Returning to Intimacy

Tag: bible

  • Examine Your Heart

    Self-Examination

    In a world bustling with endless demands, distractions, and competing priorities, self-examination is more vital than ever. Life presents us with countless opportunities to choose between what is good and what is best. How do we remain faithful and focused, aligning ourselves with God’s purposes in the midst of it all?

    The scriptures offer wisdom and direction for such a time as this. Let us reflect on these truths and offer a prayer that will inspire us to take action.

    Prayer

    Dear Father,

    You are the Author of time and the One who orders our days. In this moment, we pause to seek Your wisdom and align our hearts with Yours.

    Just as Mary chose to sit at Your feet, remind us of the words You spoke in Luke 10:38-41: “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed, or indeed only one.” Teach us to choose the better portion in our lives, prioritizing what is eternal over what is fleeting.

    Lord, search our hearts and test our motives. Proverbs 25:27 teaches: “It is not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.”  Help us to walk humbly, seeking not our own honor but Your glory.

    Like Nehemiah, in Nehemiah 6:3, grant us unwavering focus as we declare: “I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down.” Strengthen us to remain steadfast in the work You have called us to, resisting distractions and staying true to our mission.

    Lord, as we examine our lives, may we take to heart the wisdom of Galatians 6:4: Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” Teach us to find joy and fulfillment in the work You have assigned to us, rather than comparing ourselves to others.

    Father, increase our faith as described in James 1:6-8: “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” Help us to trust You without wavering, knowing that You are faithful to guide us, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

    Holy Spirit, teach us how to fully examine ourselves to hear Your voice clearly. Open our ears to hear Your whispers, our hearts to embrace Your truth, and our hands to take action. Empower us, Holy Spirit, to be salt and light in these last days, bringing hope and healing to a weary world.

    In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

    Taking Action

    As you go about your day, reflect on these scriptures and this prayer. Ask yourself:

    ·         What distractions can I set aside to focus more fully on God’s purposes?

    ·         How can I remain steadfast in the work He has called me to, like Nehemiah?

    ·         In what ways can I trust God more deeply, letting go of doubt?

    Self-Examination begins with tuning our hearts to the heartbeat of our Creator. Let us rise with renewed purpose, courage, and clarity to do the good work He has set before us.

  • Intimacy With God

    Abba Father,

    I come to You with a heart longing to know You more intimately, as the psalmist declared in Psalm 116:1-2, “I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.” Lord, incline Your ear to me today as I seek Your face and desire to walk in step with Your purpose for my life.

    Help me to focus on what You have called me to do, fulfilling the plans You have written for me. At times, I feel confused, believing I hear Your voice leading me one way, only to find it was not Your will. Teach me, Father, to discern Your voice clearly, trusting in Your perfect plan that cannot fail. Your Word says in Psalm 116:5-6, “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.” Save me, Lord, from the distractions of my own ambitions and the wounds of past failures. Help me to find rest in Your grace and mercy.

    I believe in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, who has set me free from sin and death. Thank You for the price You paid to redeem me. As I live each day, teach me to fix my eyes on You, even in the midst of trials and suffering, knowing that You are my refuge and strength. Like the psalmist in Psalm 116:12-13, I ask, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.”

    Father, I repent of seeking satisfaction apart from You, for only You can satisfy my soul. Use me for Your glory, that I may share the Good News of Jesus with others and testify of His love. Strengthen me daily to walk in obedience and steadfast faith, growing in intimacy with You. May my life reflect the psalmist’s declaration in Psalm 116:9, “I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.” With every passing day, draw me closer to Your heart, Lord, as I live to know You and make You known.

    In Jesus’ name, I 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.