Returning to Intimacy

Tag: faith

  • Re-evaluating My Disconnect from God

    When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. (Ps. 34:17-20)

    It’s easy to get caught up in the motions of religious activities without truly connecting with
    our faith. In my own spiritual journey, I realized that simply going through the motions wasn’t enough. After a period where my relationship with God took a back seat, I came to
    understand that true devotion requires more than just surface-level involvement.
    Following the loss of my husband, I found myself going through the motions of serving in various church roles without truly nurturing my connection with God. It took a wake-up call from the Holy Spirit to show me that I had lost sight of what truly mattered.

    My actions were driven by routine rather than genuine faith. Through reflection and guidance from the Holy
    Spirit, I came to understand that surrendering fully to God was essential for deepening my spiritual journey. Merely attending church services, being in the choir, praise team and even ushering, wasn’t sufficient; I needed to prioritize intimate moments with Him outside those walls.

    By neglecting prayer and personal communion with God, I was hindering my ability to fulfill His purpose for me.
    Recognizing this disconnect was a pivotal moment for me. It prompted me to reevaluate my
    priorities and commit myself wholeheartedly to fostering a genuine relationship with God.
    Only by investing in this intimate connection could I hope to live out His will and be an effective vessel for spreading His love and grace.

    Abba Father,
    You are the Lord of all creation, holy and mighty. As I step forward on this spiritual journey, I am reminded that my life must reflect the faith I profess. Grant me the wisdom to live out Your teachings and the strength to let my actions speak louder than words.

    May I walk in the authority of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lived fully surrendered to Your will. Holy Spirit, empower me for the work You have set before me. Let my life glorify You as I seek to bring Your kingdom to earth.

    Draw me into deep communion with You, Lord, and let Your love, joy, and peace fill my heart. Teach me to shine Your light so brightly that others are drawn to Your presence within me.

    Thank You for Your steadfast faithfulness and unfailing love. I trust in You as You prepare me for the extraordinary purpose You have called me to. I surrender everything into Your hands, in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

  • His Plans or Yours?

    Dear Abba,

    I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for Your love, grace, and faithfulness. Thank You for guiding my steps and for the purpose You have placed within me to always help those in need. Lord, I surrender my plans to You, knowing that Your ways are higher and Your timing is perfect.

    Give me the wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to follow wherever You lead. Strengthen me in moments of doubt and remind me that You are always with me. Help me to walk in love, humility, and obedience, reflecting Your light to those around me.

    Father, I lift up my family, friends, and community to You. Bless them, protect them, and meet their every need. Use me as a vessel to bring hope and encouragement to others.

    Thank You for the gift of life and the opportunities You provide to grow closer to You each day. May all I do bring glory to Your name.

    In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

  • Do What Is Right

    Heavenly Father,

    We come before You, seeking courage and wisdom to stand for what is right, even in the face of challenge and controversy. Lord, help us to resist the voices of fear, vanity, and expediency and instead listen to the call of conscience that aligns with Your truth. Grant us discernment to make decisions that honor You, integrity to uphold righteousness in our workplaces, and boldness to act justly, even when it’s difficult.

    Remind us, Lord, that our ultimate measure is not found in convenience but in steadfastness during trials. May we be a reflection of Your light and love, standing firm in faith and unwavering in purpose.

    In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

  • Loving the Unlovable

    Abba Father,

    Thank You for Your boundless mercy and grace, which You freely give to us even when we fall short. You love us unconditionally, and You call us to reflect that same love to others, even to those who hurt or oppose us.

    Lord, help us to love as You love. Teach us to extend mercy to those who persecute us, to forgive as You have forgiven us, and to show kindness even when it’s undeserved. Soften our hearts and remove any bitterness or resentment that hinders us from walking in obedience to Your Word.

    Father, give us the strength to pray for those who have wronged us, to seek their good, and to trust that You are working in their hearts just as You are in ours. May our actions and attitudes point them to Your transforming love.

    As Your Word reminds us: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Let this truth inspire us to love others sacrificially, just as You have loved us.

    We surrender our pain and our pride to You, knowing that You are the ultimate judge and healer. Fill us with the Holy Spirit so we may reflect Your light in a world filled with darkness.

    Thank You for the privilege of demonstrating Your kingdom values and for the promise of Your mercy to those who show mercy. Let our lives glorify You and draw others closer to Your grace.

    In Jesus’ name, we pray,
    Amen.

  • Holy Spirit My Helper

    My Testimony – Chapter 2

    As I continued on this journey, I learned how distractions had prevented me from hearing God clearly and fully walking in His purposes for my life. The Holy Spirit gently revealed that I needed to fix my eyes on Him rather than being consumed by the chaos around me. This was a profound realization for me because I had been weighed down by my husband’s transition home, the challenges my child was facing that included an abusive relationship, struggles with drugs and alcohol, legal issues, and even time spent in jail. The constant flood of bad news from CNN and the overwhelming cares of daily life also served as distractions that pulled me away from the peace and guidance of God.

    During this time of intimacy, I dedicated myself to prayer, fasting, and journaling, creating space to hear the Holy Spirit more clearly. Through these practices, the Holy Spirit taught me how to depend on His guidance and recognize His voice. He reminded me of the truth in Isaiah 30:21: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” This scripture became a lifeline, reminding me that God’s guidance is always present, even in the midst of confusion.

    By surrendering these distractions and choosing to walk in step with Him, I began to experience clarity, peace, and the unfolding of God’s plans for my life. The Holy Spirit became my Helper, gently leading me and teaching me to trust His wisdom above all else.

    Prayer

    Father, You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit, our Helper and Comforter, to guide us into all truth and to bring to remembrance everything You have spoken, as You promised in John 14:26. Lord, I thank You for Your unending love and grace that sustain me every day. I praise You for the gift of Your Spirit, who dwells within me to lead, correct, and empower me.

    Holy Spirit, forgive me for the times I have allowed distractions to drown out Your voice and have filled my mind with the world’s ways instead of Your truth. Teach me, Holy Spirit, to set my eyes upon the Father and His Word so I can align my steps with His divine will. I desire to walk in obedience, gaining revelation, knowledge, and understanding of the Father’s perfect plan for my life.

    Thank you, Holy Spirit, for purifying my heart. Transform me so that everything I do brings glory to the Father. You are the precious gift given freely to me through Christ, and I thank You for Your presence in my life. Teach me to follow Your direction, to love as You love, and to live in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus. In His precious name I pray, Amen.

  • Teach Me How To Love

    My Testimony – Chapter One

    This was the beginning of my journey with the Holy Spirit teaching me the importance of intimacy with the Father. He gently revealed that there is only one true Teacher—Abba Father—and that intimacy with Him is the foundation for understanding the depth of His love for me. I came to realize that it was His heart’s desire not only to pour His love into my life but also to teach me how to reflect His love into the lives of others.

    During this sacred journey, the Holy Spirit revealed several key truths that transformed my heart and deepened my faith. First, I needed to seek God with my whole heart, not just in part. Only then could I truly experience the vastness of His love and the joy of spending uninterrupted time in His Presence. Secondly, I had to declutter my heart of the fears, anger, and anxieties that had accumulated over the years, hindering my walk with God. By immersing myself in His Word and learning to pray heartfelt, earnest prayers, I began to experience a profound healing and a renewed intimacy with Him.

    The Holy Spirit taught me that heartfelt prayers are not just about the words spoken, but about the sincerity and vulnerability of my heart. As I prayed, not just for myself but for those around me, I felt God’s love flowing through me in ways I had never imagined. It was through this time of prayer and reflection that I learned what it truly meant to love as He loves, unconditionally and without reservation.

    Prayer

    Heavenly Father, You are the Greatest Teacher, and all wisdom and love flow from You. I praise You for Your goodness, Your mercy, and Your unfailing love. Your Word declares in Psalm 86:11, “Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.” Lord, I ask that You guide me to fix my eyes on You and grow deeper in Your love.

    Grant me the wisdom to meditate on Your Word, to know You more intimately, and to understand Your desire for my life. Help me, Father, to declutter my heart and surrender all fears, anger, and anxieties into Your hands. Your grace is sufficient for me, as You have shown me in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Teach me, Lord, to love with Your unfailing love, knowing that Your love is perfect and complete, leading me to worship You more deeply with every step of this journey. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Returning to Intimacy

    My Testimony

    During this journey, I was led by the Holy Spirit to begin seeking the Face of God, as well as learning how to pray heartfelt prayers to the Father. Despite my commitment to ministry work, I drifted away from spending precious, intimate time in His Presence. My inconsistent prayer life caused my heart to grow weary, as I focused on striving to please God through works rather than through a surrendered heart.

    The Holy Spirit gently guided me through a season of spiritual training and rest, leading me to humble myself as a child at the Master’s feet. In this sacred space, I learned to let go of distractions and allow the Holy Spirit to teach me how to pray with sincerity and vulnerability. Most importantly, this journey brought me back to intimacy with my First Love, Jesus Christ, who had always been patiently waiting for me with open arms. He reminded me of the depth of His love, a love that never fails and calls us back when we wander. This love, described in Revelation 2:4, where Jesus rebukes the church in Ephesus for leaving their first love, resonated deeply with me. It was as though He was speaking directly to my heart, gently inviting me to return to Him.

    This time of renewal reminded me of the story of Mary and Martha in the Gospel of Luke 10:41-42. Like Martha, I had been consumed by doing rather than being. But the Lord lovingly called me back to choose “the good part”—to rest in His Presence, where true fulfillment and peace reside.

  • 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.