Returning to Intimacy

Tag: Praise

  • 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.

  • The Heart of Jesus

    Abba Father,

    My heart aches for Jerusalem, for My people, for those I was sent to love, to heal, and to restore. How often have I stretched out My hands to them, longing to gather them near, like a mother hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings. I have spoken truth, shown mercy, performed wonders, and yet, they would not come.

    They turn from Me, Father. They chase after shadows, clinging to law but forsaking love. They honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Us. Still, My love does not waver. My compassion does not fail.

    I weep for them, not only for the city, but for every soul who chooses distance over nearness. I long to shelter them from the storm, to cover them with grace, to draw them into the safety of Your presence.

    Father, forgive them. Open their eyes. Soften their hearts. Let them see that I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Send laborers into the harvest. Stir the hearts of the remnant. And when they are ready, when they call upon My name, I will be waiting, arms open wide.

    Even now, I am knocking at the door of their hearts.

    Amen.

  • Praise To Our King

    Sovereign and Holy God, we lift our voices in praise to You! You reign in majesty, clothed in glory and splendor, and there is none like You. From everlasting to everlasting, You are God, and Your kingdom has no end.

    We exalt You, O Lord, for Your faithfulness never fails, and Your mercy is new every morning. You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords, mighty in power yet rich in love. Your righteousness and justice establish Your throne, and Your grace overflows to all who seek You.

    With all creation, we declare Your greatness! The heavens proclaim Your handiwork, and the earth is full of Your goodness. Holy and worthy are You, O King, and we bow before You in reverence and joy.

    Let our lives be a song of praise, and may our lips never cease to honor You. Be glorified in us, O Lord, now and forever.

    In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

  • 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.

  • 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?