Returning to Intimacy

Category: Spiritual Category

  • 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.

  • God Our Defender!

    Righteous Father,
    We come before You in holy reverence, lifting our eyes above the chaos of this present world and anchoring our hearts in Your eternal truth. You have declared in Isaiah 54 that we are not forsaken, not forgotten, not cast away, but redeemed by the Lord of Hosts, our Holy One, our Defender.

    Though the earth shakes and nations rage, we stand on the unshakable foundation of Your covenant love. You said, “No weapon formed against us shall prosper,” and we declare it boldly today. Every tongue that rises in judgment, we condemn it, for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and our righteousness is of You.

    Lord, You see the injustice, the corruption, the violence, the persecution of Your people. Arise, O God, and vindicate Your name. Let Your judgment roll down like waters, and Your righteousness like a mighty stream. As You promised, “with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on you,” so let Your mercy shield us even while Your justice purifies the earth.

    We thank You that You have sworn that “the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed.” So we stand under that covenant today, fearless in the face of darkness, because You Yourself have built us, established us in righteousness, and declared, “You shall be far from oppression.”

    We renounce fear. We renounce shame. We break agreement with every voice of defeat, and we rise as the redeemed, clothed in strength, crowned with favor, and covered in the blood of Jesus. You are our Rear Guard. You are our Shield and Exceeding Great Reward.

    Let the Church arise in boldness. Let the saints declare Your Word with authority. Let vindication come from Your throne, not by might, not by power, but by Your Spirit, O Lord.

    We declare today: No weapon, no lie, no attack shall prevail. The Lord is our Avenger, and our victory is secured in Him.

    In the mighty name of Jesus,
    Amen.

  • The Bible

    What book could you read over and over again?

    The Bible is like a personal roadmap for life, full of wisdom, encouragement, and direction for every step of the journey. It helps us understand God’s heart and shows us how to live with purpose, love, and integrity. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, the Bible gently points us back to the right path, reminding us that we’re never alone. Through its stories, truths, and promises, it teaches us how to grow in faith, make wise choices, and trust God every step of the way.

  • My Calling

    What job would you do for free?

    For more than two decades, I have freely dedicated my time, heart, and resources to serving others, walking with individuals through some of the hardest seasons of their lives. From providing food and clothing, to praying with them, helping them find shelter, guiding them through job readiness, and even coaching them toward self-sufficiency, I’ve done it all as a volunteer.

    Not because I had to, but because I was called to.

    This work has never been about recognition or reward. It’s been about answering a higher calling to love people back to life, spiritually, emotionally, and practically.

    Now, through Lazarus Restoration Ministries, I’m formalizing what I’ve already been doing freely for years, so that we can reach more people, build a strong infrastructure, and create sustainable change.

    This isn’t just a nonprofit project. It’s the expansion of a life’s mission. Pray for us to receive funding for a larger building. We will accept any donations for help. $LRMInc

  • For Such A Time As This!

    Set Apart for the King

    “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

    From the beginning, God has always set apart a people for Himself, those who would walk in His ways, reflect His glory, and prepare the world for His return. As true followers of Christ, we are not called to blend into the world but to stand out, to be lights in the darkness, to be vessels for the Master’s use.

    Holiness is not an option for God’s people, it is our identity. Leviticus 20:26 says, “You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” Holiness is not perfection in ourselves, but a complete surrender to Christ, allowing Him to work through us. It is a life of obedience, reflecting the character of the One we serve.

    Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” While the world chases after temporary pleasures, we set our eyes on eternal things, living each day with the expectancy of our Lord’s return.

    Jesus made it clear that His return is near, and He has given us a mission: to proclaim His kingdom and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). True Christians are not passive spectators; we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), workers in the harvest field (Matthew 9:37-38), and watchmen on the walls (Ezekiel 33:7).

    The Apostle Paul urges us in 2 Timothy 2:21, “Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” We have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, set apart to carry out His will. Every act of love, every prayer lifted, every soul reached, these are the works of those who are truly devoted to the King.

    As we wait for Christ’s return, we must live as a prepared bride. In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing the importance of being spiritually awake and ready. Only those who had their lamps filled with oil, the Holy Spirit, were ready when the Bridegroom came.

    Revelation 19:7 declares, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” True Christians live each day as if today could be the day He returns, keeping our hearts pure and our eyes fixed on Jesus.

    We are living in the last days, and now more than ever, God is calling His remnant to stand firm. The world may reject truth, but we remain steadfast in Christ. Matthew 24:13 reminds us, “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” We are not swayed by culture, fear, or persecution, because we belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).

    Being set apart is not about being perfect, it is about being surrendered. It is about saying “yes” to God when the world says “no.” It is about shining His light, walking in His truth, and preparing the way for the King of kings.

    Beloved, this is our time to rise up, to live boldly for Jesus, and to declare His coming. May we be found faithful, ready, and set apart for His glory.

    “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” – Revelation 22:12

    Let us serve our Creator with joy, for He is coming soon! For such a time as this!

  • Abiding In Him

    What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

    When I wake up, the first thing I do is acknowledge the Lord. Before anything else, I thank Him for a new day, for His presence, and for His faithfulness in my life. I take a moment to pray, surrendering my day to Him, asking for His guidance, and inviting the Holy Spirit to lead me in all I do.

    I spend time in His Word, letting His truth fill my heart and mind. Whether it’s a passage of Scripture, a promise I’m holding onto, or a word He places on my heart, I meditate on it, allowing it to shape my thoughts. Worship is part of my morning too—whether through song, quiet reflection, or simply speaking His praises.

    Each day, I take Holy Communion, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and the victory I have in Him. It’s a sacred moment, a reminder that I am covered by His blood and walking in His grace. Sometimes, I write in my journal, recording what He’s speaking to me, prayers I’m lifting up, or reflections on His goodness.

    As I step into the day, I do so with confidence, knowing that God has gone before me. No matter what comes, I am anchored in Him.

  • Wait For It!

    Wait For It—The Power of Staying in Position

    Yesterday, my Pastor delivered a powerful word that stirred my spirit and brought back the season I went through this very subject. The message was clear: Do not depart from Jerusalem—Wait for it! (Acts 1:4). In a world that glorifies speed, convenience, and instant results, waiting feels unnatural. But if we truly desire the power of God, we must learn to embrace the wait.

    Are You Killing Time or Preparing for Power?

    Pastor Mike challenged us with a thought-provoking question: When we wait, are we just passing time, or are we preparing for something greater?

    Before the disciples could experience the outpouring of Acts 2, they had to wait in obedience in Acts 1. They didn’t rush ahead or try to force God’s timing, they positioned themselves, unified in prayer, expectant for the promise.

    The Word reminds us over and over again that waiting is where God works:

    “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)

    I know what it feels like to want to give up when waiting seems too hard to bear. There was a season in my life when my marriage was incredibly emotional and difficult. I felt weary, broken, and ready to walk away. I cried out to the Holy Spirit, hoping for an escape, but instead, He spoke something unexpected: Your husband is your assignment. Wait on Me.

    It wasn’t easy, but I obeyed. I held on when I wanted to let go. I sought God when I didn’t understand. And now, looking back, I thank Him that I waited. God was preparing both my husband and me to learn how to truly love one another. That season shaped us in ways I never imagined, and before my husband went home to be with the Lord, we experienced the kind of love that only God could build.

    Waiting wasn’t just about endurance, it was about preparation.

    Three Keys Pastor Mike addressed if we truly want to walk in God’s power, we must:

    1. Ask for the Holy Spirit Our greatest priority should be seeking Him (Luke 11:13). Many want the power, but few take the time to ask for the infilling.
    2. Experience the Holy Spirit Acts 2:1-2 tells us the disciples were in one accord, waiting with expectation. The Spirit didn’t come on their schedule, He came when they were ready.

    Ephesians 5:18 reminds us that while every believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit, not every believer is continuously filled. We must stay hungry for His presence.

    1. Walk in the Effects of the Holy Spirit – When the Spirit fills us, we won’t stay the same:

    Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) – Our character transforms.

    Boldness (Acts 4:31) – Fear is replaced with confidence in Christ.

    Direction (Acts 13:2) – The Spirit speaks and leads us.

    Power (Acts 1:8) – We become true witnesses for the Kingdom.

    Final Thought: Don’t Rush Past Acts 1

    Pastor made it plain: If you want the power of Acts 2, don’t rush past Acts 1. The waiting season isn’t about delay; it’s about preparation.

    Call to Action
    Are you frustrated in the waiting, or are you expectant? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh today. Be intentional, don’t rush ahead, don’t try to force it. Stay in position, and wait for it.

  • You+Jesus=the Majority

    The world may count numbers, but God counts faith. No matter how outnumbered, overlooked, or overwhelmed you feel, when God is with you, you already have the victory. Scripture reminds us time and time again that one person walking in obedience with God is greater than any army, opposition, or circumstance.

    1. God Fights for You
      “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

    When the Israelites were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, fear told them they were defeated. But God was with them, and that changed everything. One word from Him, and the sea parted. No matter what stands before you, trust that God fights your battles.

    1. With God, Numbers Don’t Matter
      “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16

    Elisha’s servant was terrified when he saw the enemy’s army surrounding them. But Elisha saw what the servant couldn’t, heaven’s army was already there, fighting on their behalf. You are never alone. Even if you can’t see it, God’s power surrounds you.

    1. God Uses the Few to Defeat the Many
      “With God, we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies.” Psalm 60:12

    Gideon had 32,000 men, but God reduced his army to just 300, because God wanted the victory to be by His hand alone (Judges 7:2-7). Whether you have many or few, if God is on your side, you have more than enough.

    1. Nothing Can Stand Against God’s Plan
      “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

    When God is with you, no enemy can overpower you, no opposition can stop you, and no situation can defeat you. The victory is already secured in Christ Jesus.

    Walk Boldly in This Truth!

    You don’t need the approval of the crowd, the backing of an army, or the reassurance of numbers. You + God = The Majority. Stand firm, move in faith, and trust that He who is with you is greater than anything that comes against you!

    Prayer:
    Lord, I thank You that with You, I am never the underdog. I refuse to be intimidated by circumstances, because I know that You are my victory. Strengthen my faith to see beyond what is visible, to trust beyond what is natural, and to move boldly knowing that You alone are enough. I declare that I am on the winning side because I am on Your side. In Jesus’ name, Amen!