re facing tough seasons. But the more we focus on His character and His promises, the more we can surrender our worries and trust in His provision. You are never alone, and you are never lacking when God is on your side.

  • The Mirror Image of God

    With unveiled hearts, we gaze upon the glory of the Lord, and, as if looking into a mirror, we are transformed into His likeness from one degree of glory to another through the Spirit of the Lord.

    When we allow God to lift the veil from our hearts, we undergo a profound transformation, beginning to reflect the very nature of the True and Living God. In a world filled with chaos and yearning for His presence, imagine the contrast between lifeless “gods” and our God, who is alive and pours out unconditional love on those who walk in His ways. His love is constant and unwavering, regardless of our circumstances or status. He is merciful, forgiving our shortcomings and offering eternal healing.

    As Hebrews 13:15 encourages, let us continually offer praise, with grateful hearts and lips that honor Him. Now is the time to reflect our Almighty Creator, radiating His light into the darkness of this world.

    When our lives mirror Christ’s character, we bear witness to His boundless love and compassion in a world desperate for hope. Our Savior knows every detail of our lives and loves us still. As we align ourselves with the image of Christ, we carry His light, extending His love and mercy to those who are lost. By embracing this divine reflection, we become vessels through which God’s presence shines, transformed into true reflections of His grace and compassion for all humanity.

    Abba Father,

    Walking this path of total surrender to Your loving care is more than a choice; it’s a calling that resonates deep within our souls. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, You lead us into all truth, lighting our way with divine wisdom.

    Holy Spirit, help us embrace this journey. Empower us to be true disciples, reflecting Christ’s boundless love to those who are searching for His salvation. As we yield to His will, may we find strength and readiness to face any challenge, committed to serving others in Your name.

    With this radical change of heart, allow us to rise from glory to glory, embodying the splendor of Your majesty. Lead us to become living reflections of Your divine qualities. Let our words and actions be saturated with Your love and light, touching lives and inspiring transformation in those around us.

    Father, as we continue to surrender and grow, draw us ever closer to Your perfect image. May our lives be a testament to Your grace and power. Let us rejoice in this incredible opportunity to reflect Your very essence, becoming vessels of Your love, hope, and redemption in a world that needs it so deeply.

    All praise to King Jesus, our Savior and the Giver of Life, who makes this miraculous transformation possible!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.