Returning to Intimacy

Tag: Hope

  • 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.

  • LOVE vs BETRAYAL

    LOVE vs BETRAYAL

    “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
    —John 12:3 (NIV)


    “Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him over to you?’”
    —Matthew 26:14–15 (NIV)

    Wednesday of Holy Week may be silent in the text, but spiritually, the air was thick with contrasting choices.

    Mary poured out extravagant love, breaking open her alabaster box, anointing Jesus for His burial, and filling the room with worship.
    Meanwhile, Judas secretly plotted betrayal for silver, trading eternal treasure for temporary gain.

    What a contrast: devotion and deception in the same week. One gave everything to honor Jesus. The other sold Him out.

    Yet Jesus was not caught off guard. Even in silence, He remained sovereign and surrendered. He received Mary’s offering with tenderness, and He would face Judas’ betrayal with divine purpose. This reminds us: even in moments of betrayal, loss, or silence, God is orchestrating redemption.

    Lord, help us to have Mary’s heart. Teach us to pour out what is most precious to us at Your feet, our love, our worship, our surrender. Guard us from the spirit of Judas, from coldness, greed, or false intentions. When life feels quiet or confusing, remind us that You are still working and still worthy. In Your precious name we pray. Amen.

  • Purifying the Temple & Teaching Truth

    On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus cleansed the temple, physically driving out what was unholy to make space for prayer, purity, and the presence of God.
    (“My house shall be called a house of prayer…” – Matthew 21:13)

    Then on Tuesday, He taught in that very same temple. After removing distractions and corruption, He filled the space with truth, clarity, and kingdom revelation.
    (“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” – Matthew 24:35)

    Jesus didn’t cleanse the temple just for the sake of judgment, He did it so that truth could flow freely again. Purification makes room for revelation.
    Likewise, in our own hearts (His temple), the Lord gently but powerfully clears away what doesn’t belong, not to condemn us, but so that we can better hear Him, learn from Him, and live in freedom.

    The same Jesus who overturns tables on Monday is the one who teaches with love and power on Tuesday.

    Lord, thank You for cleansing our hearts and preparing us to receive more of You. We invite You to purify anything in us that resists Your truth. Teach us, fill us, and help us walk in Your Word. Let our hearts be a temple where You’re honored, heard, and obeyed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Rest in God’s Sufficiency

    In a world that often feels overwhelming, it’s easy to focus on what’s missing,  whether it’s strength, resources, or clarity. But in those moments of lack, we are reminded of a truth that has carried us through every season of life: God is more than enough.

    A Personal Glimpse
    There was a time in my life when I was caring for my mother full-time, trying to balance ministry responsibilities, my own health, and a deep desire to serve the community. I remember one night, exhausted and in tears, asking the Lord, “How can I keep giving when I feel so empty?”

    It was in that still moment that I felt His peace settle over me. Not through a loud voice, but in the gentle reminder that He never asked me to do this alone. That night, I opened my Bible and landed on Philippians 4:19. It felt like a direct message from Heaven:
    “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

    From that moment on, I understood.  He wasn’t just going to give me what I needed, He was going to be who I needed. My provider, my healer, my comforter, and my peace. And He has never failed to show up.

    Jehovah Jireh — my Provider.
    There have been times on my journey when the needs seemed greater than the supply. Whether it was in ministry or as I poured myself into others, I wondered how I could keep going. But God reminded me that He doesn’t call me to work in my own strength. He is the One who provides for me, for those I serve, for the mission He has given me. His provision is always enough.

    Jehovah Rapha — my Healer.
    Grief, loss, and challenges have tested my heart, body, and mind. But in those moments of deep weariness, God has been my healer. He heals the broken-hearted and gives peace to those who trust in Him. When I needed rest, He restored me. When I felt drained, He filled me. His healing power is more than enough.

    Jehovah Shammah — the God who is there.
    One of the greatest comforts I have is knowing that God is always present. He is with me in every moment, in every prayer, every step, and every challenge. And it’s not just His presence that sustains me, but His promise to walk alongside me in everything. When the road feels lonely or hard, I am reminded that He is here. And that makes Him more than enough.

    A God Who Meets Every Need
    In the midst of every trial, there’s a peace in knowing that God is fully equipped to meet every need I have. Whether it’s guidance, resources, energy, or peace of mind, He is more than enough to provide all that I need. His Word promises this truth in Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

    What a comfort to know that we don’t have to carry the weight of everything on our own! God’s sufficiency is the foundation of our hope, and when we lean into His provision, we are never lacking.

    Reflection for You
    Where in your life do you feel that you are running low? Is it your energy? Your hope? Your strength? Take a moment to reflect on where you need God’s sufficiency the most. And remember, no matter what you face, He is more than enough.

    A Prayer for Today
    Lord, You are more than enough for me. You provide, You heal, and You are always with me. Help me to rest in the knowledge that You are all I need. In every circumstance, remind me that You are my sufficiency. I trust in Your provision, and I surrender all that I am to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Final Thoughts
    It’s not always easy to rest in God’s sufficiency, especially when we’re facing tough seasons. But the more we focus on His character and His promises, the more we can surrender our worries and trust in His provision. You are never alone, and you are never lacking when God is on your side.

  • God Our Defender!

    Righteous Father,
    We come before You in holy reverence, lifting our eyes above the chaos of this present world and anchoring our hearts in Your eternal truth. You have declared in Isaiah 54 that we are not forsaken, not forgotten, not cast away, but redeemed by the Lord of Hosts, our Holy One, our Defender.

    Though the earth shakes and nations rage, we stand on the unshakable foundation of Your covenant love. You said, “No weapon formed against us shall prosper,” and we declare it boldly today. Every tongue that rises in judgment, we condemn it, for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and our righteousness is of You.

    Lord, You see the injustice, the corruption, the violence, the persecution of Your people. Arise, O God, and vindicate Your name. Let Your judgment roll down like waters, and Your righteousness like a mighty stream. As You promised, “with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on you,” so let Your mercy shield us even while Your justice purifies the earth.

    We thank You that You have sworn that “the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed.” So we stand under that covenant today, fearless in the face of darkness, because You Yourself have built us, established us in righteousness, and declared, “You shall be far from oppression.”

    We renounce fear. We renounce shame. We break agreement with every voice of defeat, and we rise as the redeemed, clothed in strength, crowned with favor, and covered in the blood of Jesus. You are our Rear Guard. You are our Shield and Exceeding Great Reward.

    Let the Church arise in boldness. Let the saints declare Your Word with authority. Let vindication come from Your throne, not by might, not by power, but by Your Spirit, O Lord.

    We declare today: No weapon, no lie, no attack shall prevail. The Lord is our Avenger, and our victory is secured in Him.

    In the mighty name of Jesus,
    Amen.

  • For Such A Time As This!

    Set Apart for the King

    “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

    From the beginning, God has always set apart a people for Himself, those who would walk in His ways, reflect His glory, and prepare the world for His return. As true followers of Christ, we are not called to blend into the world but to stand out, to be lights in the darkness, to be vessels for the Master’s use.

    Holiness is not an option for God’s people, it is our identity. Leviticus 20:26 says, “You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” Holiness is not perfection in ourselves, but a complete surrender to Christ, allowing Him to work through us. It is a life of obedience, reflecting the character of the One we serve.

    Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” While the world chases after temporary pleasures, we set our eyes on eternal things, living each day with the expectancy of our Lord’s return.

    Jesus made it clear that His return is near, and He has given us a mission: to proclaim His kingdom and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). True Christians are not passive spectators; we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), workers in the harvest field (Matthew 9:37-38), and watchmen on the walls (Ezekiel 33:7).

    The Apostle Paul urges us in 2 Timothy 2:21, “Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” We have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, set apart to carry out His will. Every act of love, every prayer lifted, every soul reached, these are the works of those who are truly devoted to the King.

    As we wait for Christ’s return, we must live as a prepared bride. In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing the importance of being spiritually awake and ready. Only those who had their lamps filled with oil, the Holy Spirit, were ready when the Bridegroom came.

    Revelation 19:7 declares, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” True Christians live each day as if today could be the day He returns, keeping our hearts pure and our eyes fixed on Jesus.

    We are living in the last days, and now more than ever, God is calling His remnant to stand firm. The world may reject truth, but we remain steadfast in Christ. Matthew 24:13 reminds us, “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” We are not swayed by culture, fear, or persecution, because we belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).

    Being set apart is not about being perfect, it is about being surrendered. It is about saying “yes” to God when the world says “no.” It is about shining His light, walking in His truth, and preparing the way for the King of kings.

    Beloved, this is our time to rise up, to live boldly for Jesus, and to declare His coming. May we be found faithful, ready, and set apart for His glory.

    “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” – Revelation 22:12

    Let us serve our Creator with joy, for He is coming soon! For such a time as this!

  • Wait For It!

    Wait For It—The Power of Staying in Position

    Yesterday, my Pastor delivered a powerful word that stirred my spirit and brought back the season I went through this very subject. The message was clear: Do not depart from Jerusalem—Wait for it! (Acts 1:4). In a world that glorifies speed, convenience, and instant results, waiting feels unnatural. But if we truly desire the power of God, we must learn to embrace the wait.

    Are You Killing Time or Preparing for Power?

    Pastor Mike challenged us with a thought-provoking question: When we wait, are we just passing time, or are we preparing for something greater?

    Before the disciples could experience the outpouring of Acts 2, they had to wait in obedience in Acts 1. They didn’t rush ahead or try to force God’s timing, they positioned themselves, unified in prayer, expectant for the promise.

    The Word reminds us over and over again that waiting is where God works:

    “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)

    I know what it feels like to want to give up when waiting seems too hard to bear. There was a season in my life when my marriage was incredibly emotional and difficult. I felt weary, broken, and ready to walk away. I cried out to the Holy Spirit, hoping for an escape, but instead, He spoke something unexpected: Your husband is your assignment. Wait on Me.

    It wasn’t easy, but I obeyed. I held on when I wanted to let go. I sought God when I didn’t understand. And now, looking back, I thank Him that I waited. God was preparing both my husband and me to learn how to truly love one another. That season shaped us in ways I never imagined, and before my husband went home to be with the Lord, we experienced the kind of love that only God could build.

    Waiting wasn’t just about endurance, it was about preparation.

    Three Keys Pastor Mike addressed if we truly want to walk in God’s power, we must:

    1. Ask for the Holy Spirit Our greatest priority should be seeking Him (Luke 11:13). Many want the power, but few take the time to ask for the infilling.
    2. Experience the Holy Spirit Acts 2:1-2 tells us the disciples were in one accord, waiting with expectation. The Spirit didn’t come on their schedule, He came when they were ready.

    Ephesians 5:18 reminds us that while every believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit, not every believer is continuously filled. We must stay hungry for His presence.

    1. Walk in the Effects of the Holy Spirit – When the Spirit fills us, we won’t stay the same:

    Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) – Our character transforms.

    Boldness (Acts 4:31) – Fear is replaced with confidence in Christ.

    Direction (Acts 13:2) – The Spirit speaks and leads us.

    Power (Acts 1:8) – We become true witnesses for the Kingdom.

    Final Thought: Don’t Rush Past Acts 1

    Pastor made it plain: If you want the power of Acts 2, don’t rush past Acts 1. The waiting season isn’t about delay; it’s about preparation.

    Call to Action
    Are you frustrated in the waiting, or are you expectant? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh today. Be intentional, don’t rush ahead, don’t try to force it. Stay in position, and wait for it.

  • A Timeless Warning

    Learning from the Israelites’ Disobedience

    There is truly nothing new under the sun. The world we live in today, filled with rebellion, self-seeking desires, and disregard for God’s commandments, is simply history repeating itself. The story of the Israelites is our story. Their cycle of disobedience, rebellion, consequences, and God’s mercy is a mirror reflecting our own tendencies as a people.

    Throughout the Old Testament, we see a recurring theme: God delivers His people, sets them apart for His glory, and gives them commands for their well-being. Yet, time and time again, they turn away from Him, chasing after idols, indulging in sin, and relying on their own wisdom instead of trusting the Lord.

    One of the most striking examples of this is found in Judges 2:11-15, where it says:

    “Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They aroused the Lord’s anger… In His anger against Israel, the Lord gave them into the hands of raiders who plundered them.”

    Their disobedience had consequences: they were conquered by their enemies, suffered famine, and were taken into captivity. In Deuteronomy 28, God laid out the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience, warning them that if they turned away, they would experience devastation. And yet, despite His clear instructions, they repeatedly ignored His voice.

    Fast forward to today, and we see the same pattern unfolding. Our modern world has turned away from God, placing confidence in wealth, power, and self-sufficiency instead of in Him. We’ve allowed idolatry to take root, not in the form of golden calves, but through materialism, entertainment, and the pursuit of personal pleasure over righteousness.

    Just as the Israelites faced the consequences of their rebellion, so do we. We see wars, disasters, economic turmoil, moral decay, and broken families, all symptoms of a world that has distanced itself from the truth of God’s Word. Yet, through it all, God still calls His people to return to Him, just as He did with Israel.

    The Only Hope: Trusting in Christ

    Despite their disobedience, God never abandoned the Israelites. He sent prophets to call them back, provided deliverance when they repented, and ultimately sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem not only Israel but the entire world.

    Today, we are called to put our trust, hope, and confidence in Jesus Christ. He alone can lead us through these tumultuous times. The Holy Spirit is our guide, helping us navigate a world that often feels like it is spiraling out of control. John 16:13 reminds us:

    “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”

    We must remain anchored in God’s Word, refusing to follow the patterns of this world. Instead of repeating the mistakes of the Israelites, let’s learn from them and choose obedience.

    A Call to Action
    Who do you trust? Are you relying on your own understanding, or are you allowing God to lead you? The choice is before us: continue the cycle of disobedience, or fully surrender to the Lord and walk in His ways.

    Let’s take heed of history, seek God wholeheartedly, and trust in Jesus Christ, our only true source of peace and security.