Returning to Intimacy

Category: Spiritual Category

  • Entertaining Angels Unaware

    Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”

    One day, I pulled into a gas station to put air in my tires. While waiting in line, I noticed a man who appeared to be homeless, joyfully chatting with another man who was filling his tire. What struck me immediately was that he wasn’t asking for anything, not money, not food. Instead, he was radiating joy, talking about the Lord with such passion that it began to stir something in me. His words were like light breaking through the clouds.

    When it was finally my turn, I stepped out unsure of how to use the air pump. To my surprise, the same man who had been encouraging others with the joy of the Lord came over to help me, just as cheerful, just as kind. As we worked together, our conversation naturally flowed toward Jesus. We didn’t talk about the weather or the day’s news, we talked about God’s goodness.

    After he finished helping me, he looked at me and said something I will never forget: “I see the joy of the Lord in you. May I give you a hug?” I smiled and said, “Most assuredly.”

    He didn’t want money. He just wanted to share the love of Christ.

    But just as I was about to drive away, another man walked up and handed him $5. It felt like confirmation that God was watching over this moment. I felt stirred to bless him as well. I ran into the store to use the ATM, but when I came back out, he was gone. I drove around looking for him, but I couldn’t find him anywhere. It was as if he vanished.

    Before he disappeared, I had told him about The Sock Ministry, which helps feed and care for the homeless. His face lit up. “Oh, I know Jasper well,” he said. That sealed it for me. This wasn’t just a coincidence. This was divine.

    In that brief moment, I knew, I had encountered one of God’s messengers.

    Jesus Himself said in Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” Our Savior knew what it was to be without a home. He walked among the poor and broken, and He calls us to do the same, not just with money, but with love, compassion, and dignity.

    Let us never forget: the homeless man or woman we pass by may be more than what we see. They might just be heaven-sent.

  • Rest For The Weary

    Yoked with Jesus

    In a world weighed down by sorrow, fear, and unrest, our souls often feel worn thin. We carry burdens that were never ours to bear alone, grief, confusion, division, uncertainty about the days to come. Yet Jesus lovingly calls to us in the stillness of our weariness:

    “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
    Matthew 11:28–29 (NKJV)

    He doesn’t offer temporary relief or shallow comfort. He offers Himself. When we yoke ourselves to Jesus, we find a rhythm of grace, a steady, sacred pace of walking with the One who carries the weight of the world. His yoke is not a burden, but a bond. He invites us to lay down what exhausts us and take up what restores us.

    In this sacred exchange, we receive His rest. Even when chaos surrounds us, natural disasters or man-made, war, grief, and injustice, we are anchored in the One who is Peace Himself.

    “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
    Isaiah 26:3

    Let us trust Him not only with our personal struggles, but with the deep cries of this world: the pain in Texas where families grieve their children, the unrest in nations torn by war and oppression, and the ongoing prayers for Jerusalem, the city close to God’s heart.

    “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”
    Psalm 122:6

    In all these things, our only lasting hope is in Christ alone. He is the anchor of our souls and the Shepherd of nations. Let us come to Him, yoked to His love, resting in His sovereignty.

    Jesus, we come, tired, heavy, and sometimes unsure of how to carry the weight of what we feel. We yoke ourselves to You, our Rest and our Refuge. Thank You for inviting us to come close, not to perform but to simply be with You.

    We lift up our weary hearts and also the groaning of the nations. We pray for the families in Texas who are mourning deep losses, wrap them in Your arms, Holy Spirit, and give them rest that only You can give. Comfort them in ways no words could reach.

    We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We speak Your blessing over her walls and call for protection, restoration, and divine peace to settle over the land.

    We intercede for every nation in turmoil, where children are afraid, where bombs fall, where food is scarce, and where governments have turned cold. King Jesus, reveal Yourself as the Prince of Peace. Pour out Your Spirit on all flesh and draw the brokenhearted near.

    Teach us to walk daily yoked with You, learning Your rhythm of grace and truth. Anchor us in Your rest. Help us to fix our minds on You, trust You deeper, and cling to You through every storm.

    You are our only Hope. You are our steady place. We find peace in You.

    In Your holy name, Jesus,
    Amen.

  • Letting Go For Harmony

    What could you let go of, for the sake of harmony?

    Harmony is not the absence of differences, but the presence of God’s peace in the midst of them. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). True peace often requires us to lay down what our flesh wants to hold tightly, unforgiveness, pride, control, or unrealistic expectations, and trust God with our hearts and relationships.

    Ephesians 4:2-3 reminds us, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” When we let go of offenses and surrender our desire to prove ourselves right, we create room for the Holy Spirit to move freely, restoring relationships and aligning hearts.

    Choosing harmony doesn’t mean compromising truth or enabling sin. It means releasing what weighs us down so we can walk in love, patience, and trust that God is the ultimate restorer.

    As you surrender these burdens, may His perfect peace guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7), and may your life be a testimony of God’s reconciling power.

    Prayer for Letting Go and Harmony

    Father God,
    I come before You with a humble heart, desiring harmony in my life and relationships. Lord, show me what I need to let go of so Your peace can reign. Help me release unforgiveness, pride, bitterness, and the need to control outcomes. Give me strength to trust You with the hearts of those around me and to walk in humility and love.

    Holy Spirit, fill me with patience and compassion. Teach me to bear with others in love, to speak words that build up, and to pursue peace even when it costs me my comfort. Remind me that harmony is found not in winning arguments, but in surrendering to Your will and reflecting Your grace.

    May my life be marked by a gentle spirit and a heart quick to forgive, so that I may be called a child of God and a peacemaker in this world. Thank You for Your perfect peace that surpasses understanding and guards my heart as I trust in You.

    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • God’s Love Never Fails

    Yesterday’s message from Pastor Mike was a timely word straight from the heart of God. Preaching from Malachi 1, Pastor Mike reminded us that love is the first word God speaks over His people. Before anything else, before obedience, before service, God declares, “I have loved you,” says the Lord (Malachi 1:2).

    Pastor Mike taught that God proves His love not by instantly changing our circumstances, but by giving Himself to us in the middle of them. This love is not just a feeling; it’s a choice, a covenant choice that God made with us long before we chose Him (1 John 4:19; Romans 5:8).

    Jacob wanted God, and even with his flaws, he was chosen because of God’s love and promise, not his perfection. Religion says, “If I obey God, He will love me,” but the truth of the gospel declares, “God chose me and loves me first, and that love stirs my heart to obey.”

    Pastor Mike also reminded us that what may feel like rejection could actually be God’s protection, as Psalm 37 encourages. Rather than letting our circumstances dictate our faith, we are called to look to Christ, who is unchanging and steadfast (Romans 8:38-39). If we ever find ourselves doubting God, we must return to His word and remember that nothing, no trial, no exile, can separate us from His love.

    Prayer:

    Father, thank You for Your unchanging love. Thank You for the word You spoke through Pastor Mike that reminded us of Your faithfulness and covenant love even in seasons of exile. Help us remember that Your love is not dependent on our circumstances but is proven through the gift of Yourself. Teach us to choose faithfulness even when we don’t understand what You’re doing.

    Lord, keep our eyes fixed on Christ and not our problems. When we feel rejected, remind us it may be Your protection. When we doubt, flood our hearts with the truth of Your word. Thank You for loving us first, and for choosing us despite our weaknesses. Let Your love flow through us so we can love others well. In Jesus’ name, amen.

  • For Such A Time As This

    “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” — John 20:29

    When God hides you, He is not rejecting you, He is honoring you. He is hiding you in His quiver until the right moment to reveal you.The hidden place is holy ground where our flesh is crucified and our character is forged. It’s where God prepares us for what He intends to reveal. Just as Esther was hidden before she was crowned, God conceals His chosen vessels until they are ready to walk in divine favor.

    Favor isn’t about impressing others; it’s about being appointed by God at the right moment. Esther stepped into favor because she aligned with God’s perfect timing, not her own agenda. What looked like delay was divine positioning.

    Remember:
    Darkness is not your burial ground; it is the soil of your becoming. Seeds don’t make noise when they rise, they simply break through.
    Our delays are not denials; they are the seasons where God grows us in faith, patience, and trust.

    So believe without seeing, for the One who hides you plans to reveal you. Trust His process, knowing that your quiet obedience today will yield a harvest of favor tomorrow.

    Father, thank You for the hidden seasons where You prepare us for greater things. Help us trust Your timing, even when we feel unseen or overlooked. Remind us that in the darkness, You are nurturing us to rise in faith and favor. May we believe without seeing, knowing You are faithful to complete the work You’ve begun in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • He Is My Refuge And Strength

    He Is My Refuge

    “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

    There are moments in life when fear, grief, rejection, or uncertainty seem overwhelming, yet these are the very moments God reveals Himself most tenderly as our refuge and strength.

    I remember when fear gripped my heart at the thought of stepping into my calling, when He sent me into jail ministry, especially when speaking to others about the hope I found in Jesus. My voice trembled, my heart raced, but every time I cried out, He answered me. His peace would wrap around me like a warm blanket, reminding me that perfect love casts out all fear.

    I remember the deep valley of grief after my beloved husband went home to be with the Lord. Loneliness tried to swallow me whole, but God became my shelter. He turned my mourning into a new mission, giving me courage to reach out online, transforming my pain into a platform of healing and hope for others.

    I remember times of financial need that felt like standing before a giant I could never defeat. Yet, again and again, Jehovah Jireh provided, through unexpected donations, acts of kindness, and divine appointments. He proved that those who seek the Lord lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10).

    I remember the hardest battles of forgiveness, when bitterness threatened to take root. God’s Spirit gently whispered, showing me how much I had been forgiven. His strength helped me release the past, freeing me to walk in peace and love.

    These moments are not just memories, they are testimonies of a God who “is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

    Reflection Challenge
    Take time today to write down three moments when God delivered you from fear, provided when you were in need, or healed your heart. Let them be stones of remembrance you can return to when life feels heavy.

    Father, thank You for being my refuge and strength. Thank You for hearing my cries and delivering me time and again. Help me never forget the countless ways You have rescued, restored, and renewed me. May my life continue to testify of Your goodness and draw others to the hope found in You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Remember:
    “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8

  • A Teachers Heart

    What makes a teacher great?

    1. Deep Love for God and His Word

    A good teacher must first love the Lord with all their heart (Deuteronomy 6:5) and be devoted to His Word (Psalm 119:105). They can only teach truthfully if they are themselves rooted in the truth.

    2. A Humble, Teachable Spirit

    Pride has no place in a biblical teacher. James 3:1 reminds us that teachers are held to a stricter judgment, so humility recognizing we always have more to learn, is essential (Proverbs 11:2).

    3. A Life of Integrity and Godly Example

    Paul exhorted Timothy to “set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). A good teacher doesn’t just speak truth, they live it.

    4.Sound Doctrine and Discernment

    A faithful teacher rightly handles the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), guarding against false teaching (Titus 1:9) and helping others grow in sound doctrine.

    5. Patience and Gentleness

    Teaching often requires correcting misunderstandings or sin gently (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Godly teachers don’t browbeat; they patiently nurture.

    6. Genuine Love for People

    Jesus, the ultimate Teacher, was moved with compassion (Mark 6:34). A good teacher sees their students as people to love, not projects to complete.

    7. Reliance on the Holy Spirit

    We can’t teach spiritual truths in human strength. A good teacher depends on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, guidance, and the power to touch hearts (John 14:26). Declaration:

    Declaration:

    “Lord, make me a teacher who loves You deeply, lives with integrity, teaches Your truth boldly, and loves others patiently, always relying on Your Holy Spirit.”

  • A Faith That Lives And Breathes

    Have Raith In God

    Yesterday’s message at church was filled with powerful truths, and I want to share what deeply blessed my heart: the call to live each day with faith to believe. Pastor Byron spoke from Isaiah 55:8-11, and other passages, but this passage especially stood out to me, stirring my spirit to trust God’s Word and His perfect plans:

    “So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

    Faith is not a one-time decision; it’s a way of life, a heartbeat that echoes the Word of God in every step we take. It’s faith that saves us, faith that teaches us to follow Jesus even when the path is steep, and faith that empowers us to rise up and claim the promises God has given us.

    Do you know how precious our faith is to God? He gave us faith so we could know Him, love Him, and walk with Him. Faith isn’t passive; it’s active, living, and breathing. It’s trusting that God’s Word over our lives will never return void. It will accomplish His desires, even when we can’t see it yet.

    Faith is what carried the woman with the issue of blood through the crowd in desperation, believing that if she just touched Jesus’ robe, she would be healed (Mark 5:25-34). Faith is what strengthened Joshua and Caleb to stand against the giants in the land, confident not in themselves but in the God who promised victory. Faith is what kept the early church pressing forward through trials, proclaiming the Gospel with courage.

    God is calling us today to live by faith:

    Faith to be saved, knowing Jesus paid it all.

    Faith to follow Jesus, even when it costs us comfort.

    Faith to take the land, stepping into every promise He has spoken over our lives.

    But faith must be voiced. Pastor Byron encouraged us to open our mouths and speak what God says in His word. Declare His Word boldly, because it’s His Word, not our circumstances, that defines our destiny.

    Let faith rise today. Let it stir in our heart like a holy fire. Let it lead us to walk with Jesus, love Him with abandon, and believe for the impossible. His Word is alive in us, and it will accomplish everything He has spoken.

    Father, thank You for the gift of faith. Help us to live by faith each day, to believe what You say over our lives, to follow Jesus with courage, and to take hold of every promise You’ve made. Let Your Word accomplish Your purposes in us, for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Soul Control: Guard Your Heart

    Soul Control: Guarding Your Heart in These Last Days“If My people, who are called by My Name…” (2 Chronicles 7:14)Now more than ever, we must keep our hearts healthy and our souls anchored in truth. We are living near the end of time, and the harvest is ready, but the laborers are few. This isn’t the hour to be controlled by selfishness, fear, or pride. This is the hour to be led by the Holy Spirit.

    Following the enemy only leads to destruction, confusion, and emptiness. But when we guard our hearts daily, relying on the Spirit of God, we live from a place of eternal purpose and love.Prayer won’t always change what’s happening around you, but it will change what’s happening in you.

    God promises to be present in the midst of it all. Even in pain, we praise, because pain has purpose. “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice… for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” (Philippians 1:17–18)In the darkness, we realize our capacity to shine. When we praise Him through pain, we are being prepared for provision.So I say today: It is well with my soul.

    Thank You, Lord, that I have a seat at Your table. Use my life to draw others to Yours.Let’s not waste this moment. Let’s rise. Let’s shine. Let’s labor while it is still day. Soul control starts with surrender. 🙏🏾

  • Behold The Lamb!

    “Behold the Lamb—He Alone Is Worthy”

    Scripture Focus: Revelation 5:5–6, 9–10

    There are moments in life when we feel the weight of the world, questions unanswered, chaos on every side, and the ache of a groaning creation. John felt that same despair in Revelation 5 when he saw a scroll in God’s hand, sealed shut with no one worthy to open it. He wept. Why? Because the scroll represented God’s final plan of redemption, justice, and restoration, and no one could bring it forth.

    But then heaven responded.

    “Do not weep.”

    Heaven’s answer wasn’t found in a ruler with an iron fist, but in a Lamb who had been slain. A Savior who conquered not with swords, but with scars. Jesus, the Lion and the Lamb, stood alone as worthy to open the scroll. His worth wasn’t based on earthly power, but on the blood He shed to redeem the nations.

    This is the Jesus we worship, the One who holds history in His hands. In a world that often feels out of control, Revelation 5 reminds us: He is in control. The scroll isn’t forgotten. Our prayers aren’t lost. Heaven hasn’t gone silent. The Lamb is leading the story, and His timing is perfect.

    And in that heavenly throne room, worship erupts. Every creature, every elder, every voice declares:

    “You are worthy… because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (v. 9)

    Unity through diversity. Justice through mercy. Triumph through sacrifice.

    When we behold the Lamb, we find peace in the waiting, purpose in our pain, and hope for what’s to come. He is worthy, not just to open the scroll, but to open our hearts to eternal truth.

    Reflection:

    What is sealed in your life that only Jesus can open? Where have you wept, thinking there was no answer? Pause today and behold the Lamb. Worship Him not just for what He does, but for who He is.

    Prayer:

    Jesus, You are the Lamb who was slain, and yet You stand in victory. You alone are worthy to fulfill the Father’s plan. Thank You for redeeming us with Your blood and reminding us that Heaven is not shaken. Help me trust You with every sealed place in my life. Let my worship echo the sound of heaven: Worthy is the Lamb! Amen.