Returning to Intimacy

Tag: jesus

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Evil Will Ultimately Lose

    Though evil may seem powerful for a time, God’s Word assures us that it will not prevail in the end. Psalm 37:1-2 reminds us, “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.” Evil has an expiration date, but God’s righteousness is eternal.

    Jesus declared victory over sin and death through His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:57), ensuring that Satan and all wickedness will be ultimately defeated (Revelation 20:10). In the end, righteousness will reign, and God’s justice will be fully established (Revelation 21:4). Therefore, we can stand firm in faith, knowing that “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

  • 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.