Returning to Intimacy

Tag: faith

  • My Prayer of Repentance🙏🏿

    My Prayer of Repentance and Commitment to Truth

    Heavenly Father,

    I come before You with a humble heart, recognizing Your holiness and the power of Your Word. You are the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword, Your truth cuts through deception and reveals what is hidden. Lord, I desire to be a vessel of truth, speaking only what aligns with Your Word and bringing honor to Your name.

    Forgive me, Lord, if I have, in any way, whether knowingly or unknowingly, shared teachings or words that were not fully aligned with Your truth. If I have misled, misunderstood, or compromised in any way, I repent. Wash me in the blood of Jesus and cleanse my lips, my heart, and my mind. Let my words always be guided by Your Spirit and anchored in Your Word.

    Just as You called the church in Pergamum to stand firm in a place of spiritual warfare, I ask for the strength to remain steadfast in faith, resisting the pressures of compromise. Guard my heart against the subtle influences of false teaching, and help me to discern what is of You and what is not. May I never tolerate or embrace anything that leads others away from Your truth.

    Lord, I long to be faithful like Antipas, holding fast to Your name even in times of difficulty. Fill me with boldness, wisdom, and humility, that I may speak Your truth in love. Help me to always point people to You, the Bread of Life, and not to my own understanding.

    Thank You for Your mercy, for calling me to repentance, and for the promise of hidden manna, the deeper revelations of who You are. I receive the white stone, the new identity You have given me in Christ, and I walk forward in the confidence that I am Yours.

    Holy Spirit, lead me in all truth. Let my words bring life, edification, and the light of Christ to all who hear. I surrender my tongue to You, that I may only speak what glorifies You.

    In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

  • 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.

  • A Deep Desire to Know Jesus Christ

    Heavenly Father,

    We come before You in awe of Your love, grace, and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. You conquered death, hell, and the grave so that we might walk in freedom, truth, and eternal life. Thank You for paying the price we could never pay, giving us the right to the tree of life through Your Son.

    Lord, stir the hearts of Your people. Awaken in us a deep hunger to know You, not just in word, but in experience, in intimacy, and in obedience. Let us seek Your presence above all else, for You have called us to walk by faith, trusting in the plans You have already prepared for us. Give us ears to hear Your voice, eyes to see where You are leading, and hearts that burn with a passion to follow.

    Father, we know that in these times, the broken, the lost, and the least among us are in desperate need of Your love. You have called us to be Your hands and feet, to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and shelter the homeless. May our hearts be moved with compassion, just as Jesus was moved when He saw the multitudes in need. Remove any hesitation, doubt, or fear, and replace it with boldness, faith, and a relentless obedience to Your call.

    Let this be a season of revival in our spirits. Draw us closer, refine us, and use us to reveal Your glory to a world searching for hope. May Your love flow through us, igniting a fire in others to seek You, to know You, and to walk in the fullness of their purpose.

    We declare today that we will rise and follow where You lead. Not our will, but Yours be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

    In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

  • Death, Hell and the Grave

    Victory in Christ

    Jesus’ victory over death, hell, and the grave is the foundation of our faith. Through His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection, He conquered the very forces that once held humanity captive. This victory gives us eternal life, freedom, and purpose in Him.

    1. Jesus Defeated Death

    Death entered the world through sin, but Jesus overcame it by His resurrection. Hebrews 2:14-15 reminds us that He broke the power of death and freed us from its grip. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 declares that death has lost its sting because Christ has won the victory. Because of Him, we no longer need to fear death, it is merely a passage into eternal life with Him.

    1. Jesus Conquered Hell

    Hell represents separation from God, but Jesus took the punishment we deserved so that we could be restored to the Father. In Revelation 1:18, He declares that He holds the keys to death and Hades, proving His dominion over both. Acts 2:24 confirms that death could not hold Him, ensuring our freedom from eternal separation.

    1. Jesus Overcame the Grave

    The empty tomb is the ultimate sign of Jesus’ triumph. Romans 6:9 assures us that because Christ was raised, death no longer has mastery over Him. John 11:25 proclaims that He is the resurrection and the life, and through Him, we will live eternally. His victory secures our own resurrection and life beyond the grave.

    1. Our Victory in Christ

    Because of Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life and a restored relationship with God. 2 Timothy 1:10 tells us that He has destroyed death and revealed immortality through the gospel. Romans 8:11 assures us that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, empowering us to walk in victory now and forever.

    The Call to Walk in His Victory

    Jesus didn’t just conquer death, hell, and the grave for Himself. He did it for us! This victory calls us to live with boldness, faith, and purpose. As we draw closer to Him, staying in His Word and walking in obedience, we step fully into the life He intended for us.

    Now, the question is, how will you respond?

    Will you deepen your relationship with Jesus and walk boldly in His victory?

    Will you step out in faith to serve those in need, just as He served us?

    Will you share this good news so others can experience the freedom and hope found in Christ?

    Take Action Today

    1. Pray for a deeper hunger for God. Ask Him to stir your heart and reveal your next steps in His plan.
    2. Serve those in need – Look for opportunities to extend His love, especially to the homeless and less fortunate.
    3. Share His victory – Encourage someone today by sharing how Jesus’ triumph has changed your life.

    Let’s rise up and walk in the fullness of His victory! How will you step out in faith today?

  • God of All Creation

    The Greatness and Unfailing Love of Our God

    Heavenly Creator,

    We stand in awe of Your greatness! You are the source of all life, the One who spoke the universe into existence. Your wisdom is beyond measure, and Your love is deeper than the oceans. There is none like You, constant, unchanging, and full of mercy.

    Today, we declare that Your love knows no bounds. Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love You have poured out. No mistake, no weakness, no circumstance can diminish the love that surrounds us. From the beginning of time, You have loved us with an everlasting love, drawing us close with kindness and grace.

    Thank You for loving us beyond our flaws, beyond our doubts, beyond what we can comprehend. Your love is not earned, yet You freely give it. It covers us in times of joy and carries us in times of struggle. In Your love, we find belonging, peace, and hope.

    May we reflect this love to the world, embracing others as You embrace us, seeing with eyes of compassion, and walking in the truth that all people are cherished by You.

    We receive Your love today, rest in it, and share it freely. You are great and greatly to be praised!

    Amen.

  • Giving Jesus Access To Our Heart ❤️

    Intimacy with Jesus begins with an open heart. He stands at the door and knocks, longing for fellowship with us (Revelation 3:20). But He will not force His way in, we must willingly give Him access. This kind of surrender requires trust, vulnerability, and a deep desire to know Him beyond just religious practices.

    To give Jesus access to our hearts means allowing Him into every part of our lives, the broken places, the hidden struggles, and even the dreams we hesitate to share. It means choosing Him over distractions, making room for His voice, and embracing His love as our greatest treasure.

    True intimacy with Jesus is cultivated in the secret place. As we spend time in prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word, He reveals His heart to us. He speaks through His Spirit, transforms our thoughts, and aligns our desires with His. The more we yield, the more we experience His presence, peace, and power.

    Psalm 27:8 beautifully captures this pursuit: “My heart says of you, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.” When we give Jesus access to our hearts, we move from knowing about Him to truly knowing Him. He becomes our closest friend, our refuge, and our greatest delight.

    How do you give Jesus full access to your heart today? Let Him in completely. He longs to dwell with you.

  • O.U.R .F.I.R.S.T. L.O.V.E.

    Revelation 2:4-5 NLT
    “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.

    O – Only Savior
    U – Unfailing Love
    R – Redeemer

    F – Faithful Friend
    I – Immanuel
    R – Risen King
    S – Shepherd of Our Souls
    T – Triumphant Victor

    L – LAMB of God
    O – Overcomer
    V – Vine of Life 
    E – Eternal King   

    Thank You, Lord, that Your mercy invites us to return to You. Thank You for calling us back, for not leaving us where we were. We are grateful for the oil of intimacy being restored, for hearts that burn again with passion for You. In Jesus’ name

  • What’s Your Nineveh?

    Father, You are sovereign and merciful, patient beyond measure. You are the God who calls, who pursues, and who redeems. No one is beyond Your reach, and no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. You are slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, desiring that all would turn to You. We worship You for Your wisdom, Your justice, and Your unfailing grace.

    Lord, we confess that we are often like Jonah. We hear Your call, yet we run, whether out of fear, pride, or reluctance. We resist when You ask us to love those we find difficult, to speak truth where it is uncomfortable, or to step into places that stretch our faith. Forgive us for our disobedience, for placing our own will above Yours. Forgive us for doubting that Your plans are always greater than our own.

    Thank You, Father, for not giving up on us. Just as You pursued Jonah, You pursue us with unwavering love. Thank You for the storms that redirect us, the moments of grace that bring us to surrender, and the second chances You freely give. Thank You for the privilege of being part of Your work, for using imperfect people to accomplish Your perfect will.

    Lord, give us hearts that are quick to obey. Fill us with courage to step into the unknown, trusting that where You call us, You go before us. Align our hearts with Yours so that we desire what You desire. Help us to love as You love, to speak as You speak, and to act as You command. When fear tries to hold us back, remind us that obedience is always better than running. Let our lives be a reflection of Your mercy and truth, leading others to You.

    In Jesus’ name, 

  • Breaking Chains with Love: A Journey of Faith in the County Jail

    One of the most defining and faith-testing moments of my life came in 2018 when the Holy Spirit led me into an unfamiliar and intimidating place, the County Jail. It was shortly after my husband had transitioned home, and though grief weighed heavily on my heart, God had a calling for me in that season. He was sending me to bring His love to incarcerated women who longed for change, women who desperately needed to know that they were still seen, still loved, and still worthy of redemption.

    I knew this mission was from God because, despite my initial fears, the process of gaining approval to serve in the jail was seamless. Doors opened effortlessly, and the Holy Spirit’s presence was undeniable in every session I led. With each visit, I came to understand a truth that would shape my ministry: before discipleship, there must be relationship. It wasn’t enough to simply teach the Word, I needed to first show these women that they were valued, heard, and embraced by God’s love.

    However, one of the greatest challenges I faced in the Return to Intimacy classes was the ever-changing group of inmates. Many women were transferred or released before deep relationships could be formed. Yet, amid the constant shifting, there were three women who remained present for almost every session—three women who, by the grace of God, surrendered their lives to Christ.

    The Holy Spirit moved powerfully during our time together, and I witnessed remarkable transformations in those who were able to consistently attend the eight-week classes. But the most powerful moments came from an unexpected source, letters of encouragement written by students from a Christian Academy.

    Oh, how the Spirit moved! When I read those letters aloud, chains, both spiritual and emotional, began to break. Tears streamed down faces. Hope was rekindled in weary hearts. Women who had felt forgotten were reminded that they mattered.

    One letter, written by an eighth-grade student, deeply touched the women:

    Student’s Letter:

    Dear Beautiful, Talented Women,

    I know that you don’t hear it a lot, but you are very beautiful, and you have the potential to do whatever it is you set your mind to. Don’t let this trial dictate the rest of your life. God is going to bring great joy to you, something beyond what you could ever imagine, if you just keep your mind on Jesus.

    If you have children, they are looking forward to seeing you soon, and that will happen as long as you stay prayed up and focused on God.

    Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.”

    You are beautiful. You have a purpose. You are special. Don’t let anyone EVER tell you otherwise.

    — 8th Grader

    The response from one of the inmates was equally powerful, filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of hope:

    Inmate’s Response:

    To the students of this Divine School—

    Even though children of God never stop working, I want to thank you all for taking the time to send us these letters. You have no idea how much we need the hope of God here. We need people to remind us that somewhere, somebody still cares. Your words give us hope, that we will get out of here and return to a “normal,” God-purpose-filled life.

    Most of us want to do the right thing. We know there is a God who loves us so much, but somewhere along the way, we just forget. It’s like when Peter walked on water but lost focus for just a moment.

    Thank you for keeping us lifted with your letters and prayers. Please keep writing to us. Your words remind us that hope is alive, that God is still moving, and that we are still His.

    God bless you all, and never forget that you are children of God with smiling hearts. Share a smile and know that you are loved.

    — Female Inmate

    I thank God for using the Holy Spirit to silence my fears and allow me to be His vessel during that season. Every tear shed, every heart softened, and every soul that turned back to Him was a testimony of His love and power. I may have walked into that jail uncertain of what lay ahead, but I left knowing without a doubt that God was working.

    His love sees beyond prison walls. His grace reaches into the darkest places. And His hope restores the most broken hearts.

    To God be the glory!

  • 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.