Returning to Intimacy

Tag: jesus

  • Trusting God In Life Battles

    When life’s giants stand tall and the storms rage around us, our trust can waver. Yet, we are reminded of young David, who stood before the mighty Goliath with unwavering faith in the Lord. His victory was not won by strength or skill, but by complete trust in God. Like David, we too can overcome the giants in our lives when we lean wholly on Him.

    I remember a time as a single mother struggling to provide for my children. The weight of financial hardship felt overwhelming, like facing Goliath himself. In moments of despair, I cried out to God, unsure of how I would make ends meet. Then, in the most unexpected way, provision arrived, a forgotten $100 bill tucked away in my purse, which was a lot of money back then. That simple yet profound blessing reminded me of God’s faithfulness. He sees our needs and provides in ways beyond our understanding.

    This experience reinforced a powerful truth: when we place our full trust in God, no giant is too great, no storm too fierce. Just as David stood firm in faith, we too can stand against our challenges, knowing that God holds the power to bring victory.

    Prayer

    Heavenly Father, in moments of uncertainty and hardship, we turn our eyes to You. Your Word in Psalm 121:1 reminds us to lift our gaze to the hills, knowing that our help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth. You are our Defender, our Provider, and the One who never sleeps nor forsakes us.

    Lord, strengthen our faith when the storms of life rage. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, shifting our focus from our circumstances to unwavering trust in You. Holy Spirit, guide us to surrender our burdens, knowing that when we relinquish control, You move in ways we cannot imagine.

    May we walk daily in the confidence that the battles we face are not ours alone but belong to You. Thank You, Jesus, for being our victorious King and for overcoming every giant in our lives when we trust in You.

    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • The Battle is God’s

    2 Chronicles 20:15
    And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’

    Life’s trials often bring moments of fear, uncertainty, and testing. Yet, in these times, we are reminded to endure like Jesus, keeping our eyes on Him as the author and finisher of our faith. When faced with challenges, whether it’s illness, financial struggles, anxiety, politics, or the storms of life, we must take heart in this truth: the battle is not ours to fight, but God’s.

    God, in His faithfulness, always provides a way through every trial. He is El Shaddai, the Almighty One, who fights for us and equips us to stand firm. Though the world may press in, and fear may whisper defeat, we can trust in God’s sovereignty. He is the Creator of all, the One who raises a banner against every enemy.

    When earthly powers fail or when circumstances seem overwhelming, we have a sure foundation in God’s reign. His love and care are steadfast, inviting us to cast all our burdens upon Him. In His hands, we find rest, strength, and assurance.

    Every trial we face is part of a greater spiritual battle, and our victory comes not through our own might but through surrendering to the power of the Great I Am. Trust in His protection, lean on His wisdom, and stand firm in His love. Remember, the battle belongs to the Lord, and in Him, we are more than conquerors.

    Prayer

    Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your guidance and strength. We surrender every burden and obstacle that hinders our walk with You, laying them at the foot of the cross. Through Your Son, the work has already been finished, and all our cares have been met by Your grace.

    Holy Spirit, we ask for Your help to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. You are our Comforter and Helper in times of need, and we place our trust in Your guidance. We acknowledge that everything in this world is under God’s sovereign control. Teach us, Holy Spirit, how to pray fervently, worship wholeheartedly, and find rest in You.

    Empower us daily to rely on Your leading, and when You speak to our hearts, grant us the courage to follow without hesitation. Help us to discern what is right and true so we may walk in obedience to Your will.

    Thank You, Father, for Your perfect love that drives out all fear. We find peace and assurance in knowing the battles we face belong to You, and victory is already won. May we walk in unwavering faith and confidence, trusting that Your Spirit will guide us on the right path. (Proverbs 4:26)

    In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

  • A Heart of Worship

    Leviticus 20:8 declares:
    “Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy.”

    Jehovah Mekoddishkem reminds us that our godliness and character are not something we can achieve on our own, it is God who sanctifies and shapes us as we yield to Him.

    Jehovah Mekoddishkem, you are the one who sanctifies and builds our heart to worship only You. We come before You with hearts open and humble, acknowledging that true worship begins within us. As we create, sing, or lead in worship, may our focus always be on glorifying You and not ourselves. Let the songs we offer not only reflect Your greatness but be accompanied by lives that mirror Your holiness.

    Lord, build within us godliness and character, that our lives may testify of Your goodness. Teach us to be pure in heart, steadfast in faith, and genuine in our devotion. Let us never value talent or production above integrity, but instead strive to honor You in both our private and public lives.

    Help us to remember that worship is not a performance but a reflection of our relationship with You. Transform us daily into vessels fit for Your use, so that through our character, others may encounter Your love and truth.

    In Jesus’ name, we pray.

  • Guard Your Heart

    Heavenly Father,

    Thank You for Your Word that guides and sustains us. Today, I reflect on the truth found in Luke 12:15: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

    Lord, help me to guard my heart against greed and the constant pursuit of material things. Teach me to find my worth not in what I own, but in who I am in You. Remind me that true fulfillment and joy come from living a life rooted in Your purpose, grace, and love.

    Give me contentment, Lord, and a spirit of gratitude for all that I have. Help me to focus on treasures that are eternal rather than temporary, and to use the resources You’ve blessed me with to glorify You and serve others.

    May I always prioritize relationships, kindness, and faith over possessions, knowing that my life is secure in Your hands. Guide me to walk in humility and generosity, and keep me mindful of Your calling to love and care for others.

    In Jesus’ name, I pray,
    Amen.

  • Lifting Up our Spiritual Leadership

    Hebrews 13:17:
    “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

    Like Moses during the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:12-13), our leaders need support to stand firm amidst the challenges they face. As the Body of Christ, we are called to lift their arms through prayer, encouragement, and unwavering solidarity during these critical times.

    Our spiritual leaders are more than preachers—they are beacons of hope and agents of change, guiding us toward God’s truth and love. Like mighty oaks planted by God, they are graced with wisdom and strength to nurture our souls and lead us in our spiritual journeys. Just as Moses led his people from bondage, these modern-day shepherds guide us from darkness into light. Through their teachings and steadfast faith, they help us experience the transformative power of God’s love, inspiring us to love others as Christ loves us.

    In times of unrest, leaders are called to be agents of healing and reconciliation, standing in the gap for justice, repentance, and peace. Our role is to support them with fervent prayer, intercession, and faith, covering them and their families in God’s love and protection.

    Let us uplift their hands as they carry out God’s work, standing beside them as they demonstrate love, forgiveness, and compassion to a hurting world. In this season of uncertainty, may we help them fulfill their divine calling with grace, wisdom, and unyielding commitment to the path God has set before them.

    Heavenly Father,
    We thank You for the spiritual leaders You have placed in our lives. Strengthen them as they guide us with wisdom, love, and courage. Like Aaron and Hur supported Moses, may we uphold them in prayer and encouragement. Grant them resilience to endure challenges, grace to show compassion, and boldness to speak Your truth in love. Surround them and their families with Your peace and protection, that they may continue to fulfill their calling with unwavering devotion. In the name of Jesus’, we pray. Amen.

  • 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.

  • 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.