Category Archives: The Pursuit

Prayers, The Pursuit

The Spirit of Expectation

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When We Believe, He Comes

Beloved, something eternal stirs in the heart that waits on God. Not with arms folded, but with arms lifted. Not in sleepy ritual, but with trembling faith. This is the Spirit of Expectation—the holy fire that has always preceded the movement of the Holy Spirit. And it is this fire that God is kindling once again. This Spirit of Expectation must be embraced.

I have seen many things over the years—church services filled with passion, others heavy with routine. But one recent moment marked me deeply. I was at a Friday evening worship service, simple and quiet. A husband and wife led us in just one song. After it ended, they declared over the congregation, “The Lord is here.” And He was. Not in theory, not in concept—He was tangibly present. Glory broke in like the sun through storm clouds. Why? Because someone believed. Someone proclaimed with faith. Expectation opened the door, and the King walked through.

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” (Luke 1:45, NASB). This blessing, spoken over Mary, is a beacon to us all. She didn’t wait to see the promise before believing—she believed first. And so must we. When we sing our songs without faith, we offer noise. But when we worship in expectation, heaven listens, and God responds.

The early Church understood this. They waited in the upper room, not bored but burning. They had heard the words of Yeshua—“You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:5, NASB)—and they believed. So they waited. Not passively, but “continually devoting themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14, NASB). And then, “suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind came from heaven” (Acts 2:2, NASB). The fire didn’t come to the curious; it came to the convinced. Their Spirit of Expectation brought divine results.

Expectation is the forerunner of glory. Before the Red Sea parted, Moses lifted his staff in obedience, expecting God to act. “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord”(Exodus 14:13, NASB). Before the fire consumed the altar, Elijah soaked the sacrifice, expecting God to respond with fire (1 Kings 18:36–38). And He did. Why? Because they expected Him to move.

Moses on the Mountain — a lone prophet stands with staff in hand, watching the light of God break through the valley, expectant for the fire to fall.

The tragedy today is not that God is silent—it’s that we no longer expect Him to speak. We host services without watching for Him. We pray without believing for answers. We gather without hunger. And yet, the Lord waits to be gracious to us (Isaiah 30:18). He desires to be welcomed, not as a guest, but as the rightful King. This Spirit of Expectation must be rekindled.

You must rise, dear one. Awake from slumber. Shake off the dust of disappointment and the cloak of unbelief. “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1, NASB). Don’t just go through the motions—press in with belief. Expect God to break in when you pray. Expect Him to heal when you ask. Expect Him to speak when you listen. The Spirit still moves where He is wanted. Embrace the Spirit of Expectation in every aspect of your life.

That night at worship reminded me: it doesn’t take a stadium or a crowd. It takes faith. It takes someone who will say with confidence, “The Lord is here,” and mean it. When that word was spoken, it wasn’t a suggestion—it was a declaration. And He answered faith with presence.

The Church must recover this. Revival will not come to the disinterested. It will come to those who cry out, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and I wait for His word. My soul waits in hope for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning” (Psalm 130:5–6, NASB).

Are you watching? Are you waiting? Or are you merely going through the motions? Yeshua is ready to visit His people, but we must prepare Him room. Let your heart become an upper room again—filled with prayer, filled with worship, filled with expectation. Let the Spirit of Expectation guide your every step.

When we believe, He comes. When we proclaim in faith, He is faithful to answer. This is the Spirit of Expectation. And it is time for the Church to awaken.

I watched the sky, I watched the flame,
I waited long with lifted head.
He came, not late, nor wrapped in shame—
He came just as the prophets said.

Prayer

Lord Yeshua, awaken in me a Spirit of Expectation. Forgive me for every time I sang without belief, prayed without hope, and gathered without hunger. Stir my soul to long for You again. I do not want empty religion—I want Your presence. Let my heart believe that You will do what You have said. I lift my eyes to You. Come, Lord—come into my worship, my home, my life. I wait for You. I believe You. I expect You. Amen.

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The Pursuit

Face to Face with God

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The Friendship You Were Made For

“So the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.” — Exodus 33:11, NASB

There is no higher calling than this: to walk in deep friendship with God. Not as a servant fearful of punishment, but as a friend who knows the heart of his King. In this sacred place, the soul awakens. The noise of the world fades. And the heart begins to burn—not for answers, but for the presence of El Shaddai Himself.

Talking with God face to face is not a poetic phrase. It is the invitation extended to every son and daughter of the Kingdom. Moses stood on holy ground not because of his greatness, but because of his desire. He longed to know God’s ways, not just His works. He dared to ask, “Show me Your glory,” and God drew near.

Beloved, God has not changed. He still meets face to face with those who seek Him, just as Moses experienced talking with God face to face.

In the age of noise and distraction, the Lord is calling His people back to the tent of meeting—back to the quiet place where friendship is kindled in the fire of His presence. The veil has been torn. The Spirit has come. Through the blood of Yeshua, we have been given access to approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16, NASB).

But we must come.

The Spirit says, “Come closer. Linger. Don’t rush away. Don’t settle for shallow prayers or rehearsed devotion. Come to Me, and I will give you rest—not just rest from labor, but rest in communion.” Talking with God face to face truly begins when we stop performing and start beholding.

Let your prayers become conversations. Let your worship become wonder. As John the Apostle laid his head upon the chest of the Master, so must we lean in. God desires nearness. Not a moment. Not a meeting. A dwelling. He wants to make His home in you (John 14:23, NASB).

And when you do draw near, everything changes. You will hear His whisper in the chaos. You will sense His leading in the silence. You will carry His presence into your workplace, your home, your church. You will no longer live as one chasing God—but as one walking with Him.

This experience of talking face to face with God is not reserved for the elite. It is the birthright of the redeemed.

He calls you friend. Not from afar. Not with conditions. But with love that burns like fire and welcomes you into the holy.

So draw near. Turn aside from every lesser thing. Close the door. Still your heart. And speak—speak to the One who already knows you, and longs to be known by you.

Come. He is waiting.

Prayer

Abba, I want to walk with You like Moses did. I want to know You—not just Your words, but Your heart. Strip away every distraction and draw me into the quiet where I can hear Your voice. I choose to enter the secret place and stay until I am changed. Let me speak with You face to face, as Your friend. In Yeshua’s name, amen. And let me experience the joy of talking with God face to face.

⸻

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The Pursuit

Come Closer, Beloved

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Walk in the Spirit

He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

You who have tasted the goodness of God, do not linger at the edge of His presence. Draw near. The life of God in you is not dependent upon your name, your culture, or your status—but upon your surrender. As it is written, “Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8, NASB). If Yeshua, though perfect, submitted through suffering, shall we not also walk this narrow way with Him?

A closer walk with the Lord demands more than a confession of faith—it demands Spirit-led obedience. From the first cry of your rebirth, the Holy Spirit has taken residence in your soul, not merely as Comforter, but as Commander. You were not merely saved to escape wrath—you were called to walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8, NASB). This path is not optional. It is the only path of the Kingdom.

In the early Church, the fire of the Spirit leapt over the dividing walls of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, learned and ignorant. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body”(1 Corinthians 12:13, NASB). The Spirit does not dwell in structures made by men or align Himself with national borders. He forms a new humanity, united under the Headship of Christ, calling all who believe to one standard—obedience to the teachings of Yeshua.

Yet many falter, not for lack of instruction, but because they refuse to suffer the cost of discipleship. The words of the New Testament are clear, but hearts dimmed by compromise obscure their brightness. The Spirit does not yield to culture—He calls culture to repentance. The Gospel does not bow to man’s traditions—it calls all men to die to themselves.

Let not your walk be shaped by your surroundings, but by the indwelling Spirit. Have you not read? “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25, NASB). A closer walk with the Lord means saying “yes” when the flesh screams “no.” It means obeying when it is inconvenient, loving when it is undeserved, and surrendering when pride rises up.

The teachings of Christ are not suggestions. They are commands—holy, eternal, and binding upon the soul of every blood-bought saint.

So come, dear reader. Do not settle for surface faith. Press in. Abide. Let His Spirit shape your thoughts, your speech, your footsteps. Let the fire of God consume what is carnal and breathe life into what is eternal. The closer walk with the Lord is a walk of obedience, unity, and continual transformation.

As John wrote, “The one who says that he remains in Him ought, himself also, walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6, NASB). The time is short. The hour is late. Cast aside every weight and draw near to your King.

⸻

Prayer:

Holy Father, draw me into a closer walk with You. Baptize every part of my life in Your Spirit. Teach me to obey, not reluctantly, but with joy. Let my heart beat with Yours. Break the pride of my culture, my comfort, and my self-will, and make me wholly Yours. May my life proclaim that Yeshua is Lord, to the glory of El Shaddai. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

⸻

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The Pursuit

Relationship with God vs. Religion

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NASB)

Beloved,

I write to you with urgency and love, for your soul is at stake. There is a subtle yet deadly deception that lingers in the shadows—a deception that whispers to you that ritual is enough, that tradition is sufficient, that outward appearance satisfies the heart of God. But it is a lie. It is a counterfeit that steals intimacy and leaves you empty, all the while convincing you that you are full.

Religion is safe. It asks for your attendance but not your heart. It demands your time but not your tears. It invites you to sing, to listen, to participate, but it never compels you to change. It is an illusion, a shadow of faith that keeps you comfortably numb, satisfied with mere routine while your heart remains distant from God.

But do you not know? God desires all of you. He does not want your performance. He does not need your religious vocabulary or your memorized prayers. He wants you—your heart, your mind, your soul, and your strength. He wants every hidden corner, every scar, every doubt, every fear. He wants your honesty, your vulnerability, your raw and broken self.

The Living God is not interested in your rituals. He despises pretense. He is not moved by your songs if your heart is not in them. He is not impressed by your tithes if your soul is not surrendered. Hear the word of the Lord:

“These people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me” (Isaiah 29:13, NASB).

Where is your heart, beloved?

You come to church, you sing the songs, you raise your hands, but where is your heart? Have you grown comfortable playing the part, saying the right words, performing the right actions, all while keeping God at a safe distance? Have you hidden behind religion to avoid the cost of relationship?

The pursuit of Christ is costly. It demands everything. It requires surrender, humility, and repentance. It calls you to lay down your pride, your comfort, your control. It requires you to leave behind the masks, the games, the routines that keep you safe but stagnant.

Religion is easy, but relationship is hard. Religion lets you stay as you are, but relationship changes you. It exposes you. It strips away your defenses and leaves you undone before a holy God. It demands that you be real, raw, and honest. It challenges you to confront your sin, to confess your fears, to admit your weaknesses. It breaks you, but it also heals you.

The Fear of True Intimacy

Why do you hide behind rituals? Why do you cling to the safety of routine? Because true intimacy is terrifying. To truly know God, you must allow yourself to be fully known by Him. This means no pretense, no masks, no hiding. It means standing exposed before His holiness, vulnerable and broken, with nothing to offer but yourself.

Are you afraid of what He will see? Are you afraid of what He will require? He sees it all already. Every hidden thought, every buried wound, every secret sin—He sees it, and He loves you still. But He will not leave you as you are. He loves you too much for that. He wants to transform you, to refine you, to make you holy as He is holy.

But this cannot happen through ritual. It cannot happen through routine or religion. It can only happen through relationship—through an encounter with the Living God. This requires you to go beyond tradition, beyond comfort, beyond what is safe and familiar. It requires you to seek Him in spirit and in truth.

Laying Down Idols and Playing Church

You cannot pursue Christ and keep your idols. You cannot serve two masters. You cannot play church and expect transformation. If you truly want to know God, you must lay down every false god that competes for your heart. This includes the idol of religion.

Yes, religion can be an idol. When you find security in routine rather than in Christ, you have made routine your god. When you cling to tradition instead of clinging to the Cross, you have made tradition your idol. When you seek approval from men rather than the presence of God, you are worshiping the god of appearance.

Lay down your idols. Tear them from the altars of your heart. Leave behind the safety of playing church. Do not be content with emotional experiences that move you for a moment but leave you unchanged. Do not be satisfied with checking the box and calling it worship. God is calling you to more.

The Desperate Pursuit of the Real and Living God

Where is your hunger for God? Where is the desperation that drives you to your knees? Where is the cry of your heart for more of Him and less of you?

You cannot manufacture this hunger through routine. You cannot experience God’s presence by merely performing religious duties. You must seek Him. You must pursue Him with everything within you. You must long for Him more than comfort, more than tradition, more than the approval of men.

Are you willing to go deeper? Are you willing to lay down your rituals, your comfort, and your pride? Are you willing to be undone before a holy God?

Hear the call of the Lord:

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8, NASB). But drawing near requires repentance. It requires humility. It requires surrender. It requires the courage to be vulnerable, to be real, to be broken before Him.

This is the cost of relationship. It is the cost of knowing the Living God. Are you willing to pay it? Or will you remain in the safety of religion, satisfied with appearances but empty within?

Beloved, God is calling you to more. He is calling you to Himself. Do not settle for less. Pursue Him. Seek Him. Know Him. For He alone is life, He alone is truth, He alone is holy.

Lay down your religion. Lay down your pride. Lay down your very life.

Seek the face of God and live.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

I repent of hiding behind religion, of seeking routine over relationship, of playing church instead of pursuing You. Break every idol that competes for my heart. Expose every mask,every pretense, every ritual that keeps me from knowing You.

I lay it all down. My comfort, my pride, my control—I surrender it all to You. I want You, Lord. Not religion, not routine, but You. I long to know You and be known by You. I want to worship You in spirit and in truth.

Take me deeper. Break me, heal me, transform me. I am Yours.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

See Also

Love, The Pursuit

Love the Lord with Your Whole Being

What Does It Mean to Love God with Your Whole Heart? Loving the Lord with your whole being is a profound and transformative experience.

“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one [the only God]! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being].” – Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (AMP)

God is not divided, nor is He one among many. He alone is the true and living God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and He calls for your complete devotion. The greatest commandment is not a suggestion—it is a call to love the Lord with every part of your being.

But do you truly love Him with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength? Or have you offered Him only a portion while keeping the rest for yourself? God does not want lukewarm love; He calls for an all-consuming devotion. Jesus reaffirmed this in the New Testament, saying:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37 (NASB)

Nothing less than everything belongs to Him.

God Held Nothing Back—Will You?

God gave everything for you. The proof is in Jesus Christ:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (NASB)

God did not hold back His only Son. He gave everything so that you might live. Will you now hesitate to give Him your whole life?

The Holy Spirit is still calling, still convicting, still transforming lives.

“Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” – Hebrews 3:15 (NASB)

Yet the world tempts you to hold back—to divide your heart, to love God when it is convenient. But God demands your whole being. He is worthy of nothing less than your full surrender.

Jesus said:

“If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” – Luke 9:23 (NASB)

This is the love God desires—a love that lays everything down, seeks Him above all else, and forsakes sin to follow Christ completely.

Do Not Hesitate—Respond to His Call

Do not be one who hears and refuses to respond! If hell is real, if sin is death, if the blood of Jesus was the price of salvation—will you hesitate?

Tear down every idol. Forsake every distraction. Let your love for Him be total, consuming, and undivided. This is the only love worthy of the Lord your God.

Understanding the Command: A Word Study on Loving God

A deeper look into the original Hebrew words in Deuteronomy 6:5 reveals the full depth of God’s command:

1. “Love” (אָהַב – ahav)

  • Ahav is more than an emotional feeling—it is a devoted, covenantal love that includes loyalty and action.
  • It is the same kind of love God commands in Deuteronomy 6:5, which Jesus later reaffirms in Matthew 22:37.
  • Loving God is not passive—it is a wholehearted commitment that shapes every thought, decision, and action.

2. “Heart” (לֵבָב – levav)

  • In Hebrew, the heart is not just emotions—it includes the mind, will, and intellect.
  • Loving God with all your heart means surrendering every thought and desire to Him.
  • Scripture commands us: “Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NASB)

3. “Soul” (נֶפֶשׁ – nephesh)

  • Nephesh means “life” or “whole being.” It includes emotions, personality, and the very breath of life.
  • Loving God with all your soul means giving Him everything that makes you who you are.
  • “Bless the Lord, my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” – Psalm 103:1 (NASB)

4. “Strength” (מְאֹד – me’od)

  • Me’od doesn’t just mean physical strength—it means “muchness,” intensity, and everything that you are.
  • It is a call to love God with all your energy, resources, time, and ability.
  • This is the kind of devotion seen in Luke 9:23, where Jesus says: “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Bringing It All Together: A Call to Total Devotion

Loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength is not optional—it is a command. It is a love that consumes everything in you.

This is the love Jesus demonstrated when He laid down His life for you. This is the love the Holy Spirit ignites when you surrender to Him.

God has given everything for you. Will you hold anything back?

A Prayer of Total Surrender

Holy Spirit, search me and expose every place where my love is divided. Let me not be deaf to Your voice or resistant to Your transforming power. Fill me, consume me, and make me wholly devoted to the One who alone is worthy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

See Also

Revival, The Pursuit

The Lord Is Near—Do Not Turn Away

Beloved, hear the voice of the Lord—do not harden your heart, for The Lord Nears.

{Day Five}

God’s Unchanging Call to You

God never changes. He is I AM (Exodus 3:14), the eternal foundation against which all things are measured. Though the world shifts and people falter, God remains faithful, merciful, and ready to forgive (Psalm 86:5). The Lord nears, His love is abundant, His mercy overflows, and He calls to all who will listen.

Yet, He does not leave us as we are. He desires a transformation—not just an outward confession but a deep, lasting renewal in our souls. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), not to condemn but to bring true, lasting life. Indeed, the Lord nears to bring transformation.

If you hear His voice today, do not resist (Hebrews 3:15). The hardened heart shuts out the voice of God, but the heart that is tender before Him will be filled with His presence as the Lord nears.

The Spirit Moves in Power

When the Word of God is spoken, the Spirit moves. As Peter preached, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard (Acts 10:44). This is not a distant event—it is the reality of God at work today. The Lord nears through His Word.

God’s Word is not empty—it is living, active, and powerful. Those who receive it become living letters, written not with ink, but by the Spirit of the living God, inscribed upon human hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3). Your life becomes a testimony, a witness of the transforming power of God.

But transformation requires surrender. The Spirit does not merely declare us righteous—He makes righteousness our desire. The atonement in Christ’s blood has made this change possible, and the Holy Spirit makes it a reality.

What Must You Do?

If the Spirit is speaking to you, do not ignore Him. The enemy wants to keep you indifferent, distracted, or convinced that you can wait. But now is the time to seek the Lord.

Here’s how you can respond:

1. Call upon Him in prayer. Open your heart to Him and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that needs to change. Remember, the Lord nears those who seek Him.

2. Repent and surrender. If there is sin in your life, confess it and ask God to cleanse you. He is ready to forgive (Psalm 86:5).

3. Read His Word with expectation. The Spirit speaks through Scripture—let it shape you.

4. Act on what you hear. Obedience is the key to spiritual growth. The more you follow His leading, the more His presence will be evident in your life.

5. Stay in community. Surround yourself with believers who encourage and challenge you to walk in faith.

A Final Warning and a Promise

The Lord is near—do not turn Him away. Indifference is dangerous. When we reject the voice of the Spirit, our hearts grow cold, and the conviction we once felt fades. But for those who seek Him, He will answer.

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

God is calling—will you answer?

See Also

Revival, The Pursuit

The Way is Open

Day Three: The Veil Was Torn—The Way Is Open

Beloved, do you not know? The way to the Father stands wide open! From the moment Yeshua cried out, “It is finished!” and breathed His last, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50-51). Not by human hands, but by the hand of El Shaddai Himself. No more separation. No more barrier. No more distance between God and man.

That veil was not a mere curtain. It was thick, woven, nearly impossible to tear. It was the division between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place—the very presence of God. Before, only the high priest could enter, and only once a year, bearing the blood of sacrifice. But now, by the blood of Yeshua, the door is forever open. His flesh was torn so that we might enter in. The veil is torn, and the way is clear. The invitation stands.

The Anointing Remains

Yet some of you have forgotten what He has placed upon you. You once walked in the power of His anointing. You once burned with vision and passion. But time has passed. Trials have come. You have faced testing, and perhaps you have fallen. The enemy whispers, “It is gone. You are disqualified.” But he is a liar. What God anoints remains anointed.

The prophet Samuel anointed David as king long before he sat on the throne. Years of exile, caves, betrayal, and battle did not remove the oil of God upon his life. The anointing did not fade in the wilderness. It did not weaken in the waiting. It endured. Just like when the veil was torn, the anointing does not fade.

Even now, the Spirit of the Lord reminds you: “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29, NASB). His anointing upon your life is not fragile. It does not evaporate with time. It does not dissolve in the fire. What He placed upon you then is still upon you now.

Arise and Reclaim It!

Hear the call of the Lord: Arise! Reengage! Step back into the vision He gave you. The time of hesitation is over. The time of delay has passed. The Spirit of God says, “Return to Me, and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7). Seek Him, and you will find Him. Call upon Him, and He will answer (Jeremiah 33:3).

What has been dormant will awaken. What was buried will rise. The embers still burn beneath the ashes—breathe upon them, O Lord! Even now, the anointing that was placed upon you is stirring again. It has not left you. It has not weakened. He is calling you to step forward once more, as when the veil is torn and the way is open.

Lay everything before Him. Surrender it all anew. Return to the fire of His presence. The way is open, the veil is torn, and the anointing remains. Step in!

A Prayer of Returning

Father, I come before You, humbled and hungry. I lay everything at Your feet—every fear, every failure, every doubt. I know Your calling has not changed, Your anointing has not lifted, and Your presence has not departed. Ignite me again. Stir the fire within me. I seek You, knowing You will be found. I turn to You, knowing You are here. Just as the veil is torn, restore me, O Lord, and let me walk in the fullness of what You have spoken over my life. In the name of Yeshua, my King and High Priest, amen.

See Also

Faith, The Pursuit

Stand Firm in God

Beloved, do you not know that God has called you to Himself, to stand firmly in His truth and walk in His ways? He has called you by name, not for your glory, but for His. And yet, how can you stand firm in God if your heart remains divided? How can you stand if sin weighs you down, keeping you from the fullness of His presence?

Listen carefully: “If My people, who are called by My name, humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NASB). This is His promise to you—a promise that requires your response. God desires your whole heart, not fragments of your attention. Stand firm in God and His promises.

To stand in the Lord, you must first repent. Do not turn away from this word, for repentance is life. To repent is to surrender, to bow low before El Elyon and confess your sins, trusting in His mercy. He does not delight in your destruction but in your restoration. Beloved, turn now! Lay your sins at the foot of the cross where Yeshua bled for you, for “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NASB).

But do not stop at repentance. God calls you to pray and seek His face. Prayer is not a ritual; it is a relationship. When you pray, you step into the presence of the Almighty, El Shaddai, who is eager to meet with you. Are you seeking His face or only His hand? Do you long for His presence, or do you seek only His blessings? Beloved, He is your greatest treasure. Seek Him with all your heart, and you will find Him. Stand firm in God through persistent prayer.

Faith will sustain you in this holy pursuit. To stand in the Lord is to believe in His promises, even when circumstances tempt you to doubt. To walk in His ways is to trust in His character, even when the path seems unclear. Faith is the anchor of your soul, the firm foundation on which you stand. Without it, you will falter. But with faith, you will rise above every storm, for “the one who trusts in Him will not be put to shame” (Romans 10:11, NASB).

And, beloved, you must submit to the sanctifying work of the Ruach HaKodesh. Sanctification is not a work of man but a work of God in you, transforming you day by day into the image of Yeshua. Do not resist His refining fire. Do not cling to what He seeks to remove. Holiness is not an option for the child of God—it is your calling. “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16, NASB). Stand firm in God as He sanctifies you.

Beloved, this is your charge: repent, pray, seek His face, and submit to His sanctifying hand. Stand in the Lord, unmoved by the storms of life, anchored in faith, and driven by His love. The God who calls you is faithful. He will finish the good work He has begun in you. Do not delay. Humble yourself before Him, for His mercy is abundant, and His love is unchanging. Stand firm in God and remain steadfast in His love.

Prayer:

Abba, we humble ourselves before You. Search our hearts and reveal every sin that separates us from You. We turn from our wicked ways, and we seek Your face, longing for more of You. Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we might stand in Your truth. Refine us, sanctify us, and make us holy as You are holy. Draw us closer, that we may walk in Your ways and glorify Your name. In the name of Yeshua, our Savior, Amen.

See Also

Revival, The Pursuit

The Welsh Revival (1904–1905): A Nation Ablaze with God’s Presence

The Welsh Revival of 1904–1905 was one of the most extraordinary outpourings of God’s Spirit in modern history. Sparked by the prayers of a small group and the faithful ministry of a young coal miner named Evan Roberts, this revival brought profound spiritual renewal to Wales and beyond. Over 100,000 people came to faith in Christ in just a year during the Welsh Revival 1904–1905, and the movement’s effects are still felt today.

This revival was marked not by elaborate programs or famous speakers but by the undeniable presence of God. It transformed lives, families, and communities, demonstrating the power of prayer, repentance, and God’s sovereign work.

The Birth of Revival: Small Prayers, Big Faith

The Welsh Revival began humbly, with a small group of believers in the village of New Quay, led by a woman named Florrie Evans. In a prayer meeting, Florrie stood and declared, “I love the Lord Jesus with all my heart.” Her testimony of simple, fervent love for Christ stirred others to seek God with greater intensity. This spark spread to nearby towns, where similar gatherings of earnest prayer and worship began to grow.

Meanwhile, Evan Roberts, a 26-year-old coal miner, was praying for revival in his own life. Roberts was consumed by a deep desire to see God move powerfully in his nation. He would often wake in the middle of the night, spending hours in prayer. Roberts later said, “I was led to pray for the Holy Spirit to descend. The Spirit answered and filled me.”

This aligns with the promise in Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, things which have been confined and hidden, which you do not know and understand” (AMP). The Welsh Revival was birthed in these hidden places of prayer, as believers cried out for God to reveal His glory.

The Fire of Revival Spreads

In October 1904, Evan Roberts began holding meetings in his home church in Loughor. His messages were simple yet Spirit-filled, emphasizing four key points:

  1. Confess all known sin.
  2. Remove anything doubtful from your life.
  3. Be completely obedient to the Holy Spirit.
  4. Publicly confess Christ as Savior.

These principles reflect 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If My people, who are called by My name, humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land” (AMP).

The meetings quickly gained momentum as people confessed their sins, repented, and surrendered their lives to Christ. Services often lasted for hours, filled with heartfelt prayer, spontaneous singing, and testimonies of transformed lives. No one person led the meetings; instead, the Holy Spirit guided every moment.

Soon, churches across Wales were filled nightly with people seeking God. The revival spread rapidly, touching every corner of the nation. Entire villages experienced a spiritual awakening, with pubs emptying, courtrooms sitting idle, and lives being completely changed.

The Marks of Revival

The Welsh Revival was unique in many ways, marked by several distinct characteristics:

1. A Sense of God’s Presence

The overwhelming theme of the revival was the tangible presence of God. People described an awe-filled awareness of His holiness, which led to deep conviction of sin and a longing for righteousness.

2. Worship and Prayer

Worship was central to the revival, with congregations spontaneously breaking into hymns and prayers. Singing became a hallmark of the movement, often unaccompanied and Spirit-led. Songs like “Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean” became anthems of the revival.

3. Conviction and Repentance

The revival brought a powerful sense of conviction, with people confessing sins publicly and seeking forgiveness. It wasn’t uncommon for individuals to cry out in anguish over their sin before experiencing the peace of salvation.

4. Unity Across Denominations

The revival transcended denominational lines, bringing together Baptists, Methodists, Anglicans, and others in a shared hunger for God. This unity reflected Psalm 133:1: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (AMP).

5. Social Transformation

The revival had a profound impact on Welsh society. Crime rates dropped dramatically, taverns closed due to lack of business, and long-standing feuds were reconciled. Even miners reported that their workhorses had to relearn commands because the men stopped using profanity.

The Fruits of Revival

By 1905, over 100,000 people had come to faith in Christ. The Welsh Revival didn’t just affect Wales; its influence spread to other nations, igniting revivals in places like India, Korea, and America. Missionary efforts were revitalized, and the movement left a lasting impact on global Christianity.

Evan Roberts eventually stepped back from public ministry, believing that his role was complete. Though the revival’s intensity waned, its fruits continued as countless lives remained transformed, churches were strengthened, and the Gospel spread far and wide.

Lessons from the Welsh Revival

The Welsh Revival offers timeless principles for believers today:

1. Revival Begins with Prayer

It was the prayers of a few faithful individuals that invited God’s Spirit to move. As James 5:16 reminds us, “The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]” (AMP).

2. Obedience and Surrender

The revival’s focus on confessing sin and obeying the Holy Spirit shows us the importance of humility and surrender in experiencing God’s presence.

3. Unity and Worship

The revival brought people together in worship, reminding us that revival thrives in a spirit of unity and a shared desire to glorify God.

4. Transformation Beyond the Church

True revival doesn’t end in the church—it impacts society. The Welsh Revival reminds us that when God moves, entire communities are transformed.

A Call for Revival Today

The Welsh Revival shows us that no place, person, or time is too small for God to move. It began with a small group of faithful believers and a young man with a burning heart for prayer. Today, the same God who moved in Wales in 1904 longs to pour out His Spirit on His people.

Prayer for Revival

Lord, we thank You for the testimony of the Welsh Revival and the countless lives transformed by Your Spirit. Stir our hearts to seek You with the same fervency and devotion. Teach us to pray persistently, surrender fully, and trust Your Spirit to lead us. Let revival fire fall on us, transforming our lives, churches, and communities. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

See Also

Prayers, The Pursuit

Ask, Seek, and Knock: The Pursuit of God’s Presence

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” — Matthew 7:7 (NASB)

No matter your profession—whether you work as a teacher shaping young minds, a healthcare provider saving lives, an entrepreneur building a business, or a farmer tending the land—challenges are inevitable. There are days when the path forward feels unclear, the demands overwhelming, and success out of reach. In these moments, Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7 remind us of a profound truth: God invites us to rely on Him in every aspect of our lives. He calls us to ask, seek, and knock, trusting that He will respond in His perfect wisdom and timing.

Asking: Trusting God for Help

In every job, there comes a point when we need answers. A teacher might ask, “How can I reach a struggling student?” A farmer might wonder, “Will this harvest be enough?” A nurse on a double shift might whisper, “Where will I find the strength to keep going?” These questions reflect the universal need for help—and God invites us to bring our questions and needs to Him.

Psalm 50:15 reminds us, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor Me” (NASB). Just as an entrepreneur might consult advisors or a doctor might collaborate with colleagues, asking God for wisdom and strength is the first step in navigating challenges. James 1:5 reassures us, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (NASB).

God is not distant. He delights in our dependence on Him. Whether you’re preparing for a major presentation, resolving a workplace conflict, or making decisions for your family, God hears every request and promises to guide you.

Seeking: Pursuing God’s Presence with Intention

To seek God is to actively pursue Him, much like a professional seeks solutions in their work. A scientist doesn’t stumble upon breakthroughs—they study, research, and analyze. An artist doesn’t create a masterpiece without dedicating time and focus. Similarly, seeking God requires effort and intentionality.

The Bible urges us: “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11, NASB). Seeking is more than a casual glance in God’s direction; it’s a deliberate effort to align our hearts with His will. For example, a financial advisor might seek ways to balance a client’s portfolio, but are they also seeking God’s wisdom to lead with integrity? A parent might seek solutions for managing their household, but are they also seeking God’s strength to model His love?

Jeremiah 29:13 assures us, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (NASB). When we pursue God in prayer, Scripture, and worship, He reveals His presence and direction, even in the busyness of our daily work.

Knocking: Persevering in Faith Through Challenges

Knocking represents persistence. It’s the determination to keep trusting God even when obstacles arise. Think of the chef who keeps perfecting a recipe until it’s just right, or the engineer who tests a design repeatedly until it works. In life, there are times when solutions don’t come easily, and we’re tempted to give up.

Jesus encourages us to keep knocking. In Luke 18:1-8, He tells the story of a persistent widow who refuses to give up her plea for justice. Her perseverance is honored, just as our persistence in prayer is honored by God. Zechariah 10:1 reminds us, “Ask for rain from the Lord at the time of the spring rain—the Lord who makes the storm clouds; and He will give them showers of rain” (NASB).

For instance, a mechanic troubleshooting a difficult repair may feel frustrated when progress is slow, but persistence pays off. In the same way, when we knock on the doors of heaven with faith and endurance, God responds in His perfect timing. Even when the answer is delayed or different than we expected, His plan is always for our good.

The Promise of God’s Faithfulness

The beauty of Matthew 7:7 is the certainty of God’s response. Jesus promises that when we ask, seek, and knock, we will receive, find, and see doors opened. This promise isn’t reserved for pastors or theologians—it’s for every person, in every profession, in every circumstance.

Consider the teacher who prays for wisdom in handling a challenging student and sees progress through patience and prayer. Or the entrepreneur who asks God for direction during a tough season and finds a door opened to new opportunities. God’s faithfulness extends to every corner of our lives, including our work.

Isaiah 65:24 assures us, “Before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will listen” (NASB). No matter how big or small your needs may seem, God is attentive. He hears the doctor praying for compassion, the parent seeking strength, the truck driver asking for safety, and the office worker longing for peace.

A Call to Ask, Seek, and Knock in Every Area of Life

Jesus’ words are a reminder that we are not alone. Whatever your profession, whatever your challenge, God invites you to ask Him for help, seek His presence, and knock on His door with bold faith. Are you asking God for guidance in your daily work? Are you seeking His presence with all your heart? Are you knocking with persistence, trusting Him to open the right doors?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, asking for Your wisdom and strength in our daily work. Teach us to seek You with all our hearts, not just in moments of need, but in every moment of life. Help us to knock with bold faith, trusting that You will open the doors that align with Your will. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for hearing our prayers, no matter where we are or what we face. May we glorify You in every task, every challenge, and every opportunity. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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