Returning to Intimacy

Tag: bible

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Putting On The Character Of Jesus

    As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character in every aspect of our lives. The Bible urges us to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). This means embodying His nature, compassion, humility, and love, even when we are mistreated.

    Jesus walked in compassion, always seeing people through the eyes of the Father. When He looked at the crowds, He was moved with compassion because they were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Even on the cross, as He suffered unjustly, He prayed for those crucifying Him: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). True compassion doesn’t wait for an apology or for someone to deserve it; it flows from a heart surrendered to God.

    Humility was also at the core of Jesus’ life. Though He was God, He humbled Himself, taking on the nature of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). He knelt and washed the feet of His disciples, including Judas, who would betray Him. When Peter protested, Jesus told him, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14-15). Humility teaches us to let go of pride and to serve, rather than seek to be served.

    And then there is love, the very essence of who Jesus is. He demonstrated the greatest love by laying down His life for us, not when we were worthy, but “while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). Love is not just a feeling; it’s an action, a choice to extend grace and kindness, even to those who don’t deserve it. Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart and to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39).

    But while Jesus is full of mercy, He is also a righteous Judge. Many today focus on His love and grace, but we cannot forget that He will hold every person accountable. “The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). Sin has real consequences. Romans 6:23 reminds us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Galatians 6:7 warns us, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” God’s grace does not eliminate His justice.

    There will come a day when every person stands before Him. Revelation 20:12 describes the final judgment: “The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” No sin will go unnoticed, and no good deed done in His name will go unrewarded. Hebrews 10:30-31 reminds us, “The Lord will judge His people. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

    This is why we must choose daily to put on Christ (Romans 13:14), to walk in obedience, and to extend His love even when it’s difficult. Vengeance and justice belong to the Lord; our role is to be the light in a dark world. When we choose compassion, humility, and love, we are not just imitating Jesus, we are preparing for eternity.

    So today, let’s commit to putting on the character of Christ, not just in easy moments, but especially when it’s hard. Let’s love when it’s undeserved, serve when it’s inconvenient, and trust in His justice rather than seeking our own. Because in the end, we will all stand before Him and may He find us faithful.

  • Reorienting Your Life Around God’s Word and Fellowship

    Sunday’s message was a powerful reminder that our lives are best anchored in the Word of God and enriched through true fellowship. Drawing from Acts 2:42-47, the call is twofold:

    Anchor in Apostolic Doctrine:
    When we align our lives with the apostolic teachings, we create a solid foundation much like the Temple and the Table. Jeremiah 23:29 urges us to reorient our entire lives around the Word of God, emphasizing that Scripture is our tether to God. Just as the Bereans in Acts 17 diligently searched the Scriptures, we too are encouraged to seek truth and ensure our doctrine is firmly rooted in God’s revealed truth.

    Center on Fellowship:
    The early church demonstrated that genuine fellowship isn’t just a social activity; it’s integral to living out our faith.  Our Microchurch Pastor testified that reorienting our lives around authentic community means coming together to share life, support one another, and worship collectively. This communal bond reinforces our spiritual journey, ensuring that our personal growth and collective worship go hand in hand.

    In essence, Sunday’s message challenges us to examine our lives: Are we truly rooted in God’s word? And are we nurturing meaningful fellowship? The answer lies in a life reoriented around both the unchanging truth of Scripture and the warmth of a community that lives it out daily.

    Heavenly Father,
    We come before You with grateful hearts, seeking to reorient our lives around Your everlasting Word and the fellowship You so graciously provide. Just as the early believers gathered as a living temple and broke bread together at the table, we ask that You mold us into vessels of Your presence and instruments of Your love.

    Lord, help us to be ever mindful that Your Word is our foundation. May it dwell richly within us, guiding our thoughts, actions, and relationships. Transform our hearts into sanctuaries where Your truth and compassion abound, so that we may reflect Your holiness in every aspect of our lives.

    We also pray for the spirit of true fellowship, that we may embrace one another with warmth and understanding. As we share meals and moments of genuine connection, let our gatherings become a testimony to Your grace and a beacon of hope in our community. May our bonds strengthen as we support one another in both joy and sorrow, always mindful of Your tender care.

    In times of challenge, remind us of the safe haven we have in You, a temple where Your Spirit dwells and a table where we share in the sustenance of Your love. Empower us to seek Your truth with the same diligence as the Bereans, and to extend compassion and hospitality to all around us.

    We thank You for the gift of Your Word and the blessing of fellowship. Guide us daily to live in a way that honors Your presence, drawing us ever closer to You and to one another. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.

  • Come Lord Jesus!

    Prayer of Longing, Surrender, and Preparation

    Abba Father, our soon coming King,

    We come before You with hearts open, desiring to know You more. You are the God who sees and knows our beginning and our end. (Revelation 22:13). Thank You for revealing the mystery of Your will that through Jesus, You are reconciling all things to Yourself (Ephesians 1:9-10).

    Lord, we acknowledge You as Judge, because You are righteous and just. As King, because You reign with power and authority, and as Bridegroom, because Your heart is full of love, longing for intimacy with Your people. Help us not to fear Your coming, but to embrace You with expectation and hope (Zechariah 12:10).

    Jesus, You are the King who was born to die, the Lamb who was slain, and yet You live forevermore. You are our blessed hope. Ignite in us a longing for Your return, not out of fear, but from a deep desire to be with You.

    Holy Spirit, teach us how to cultivate oil in our lamps like the wise virgins. (Matthew 25:1-13). Draw us into daily communion with You. Help us to prioritize intimacy over performance, presence over busyness, and trust over fear. Let our hearts burn with love for You.

    In moments where fear tries to grip our hearts, remind us of Jesus’ prayer in John 17, that we are one with You, even as You and the Father are One. Perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18), and Your love is perfect toward us.

    We choose today to embrace You, not as a distant God, but as the Bridegroom who is coming for His Bride. As we wait, may we be found faithful, filled with oil, and shining brightly in this dark world.

    Even so, Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)
    Our hearts are Yours now and forever. In Jesus’ name.

    Amen.

  • The Urgency of Living for God Now!

    “While there is still time.”

    In 1 Peter 4:1-11, the Apostle Peter calls believers to embrace a life fully dedicated to God, emphasizing the urgency of living righteously in the face of fleeting time and impending judgment.

    Peter begins by urging believers to arm themselves with the same mindset as Christ, who suffered in the flesh for the sake of righteousness. This means we must die to sin and no longer live for our own desires but for the will of God (v.1-2). The time for indulging in the world’s empty pleasures is over. There is no room for compromise, no time to waste in patterns of sin that only lead to destruction (v.3).

    The world may not understand our transformation, and we may face ridicule and rejection for choosing righteousness (v.4), but Peter reminds us that judgment is coming both for the wicked and the righteous. Those who live in disobedience will give an account to God, while those who have heard and accepted the gospel will live forever in His presence (v.5-6).

    The urgency intensifies as Peter declares,The end of all things is near” (v.7). This is not a call to fear but to take action. Believers must be clear-minded and self-controlled so they can pray effectively, staying in tune with God’s will. Love must be the foundation of our lives, as it “covers a multitude of sins” (v.8). Instead of living selfishly, we must serve one another, using our gifts to glorify God and minister to His people (v.9-10).

    Finally, Peter reminds us that everything we do should be for God’s glory (v.11). Whether in speech or service, we must operate in His strength so that through us, Christ is magnified. We don’t have forever to get it right. The time is now to abandon sin, love deeply, serve faithfully, and live every moment as if standing before God Himself.

    This passage is an urgent wake-up call: the world is fading, our days are numbered, and eternity is at stake. Will we waste our time on fleeting pleasures, or will we live with purpose, fully surrendered to God? The choice is ours, but the time to choose is now.

  • The Time Is Now!

    God’s Grace is Sufficient: Calling Laborers into His Vineyard

    In our walk with God, we often face challenges, trials, and seasons of uncertainty. Yet, in every season, one truth remains constant — God’s grace is sufficient. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV):

    “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

    Even when we feel inadequate or unworthy, God’s grace empowers us to fulfill His divine purpose. It is not by our own strength, but by His grace that we are able to stand, serve, and press forward.

    While God’s grace sustains us, He is also calling for laborers in His vineyard. The harvest is ready, but the laborers are few. Jesus declared in Matthew 9:37-38 (KJV):

    “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

    God is seeking those who will answer the call — those who will surrender to His will and be vessels to reach the lost, encourage the broken, and restore the fallen.

    Many hesitate to step into God’s vineyard because they feel unqualified, but God does not call the qualified — He qualifies the called. Isaiah 6:8 (KJV) says:

    “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”

    If your heart is willing, God will provide the grace, wisdom, and strength you need to labor in His kingdom.

    This is the time to say yes,
    now more than ever. God is seeking those who will stand in the gap, serve with compassion, and labor in love. Whether through prayer, outreach, teaching, or simply showing kindness, your “YES” matters.

    Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for Galatians 6:9 (KJV) reminds us:
    “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

    Beloved, God’s grace is more than enough for whatever He has called you to do. The time is now to rise, to serve, and to labor in the vineyard for the harvest is ripe. Trust His grace, yield to His call, and watch how He will use you for His glory.

    Will you answer the call and say, “Here am I, Lord send me”?

    May the grace of God strengthen you as you step forward to labor in His vineyard. In Jesus name!

    Amen.

  • Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

    Heavenly Father,
    We come before You with grateful hearts, thankful that You created each of us in Your image, as declared in Genesis 1:27. In Your loving wisdom, You have made us uniquely, and we acknowledge that every person bears Your divine imprint.

    Lord, we also remember Your guidance in Your Word as revealed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. Help us understand and embrace the call to live lives that honor You. Grant us the strength and wisdom to walk in obedience to Your truth, even as we seek to love one another as You love us.

    May Your Holy Spirit fill our hearts with compassion, mercy, and understanding. Teach us to extend grace to others and to live out the righteousness You desire. In our daily actions and choices, let Your love shine through us, guiding us to a deeper commitment to Your word and to the community You have so lovingly created.

    In Jesus’ name we pray,
    Amen.