Returning to Intimacy

Tag: god

  • I Will Sing Of Your Love Forever! ❤️

    Psalm 59:16 says, “But I will sing of your strength; in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”

    This verse reminds us that no matter the setbacks or sorrows we face, God remains our strength and refuge. He allows difficulties not to destroy us but to set us up for something greater—both for our good and His glory. When we trust Him, He transforms our trials into testimonies, our pain into purpose, and our struggles into stepping stones.

    By intentionally following Jesus, we shift our focus from despair to praise, recognizing that every hardship is an opportunity to grow in faith and draw closer to Him. Our setbacks are not the end of the story; they are simply a setup for God’s greater plan in our lives.

    Heavenly Father,

    Thank You for being my strength and refuge in every season of life. Even in my setbacks and sorrows, I trust that You are working for my good and Your glory. Help me to see challenges as opportunities to grow in faith and follow Jesus more intentionally. Turn my trials into testimonies, my pain into purpose, and my struggles into stepping stones toward Your perfect plan. Fill my heart with praise, knowing that You are always with me, guiding me forward.

    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Take The Mask Off

    Abba Father,

    You created me to be known and to be loved, fashioned in Your image from the very beginning. Yet, sometimes shame wraps around my heart and holds me back from being fully vulnerable before You. Your Word reminds me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and that nothing can separate me from Your love.

    Lord, I ask for the courage to lay aside my masks and to let You see the deepest parts of who I am. Help me to embrace vulnerability, knowing that in being fully known by You, I am also fully loved. Free me from the burden of shame and grant me the grace to live authentically, reflecting the love and compassion that You extend to all Your children.

    Pursue me, O Lord, and let Your truth dissolve my fears. May I find strength in Your promise that when I am open and honest with You, Your perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Teach me to trust in Your unconditional love and to mirror that love to others, knowing that our true worth is found in being known by You.

    In Your precious name I pray,
    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.

  • Are You Ready?

    The Son of Man: The Bridge Between Heaven and Earth

    From the beginning, God revealed His plan of redemption through the Son of Man, a title Jesus frequently used to describe Himself (Matthew 8:20, Mark 2:10, Luke 19:10). This title carries both divine and human significance, pointing to His mission as the Messiah, the Savior, and the King of Glory.

    Jesus, the Son of Man, came in fulfillment of prophecy, as declared by Daniel:

    “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a Son of Man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him” (Daniel 7:13-14, ESV).

    He was sent from the Father, God in flesh (John 1:14), to walk among us, to heal, to teach, and to call the lost back to God. His miracles testified of His authority. He forgave sins (Mark 2:10), healed the sick (Matthew 9:35), commanded the winds and the waves (Mark 4:39), and raised the dead (John 11:43-44).

    Yet, the greatest work of the Son of Man was His sacrifice on the cross. He declared:

    “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, ESV).

    Through His death and resurrection, Jesus bridged the gap between heaven and earth, making a way for sinners to be reconciled to God. He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).

    Jesus did not come in worldly splendor but in divine authority. He humbled Himself (Philippians 2:6-8), yet He holds all power in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). His return will be glorious:

    “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27, ESV).

    The Son of Man is both the suffering servant and the reigning King, the One who intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25) and will one day judge the nations (Matthew 25:31-32).

    Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Son of Man, our Redeemer, the One who holds the keys to life and eternity. He alone is worthy of our faith, our trust, and our worship.

    Prayer

    O Lord, Son of Man, the Holy One of God,

    We come before You in awe of Your majesty, in reverence of Your power, and in gratitude for Your mercy. You, who left the glory of heaven to walk among us, clothed in flesh, yet full of divine authority—how marvelous is Your love! How unsearchable is Your wisdom!

    You are the bridge between heaven and earth, the only Way to the Father. You have torn the veil that separated us, making a path for sinners to be redeemed, for the lost to be found, for the blind to see. Through Your sacrifice, the chasm between holiness and sin has been overcome, and now we stand in the light of Your righteousness.

    Lord Jesus, Son of Man, You warned us that many would come in Your name, claiming to be the Christ, seeking to deceive even the elect. But You have given us Your voice, Your Spirit, and Your truth—let us not be led astray! Keep our hearts steadfast, our minds discerning, and our spirits aligned with Your Word.

    The world is filled with noise, with false promises and counterfeit lights, but You alone are the Truth, the Life, and the only Door to eternal peace. Teach us to listen only to You, to follow only Your footsteps, and to be unwavering in our devotion.

    We long for Your return, Son of Man, as You promised: coming on the clouds in power and great glory. Let our hearts remain watchful, our lamps burning with faith, that we may not be found asleep when You come. Strengthen us to stand firm in the trials, to resist the lies of the enemy, and to boldly proclaim the testimony of who You are.

    May we never trade Your eternal truth for temporary comfort. May we never seek another savior, for there is none like You. May our lives reflect the beauty of Your holiness and the power of Your love until the day we see You face to face.

    Come, Lord Jesus. Until that day, keep us faithful.

    Amen.

  • Return to the Ark of Safety

    Hebrews 11:7 speaks about Noah’s faith. It tells us that Noah, warned by God about unseen events (the coming flood), acted in reverent obedience by building an ark to save his family. His faith condemned the unbelieving world and made him an heir of righteousness through faith. This verse highlights how true faith moves us to obedience, even when we don’t see immediate evidence of God’s plans.

    Heavenly Father,

    Thank You for calling us back to intimacy with You. Just as Noah trusted You without seeing, help us walk by faith, not by sight. When distractions and doubts try to pull us away, remind us that true relationship with You is built on trust, obedience, and love.

    Lord, increase our faith to seek You with our whole hearts, to listen when You speak, and to move in obedience even when we don’t fully understand. Remove any barriers of fear, past failures, or unworthiness that keep us from drawing close to You. Help us embrace Your grace and open our hearts to the deep, personal relationship You desire with us.

    Father, revive our spirits, rekindle our love for You, and let our lives reflect the righteousness that comes by faith. May we, like Noah, act on Your word with unwavering confidence, knowing that You are always faithful.

    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Our Sovereign God

    Abba Father,

    We come before You with heavy hearts, seeing the division, injustice, and moral decline in our nation. Lord, we acknowledge that no human leader, policy, or system can truly heal what is broken, only You can restore righteousness and justice.

    Forgive us, Lord, for turning away from Your truth. We have allowed greed, pride, and selfish ambition to lead us astray. But Your Word reminds us that if we humble ourselves, pray, seek Your face, and turn from our wicked ways, You will hear from heaven and heal our land.

    Father, we ask for Your mercy. Raise up leaders who fear You and seek wisdom, not power. Soften hardened hearts and bring unity where there is division. Protect the innocent, defend the oppressed, and let Your justice prevail. Stir a revival in this nation, let Your church be a beacon of hope, love, and truth.

    Lord, we trust in You, not in worldly systems. We declare that despite the chaos, You are still sovereign. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in America as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray.

    Amen.

  • Don’t Wager with Eternity!

    We owe Jesus Christ everything, for He is the hope of the nations, and one day, every eye will behold Him.

    Merciful Father,

    We come before You in awe and gratitude, for You are Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are the fulfillment of every promise, the faithful and true witness, the One who has revealed Yourself to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We are beholden to You, for You have called us out of darkness and into Your marvelous light.

    Jesus, our King, our Redeemer, You are the Firstborn from the Dead, the Victor over death, and because You live, we live also! You have made us a part of Your royal priesthood, a child of the King, and we will forever declare Your greatness. You rule over the kings of the earth, and no power, no authority, no force can stand against You! Your blood has redeemed us, and in You, we find our true identity.

    Lord, with unveiled faces, we long to behold Your glory. Let Your Word shape our hearts, our minds, and our souls. Build in us unshakable confidence, stir in us a deeper love for You, give us divine perspective, strengthen our identity in Christ, and align our desires with Yours.

    May our life reflect the truth that You alone are our hope, our purpose, and our King.Jesus, You are the hope of the nations. The world groans in longing for Your return, and one day every eye will see Your majesty. Until that day, let us be a faithful witness, testifying of Your love, power, and redemption.

    Let our prayer life be strengthened by this truth, that we may walk in constant communion with You, knowing that we are Yours and You are our soon coming King.We surrender all to You, our Alpha and Omega, our Risen King. We love You, we honor You, and we behold You in all Your glory.In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen

  • Counting It All Joy: Loving the Unlovable in the Midst of Trials

    “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
    — James 1:2-3 (NKJV)

    Life often presents challenges that test the very core of our faith. We encounter people who are difficult to love, those who hurt us, betray us, or seem undeserving of our kindness. Yet, as believers, we are not called to love only those who are easy to love; we are mandated to love the unlovable, just as Christ loved us when we were undeserving.

    Joy in the Face of Trials

    James reminds us that trials are not merely obstacles; they are opportunities for spiritual growth. He doesn’t say to endure them with gritted teeth, he says to count it all joy. This joy is not rooted in the pain itself but in the understanding that God is using every hardship to refine our faith, produce patience, and shape us into His image.

    Loving difficult people is one of the greatest tests of faith. It challenges our natural tendencies and requires us to rely on the Holy Spirit. But within this challenge lies the joy of knowing that we are being conformed to the character of Christ.

    The Mandate to Love the Unlovable

    Jesus Himself set the ultimate standard for love. In Matthew 5:44, He commands:
    “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” This kind of love is radical. It is not based on feelings but on obedience. It is a decision to reflect God’s mercy, even when it is undeserved. After all, God loved us when we were at our worst: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

    To love the unlovable is to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. It is to forgive when the world says to hold grudges, to bless when others choose to curse, and to extend grace when judgment seems justified.

    The Power of Love in Action

    When we choose love over resentment, we break the cycle of bitterness. We reflect God’s heart and open the door for His transformative power to work, not only in those we love but also in ourselves. True joy is found in obedience, in knowing that every act of love is an act of worship to the One who first loved us.

    Loving the unlovable is not easy, but it is possible through Christ. As Philippians 4:13 declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When we rely on His strength, we can love even when it feels impossible. And in doing so, we discover the deep, abiding joy that comes from living out His will.

    A Prayer for Strength to Love

    Father,
    Help us to count it all joy when we face trials, knowing You are shaping us through every challenge. Teach us to love as You love, not selectively, but unconditionally. Give us the strength to forgive, the grace to bless, and the heart to reflect Your kindness, even to those who seem unworthy. Let our love be a testimony of Your power at work in us.
    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Loving the unlovable is not just a suggestion, it is a divine calling. And in that calling, we find joy, knowing that we are fulfilling the very heart of Christ.

  • A Prayer of Repentance and Renewal (Joel 2:1-17)

    Abba Father,

    We hear Your call, the trumpet sounding in Zion, warning us to awaken from our complacency. The day of the Lord is near, and we do not want to be found unprepared. In Your mercy, You warn us, not to destroy us, but to draw us back to You.

    Lord, we see the darkness that covers the land, the brokenness of our world, and the weight of sin that separates us from You. But You, O God, are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. You do not desire destruction but repentance. And so, we come before You, humbling ourselves in fasting and prayer, with hearts torn in true sorrow—not merely in outward display, but in deep, genuine repentance.

    Forgive us, Lord, for the ways we have turned from You. We have allowed distractions, pride, and sin to lead us away from Your perfect will. Have mercy on us! Do not let us be put to shame before the nations, but restore us, O God, for the sake of Your great name.

    Let the priests, the leaders, and all Your people cry out to You. Let every heart be stirred with urgency, from the youngest to the oldest. We do not seek revival for our own benefit, but that You may be glorified and that the world may know that You alone are God.

    Spare us, Lord! Do not let our enemies mock, saying, “Where is their God?” Show Yourself mighty in our midst. Turn our mourning into joy, our barrenness into fruitfulness, our fear into faith. Pour out Your Spirit upon us once again, that we may walk in righteousness and proclaim Your goodness to all.

    We return to You, O Lord, with all our hearts, trusting in Your mercy. May Your love and power be made known, not only in us but through us, that all may see and turn to You.

    In Jesus’ name, we pray,
    Amen.

  • Reliance on Jesus is Essential

    In a world filled with uncertainty, trials, and challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But as believers, we are not meant to carry the weight of life alone. Jesus invites us to lean on Him, to trust Him fully, and to find our strength in His presence. Here’s why relying on Jesus isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity.

    1. Jesus is the Only Way to True Life

    So many paths promise fulfillment, but only one leads to eternal life. Jesus Himself declared: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
    When we trust in Jesus, we are not just choosing a better way—we are choosing the way. He is our guide, our Savior, and our access to a life that never fades.

    2. He Gives Strength and Peace in Every Storm

    Life is full of burdens, but Jesus doesn’t ask us to carry them alone. Instead, He offers rest for our weary souls: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 No matter what we’re facing, stress, loss, uncertainty, Jesus promises peace that the world cannot give. His presence is our refuge, our anchor in the storm.

    3. He Provides for Every Need

    We often worry about our future, our finances, our well-being. But scripture reminds us: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19 When we rely on Jesus, we don’t have to live in fear. He is our provider, our sustainer, and our source of every good thing.

    4. He is Our Firm Foundation

    Building our life on anything but Christ will leave us shaken. But when we build on Him, we stand strong no matter what comes our way: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24
    The world will shift circumstances will change, but Jesus remains unshakable. Trusting Him means building a life that lasts.

    5. He Gives Victory Over Sin and Death

    We don’t have to be enslaved to our past mistakes or fears. Jesus has already won the victory for us: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57
    No matter what battles we face, we fight from a place of victory, not defeat.

    6. He is Always With Us

    Perhaps the greatest comfort in trusting Jesus is knowing we are never alone:
    “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5
    When others walk away, when life feels lonely, Jesus is still there. He walks with us in every season, in every moment.

    7. He Calls Us to Abide in Him

    True success, fulfillment, and fruitfulness come not from striving, but from abiding:
    “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5 When we stay connected to Jesus, our lives produce real, lasting impact.

    The Bottom Line

    Relying on Jesus isn’t just about religion, it’s about relationship. It’s about surrendering our burdens, trusting His guidance, and walking in the peace and strength only He can give. When we lean on Him, we don’t just survive, we thrive.

    No matter what you’re facing today, Jesus is calling you to trust Him. Will you take that step and lean into His love, His power, and His perfect plan for you?