Returning to Intimacy

Tag: faith

  • What Church Are You?

    Revelation 3:14 – The Church of Laodicea

    Last night at Evening Prayer, we looked into the sobering words of Jesus to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22. This is a message to a church in the last days, our time. And it’s a message we can’t afford to ignore.

    Jesus says, “I know your works…” (v15). That was the first point Pastor Byron made. God sees everything we do, not just what’s on the outside, but the true condition of our hearts. He said this church was neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm, and because of that, He was ready to spit them out of His mouth. That’s strong language, but it shows us how serious this is. Lukewarm means complacent, self-satisfied, religious but not surrendered.

    Pastor Byron compared this to the story of The Emperor’s New Clothes. You remember the story, the emperor thought he was wearing beautiful garments, but he was actually naked. He was blind to his true condition, and everyone around him just played along. That’s what the Laodicean church was like. They said, “I am rich, I have prospered, I need nothing,” but Jesus said, “You are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” They were unaware of their spiritual poverty, and that’s the second key point. We must know the true condition of our souls.

    Then Jesus tells them, and us, what to do: “Buy from Me gold refined by fire.” (v.18) At first, I wasn’t sure what this meant, but then we were directed to Isaiah 55:1, where it says:
    “Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

    That scripture helps us understand, Jesus is not talking about literal gold. He’s inviting us to come to Him with empty hands, to receive pure faith, tested character, and true riches of the Spirit that cannot be bought with money. This gold, refined by fire, represents a faith that has gone through the fire and comes out pure. It’s the kind of life that pleases God.

    And then Jesus ends with a promise: “To the one who overcomes…” (v21). That’s our goal, to overcome lukewarmness, compromise, and spiritual blindness. And we do that by being filled with the Holy Spirit. Not just once, but continually seeking Him, checking the condition of our hearts, and living a life surrendered to Jesus.

    So I ask myself, and I ask you: What can I do so I’m not lukewarm?

    I must ask for the infilling of the Holy Spirit daily. I must let God refine me by fire, burning away everything that’s not like Him. I must stay honest about my spiritual condition, and not pretend I’m “okay” when I’m not.

    This is not about perfection, it’s about hunger, honesty, and obedience.

    Let us not be like the emperor, walking around naked but thinking we’re clothed. Let’s ask the Lord to clothe us in white garments, open our eyes with His eye salve, and fill us with fire from above. Let us be hot for God, and never lukewarm.

  • Pressure Is Never Wasted

    Pressure, though painful, is a divine tool in the hand of God. It may feel like it’s breaking you, but in truth, God is using it to build you, shape you, and strengthen your spirit. As Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17, our light afflictions are producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond comparison. God never wastes a tear, a trial, or a test, everything is working together for your good when you are surrendered to Him.

    Just as coal under pressure becomes a diamond, your trials are birthing a refined version of you, one prepared for purpose.

    Yet it’s often in these moments of pressure that the enemy intensifies his attack. He doesn’t fight where there’s no threat; he fights hardest when he’s losing ground in your life, when you’re drawing closer to God, stepping into your identity, or approaching breakthrough.

    David’s life shows us this vividly. In 1 Samuel 30, just before stepping into kingship, David faced one of his darkest moments. Ziklag was burned, his family taken, and his own men turned against him. The enemy launched a final blow, hoping to crush him. But David encouraged himself in the Lord, rose up in strength, pursued, and recovered all. Not long after, Saul fell, and David’s elevation began.

    So, when the pressure mounts and resistance feels unbearable, don’t give up, you’re likely standing at the edge of breakthrough. Pressure is preparation, and resistance is often a sign of impending victory. In God’s hands, every moment of pain is purposeful. And when the enemy fights hardest, it’s because he knows what God is about to do next.

  • The Trinity

    Daily writing prompt
    What topics do you like to discuss?
    View all responses

    If you know me, you know I love to talk about the Holy Spirit, His power, His gentleness, His presence that refreshes, purifies, leads, heals, and brings peace. But my heart doesn’t stop there, I love talking about the fullness of who God is: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

    The Father, who created us in love and calls us His own.

    The Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life so we could be redeemed and walk in freedom.

    And the Holy Spirit, who lives within us to guide, empower, and comfort us every day.

    They are not three gods, but One, perfectly united, perfectly loving, perfectly working together for our salvation and joy.

    I know not everyone will believe. And that’s okay, because God, in His perfect love, gives every person a choice. Love never forces itself. The Holy Spirit comes where He is welcomed. And even when He is rejected, the Father’s arms remain open, the Son’s sacrifice still stands, and the Spirit’s invitation remains.

    God will continue to love every heart, no matter what, longing for each one to turn and experience His fullness.

    That’s the beauty of His love: it never gives up, it never fails, and it always waits with open arms.

    And so I keep talking.
    I keep sharing.

    Because once you’ve encountered the Father’s love, the Son’s grace, and the Spirit’s power, you can never be the same.

  • Heart to Heart Intimacy

    Find a quiet space and imagine with me a moment. Take a deep breath and slowly let it out. Gently close your eyes. Imagine Jesus standing before you, radiant, loving, holding a key in His hand. He looks into your eyes with deep affection. Then He speaks…

    “I know you. I see every moment you’ve chosen to stay faithful, even when your strength felt small. I’ve watched you hold on, press through, and not deny My name. I’ve placed before you an open door, custom fit for your life, your calling, your healing, and no one, not even the enemy, can shut it.”

    Feel His presence near you now…

    “You are Mine. I am your Keeper, your Defender, your Peace. And I’m coming soon. Until then, hold on to what I’ve given you, your crown of endurance, your hope, your promise. You are not forgotten. You are marked by My love.”

    Jesus,
    You see me. You know every battle, every tear, every moment I’ve wanted to give up, but didn’t.
    Thank You for opening a door in my life that no one can shut. Thank You for calling me Yours. I receive Your words as truth and life. Write Your name upon me, on my heart, my identity, my future.

    Make me a pillar in Your presence, strong, steady, unmoved by the storms around me. Help me stay ready. Keep my heart awake and my spirit anchored in hope.
    I wait for You, my King, my Bridegroom, my Friend.
    And until You come, I will remain faithful with all my love for You and my neighbor, in Your precious name. Amen.

    Our strength, our endurance, and our future rest not in us, but entirely in the power and faithfulness of God.

  • Keep Your Eyes On Jesus!

    Keep Your Eyes on the Finish Line

    Life is a race we each must run, and Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to “lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us and run with endurance the race that is set before us.” There are moments when we feel like we’re running full speed ahead, focused, strong, and steady. But then, distractions come. We look down on our own limitations, to the side of others’ opinions, or behind us at past failures. Our pace slows. Doubt creeps in. Fatigue settles on our shoulders like a heavy cloak.

    But then, oh, then, we lift our eyes and see the finish line. We see Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, standing there with arms wide open. That sight alone gives us new strength. A second wind. Hope restored! Because our endurance doesn’t come from within us, but from the One who already overcame.

    So, dear friends, never give up. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Don’t let fear, comparison, or regret distract you. Don’t look down. Don’t look around. Look up. The goal is ahead. Heaven is ahead. Victory is ahead. And with each step, you are not alone! Because He is running with us!!! You were made to finish. You were made to win. Keep going.

    Gracious God,
    We thank You for the unique race You’ve set before each of us. Some of us are running strong, others are barely holding on, but no matter our pace, You are with us. You have called us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the One who began this good work in us and who promises to finish it.

    Lord, help us not to be distracted by the struggles beneath our feet, or the noise around us, or the past behind us. Help us to look up, to keep our eyes on You. When the road gets long and our strength begins to fade, renew us. Remind us that we are not running alone. You are our strength, our guide, and our prize.

    May we encourage one another along the way. May we carry those who stumble. And may we each press forward toward the finish line, knowing that a crown of life and the joy of Your presence await.

    We will not quit. We will not be moved. With You before us, we will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not faint.

    In Jesus’ name,
    Amen.

  • Bold Request Kingdom Purpose

    The times we live in are marked by uncertainty, confusion, and spiritual distraction. Yet in the midst of it all, God calls His people to rise with clarity, confidence, and boldness, not in our strength, but in the assurance that when we align with His will, heaven responds.

    We’re not left to guess God’s will. It’s clear in His Word: souls saved, truth proclaimed, the Church purified, the Bride made ready. Our prayers are not meant to be timid wishes but bold declarations of what God already desires.

    When we pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done,” we are inviting Heaven’s agenda to invade the earth through our faith and obedience. We are also surrendering our own ideas and timelines to the perfect strategy of our King.

    Now is the time to ask boldly, for revival, for workers in the harvest, for clarity of purpose, and for hearts to be turned back to the Father.

    Prayer
    Heavenly Father,
    Thank You that we, as Your children, can approach You with boldness and confidence. Today, we come together in agreement, aligning our hearts with Your will. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in us, among us, and through us.

    Strengthen us as one Body to stand firm in faith and united in purpose. Give us clarity of vision and courage to walk in obedience. Stir Your Church to awaken, pray, and speak truth in love. Fill us with compassion for those still wandering, and grant us opportunities to share Your Gospel with power and humility.

    Use our voices, our gifts, and our testimonies to shine the light of Christ in this dark world. Let hearts be drawn to You before Your return. And may we, together, be faithful in carrying the message of salvation to every soul You place in our path.

    We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and King.
    Amen.

  • A Heart of Worship

    Heavenly Father,
    I come before You with a heart that longs to rest in Your perfect peace. You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Yet Lord, there are moments when fear whispers louder than faith, when uncertainty clouds my vision, and when doubt seeks to settle in my soul. In those moments, remind me of who You are.

    You are faithful in all Your ways. You are good, even when life feels hard. You hold tomorrow in Your hands, and not a single moment escapes Your care. So today, I surrender my worries, my plans, and my fears to You. Teach me to trust You not just with my words, but with my whole heart.

    Help me to lean not on my own understanding but to acknowledge You in all I do, knowing You will direct my path. Let my trust in You grow deeper with every trial, stronger with every delay, and more secure with every promise fulfilled.

    Lord, anchor my soul in Your truth. Breathe Your peace over my anxious thoughts. And when I don’t understand the “why,” help me hold onto the “Who”—You, my faithful God.

    In Jesus’ name I pray,
    Amen.

  • Jesus Lives!

    Risen King Jesus, we exalt You! You are the Lamb who was slain, yet You live forevermore, crowned with glory and honor. You willingly bore the cross, despised its shame, and conquered death with unmatched power.
    You are the Holy One, the spotless sacrifice, our Great High Priest, and our Eternal Intercessor.

    Worthy are You, Lord, to receive all worship, for in You mercy and truth have met, righteousness and peace have kissed.
    We adore You for tearing the veil and opening the way for us to dwell with the Father, not as strangers, but as beloved children.

    O Lord, renew a right spirit within us. Let us never forget the weight of the cross and the depth of Your love.

    Thank You that the veil was torn from top to bottom, not by man, but by God Himself, declaring that we are welcome in Your presence forever. Thank You for direct access to the Father, for the gift of intimacy, for the power of resurrection life that now dwells in us.
    We praise You for Your finished work, and we rest in it with grateful hearts.

    Let the reality of the torn veil awaken fresh fire within us to seek Your face, know Your voice, and carry Your glory to a hurting world.
    We ask that the power of the resurrection rise in every dry and weary place within us. Use our lives as living testimonies of the victory You won our Risen King, our Coming Bridegroom, our Savior forever.

    In Your glorious name, Jesus — Amen.

  • When Sunday Comes!

    The Silence and the Victory in the Shadows

    Scripture:
    1 Peter 3:18-19 (NIV)
    “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, He went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits…”

    Revelation 1:18 (NKJV)
    “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”

    Holy Saturday, the space between the crucifixion and the resurrection, is marked by silence. The tomb is sealed. The sky is still. To the natural eye, hope seems lost. But in the Spirit, Jesus was not inactive, He was victorious!

    The Bible gives us glimpses of a divine mystery: Jesus descended into the lower parts of the earth (Ephesians 4:9), proclaimed His victory to the imprisoned spirits (1 Peter 3:19), and triumphed over every force of darkness. He took back the keys of Death and Hades, not as a victim, but as a victorious King.

    Though the world was silent, the realm of the Spirit shook with holy power. Hell was plundered. Captivity was led captive. Jesus was claiming authority over sin, death, and the grave. Hallelujah!🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

    Holy Saturday reminds us: even when Heaven seems quiet, God is still working. Silence doesn’t mean absence, it can be the sound of victory being secured in secret.

    Prayer:
    Jesus, when we face silent seasons, help us remember that You are never idle. Thank You for descending into the depths to rescue, redeem, and restore. Thank You for holding the keys of death and the grave. We wait in faith, knowing Sunday is coming. In Jesus name! Amen.

    Today, reflect on the “in-between” moments in your own life, times when it felt like nothing was happening. Ask God to show you how He was working in the silence. Write down one area where you need to trust Him even when you can’t see movement.

  • Love Poured Out At Calvary 🩸

    Scripture:
    Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
    “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

    Reflection:
    Good Friday marks the most sacred, heart-wrenching act of love the world has ever known. On this day, Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly gave His life as a ransom for many. He was betrayed, beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross, bearing the full weight of our sin, shame, and judgment.

    It was not the nails that held Him there, it was love. Love for you. Love for the ones who would believe. The Lamb of God was offered as the final and perfect sacrifice. The veil in the temple was torn, signifying that access to God was now made available through the blood of Jesus.

    While it’s called “Good” Friday, the goodness lies not in the pain, but in the purpose. The Cross was not the end, it was the doorway to redemption, reconciliation, and victory.

    Prayer:
    Lord Jesus, thank You for enduring the cross for me. Thank You for staying when You could have walked away. You took my place, bore my punishment, and offered me eternal life. Let the power of Your sacrifice never become familiar to me. Teach me to live in a way that honors what You paid for. Amen.

    Reflection Challenge:
    Spend time quietly before the Lord today. Read the account of Jesus’ crucifixion in John 19. Reflect on each moment—His silence, His suffering, His surrender. Then, take Communion in remembrance of His body broken and blood shed. Worship Him for the love that held Him there.