Tag Archives: Intimacy with God

Faith, Spiritual

Day Four: The Freedom of His Presence

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“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NASB) This passage beautifully illustrates the concept of Freedom in Yeshua.

“The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.” — Psalm 97:5 (NASB)

Where the presence of Yeshua is, there is true freedom in Yeshua. The world offers a counterfeit—self-sufficiency, fleeting pleasure, and so-called independence that only leads to deeper bondage. But true liberty is found in surrendering to El Shaddai, the Almighty God, who alone breaks every chain.

When His presence fills a place, sin loses its grip. Fear, anxiety, and oppression cannot stand before the radiance of His glory. Just as light dispels darkness, the Spirit of the Lord shatters strongholds that seek to enslave His people. You were never meant to live bound by sin, fear, or the opinions of others. You were created to walk in the freedom of His love, fully surrendered to His will, fully alive in His grace.

But this freedom is not the world’s version—it is not the right to do whatever you please. It is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin. It is the ability to walk in righteousness, to experience the joy of His presence, and to live unshaken by the storms of this world.

Are you carrying burdens that feel impossible to break? Press into the presence of El Shaddai to experience freedom in Yeshua. Seek His face in worship, in prayer, in His Word. The more you abide in Him, the more you will walk in the liberty of His Spirit. Every chain will fall. Every weight will lift. And you will step into the fullness of His freedom.

Prayer for Freedom

Abba Father, I long to dwell in Your presence, where true freedom reigns. Break every chain that binds me, and remove every weight that keeps me from walking fully in You. Let Your Spirit flood my life, filling every corner with Your light and truth. Teach me to abide in You daily so that I may walk in the freedom You have given me through Yeshua. I surrender every fear, sin, and burden to You. Lead me into deeper intimacy with You, for in Your presence, I am truly free. Amen.

Surrendered Hearts Bring Healing

“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NASB)

When we surrender to El Shaddai, He moves through us to heal the land. The power of true surrender is that it does not stop with us—His Spirit works in and through us to bring restoration. His presence transforms us so that His glory may be revealed on the earth.

The world is broken, but Yeshua has given us the ministry of reconciliation and freedom in Yeshua (2 Corinthians 5:18). He calls us to stand in the gap—to intercede, to proclaim His truth, to be vessels of His presence. When we humble ourselves, seek His face, and turn from sin, He responds with healing (2 Chronicles 7:14). This is not just a promise—it is a call to action.

The enemy wants the Church distracted, divided, and silent. But now is the time to rise up in faith. Revival does not begin with a building; it begins with surrendered hearts. And when God’s people move in step with Him, revival spreads like fire.

Let this be our prayer:

Father, we surrender to You. Move through us, cleanse us, and make us vessels of Your healing power. Let Your presence flow from our lives and transform our cities, our families, and our nation. May Your name be exalted as You restore what is broken and bring freedom in Yeshua. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

Draw Near—He is Here

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8 (NASB)

That deep longing—to be held close, to be known, to be secure—resonates in every human heart. Yeshua is near. He does not stand at a distance, waiting for you to figure it all out. He is actively drawing near to those who call upon Him in truth.

Let your heart find rest in Him. He is your refuge, your strength, and the One who carries you when you have no strength left. Press into Him. Seek His face. Let His presence surround you like a shield, for in Him, there is freedom in Yeshua.

He is faithful. He will never let you go.

Abba, hold this heart close. Let Your presence be felt in a way that leaves no room for doubt. Fill every empty space with Your love and draw them deeper into You. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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Revival, The Pursuit, Visions

A Vision of Pursuit: The Call of the Holy One

And I looked, and behold, a great and radiant throne, high and lifted up, and One sat upon it whose glory filled the heavens. His face shone like the brilliance of the sun, and from His throne flowed rivers of fire and living water, rushing with life and power. Around Him was an innumerable multitude, crying out with a single voice, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”

Then I heard the voice of the Lamb, like the roar of many waters, calling to the earth, saying, “Awaken, My beloved! Return to Me, for I am your Creator, your First Love, the One who formed you and called you by name. Come to Me, all who are weary, all who thirst for righteousness, all who hunger for life. Seek Me, not for the works of My hands, but for the beauty of My face. Pursue Me with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, for I am near.”

And the Spirit said, “See now what happens when the beloved awaken to His call and return to their Lord.”

I saw the saints arise, their spirits ignited like flames. They cast aside every weight, every chain, and every distraction that had held them captive. Their hearts burned with longing, their eyes fixed on the Lamb. As they awakened to Him and returned to their First Love, I saw the veil of this world torn away. The noise of the earth grew faint, and the burdens they carried dissolved like mist in the light of His glory. The Spirit declared, “Return to Me, for I have redeemed you” (Isaiah 44:22), and “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”(2 Corinthians 3:17).

Then I beheld the Lamb as He stepped down from His throne, His robes shimmering with the light of heaven. His arms stretched wide, and His voice thundered, “Awaken and return to Me: Be released!” At His word, chains shattered, fear fled, and darkness was swallowed up in His radiance. His people, clothed in garments of white, pressed forward into His presence, crying out, “You alone are worthy! You are our desire!”

And I saw signs and wonders break forth, not because the people sought them, but because they sought Him. Healing flowed like rivers, washing over the nations. Hearts were mended, bodies restored, and the weary were renewed. But their eyes never left the Lamb, for they pursued not the miracles, but the Miracle Worker. The Spirit declared, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6).

The saints fell before His throne, consumed by the beauty of His presence. They sang, “Whom have we in heaven but You? And besides You, we desire nothing on earth” (Psalm 73:25). The distractions of the world melted away, and all that remained was the fullness of joy in His presence.

And the Lamb turned His face toward them, and I heard Him say, “Well done, My beloved. You have awakened and returned to Me with all your heart. Enter now into the joy of your Lord, for I have prepared a place for you.”

Then the Spirit cried out, “Awaken, O children of God! Return to the Holy One who loves you with an everlasting love. Seek not what He gives, but who He is. Cast aside every weight, and run to the One who is worthy of all devotion.”

And I beheld the heavens resounding with the cry of the redeemed, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!”

Will you answer the call, beloved? Awaken. Return. He is waiting for you. Run to Him.

Prayer of Awakening and Return

Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, recognizing that we have allowed the distractions of this world to cloud our vision of You. We confess that we have often sought Your hand more than Your face, and we ask for Your forgiveness. Lord, awaken our hearts to the beauty of who You are. Stir within us a holy desire to return to You, our First Love, and to seek You with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose blood has opened the way for us to enter Your presence. We thank You that through Him, every chain is broken, every burden lifted, and every sin forgiven. Lord, we pray that You would draw us closer to Yourself. Remove the distractions that vie for our attention and fix our eyes on You, the author and finisher of our faith.

Help us to hunger and thirst for righteousness, to pursue You not for what You can give, but for who You are. Teach us to delight in Your presence and to rest in the assurance of Your unfailing love. May Your Spirit fill us with boldness, freedom, and joy as we step into the fullness of life You have called us to live.

Lord, we pray for revival in our hearts, our homes, and our communities. Awaken Your people to the truth of Your Word. Call us back to You, O God, and set our hearts on fire for Your kingdom. May Your glory fill the earth as Your people rise to proclaim Your greatness.

We surrender all that we are to You today, Lord. Take our lives, our hopes, and our dreams, and use them for Your glory. May we be vessels of Your love, shining Your light in a world that so desperately needs You.

We love You, Lord, and we long to know You more. Awaken us. Draw us back to You. And let Your name be praised forever and ever. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

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Devotion to God, Worship

The Song, the Call, and the Jar

Beloved, can you hear His song in the night? The Lord of glory, the One who formed the heavens and knows the depths of your heart, sings over you even now. His Word declares: “The Lord your God is in your midst, a Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love, making no mention of your past sins; He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy” (Zephaniah 3:17, AMP). This is not a distant call—it is the song of a Father drawing you near, a melody of love echoing through the chambers of your soul.

Yet, He desires more than your acknowledgment. He calls you not to merely know about Him, but to truly know Him. The Lord’s heart aches for intimacy with you—a relationship where you experience His presence, where His Spirit moves through you, where you walk in step with His will. Jesus Himself said, “This is eternal life, that they may know [by experience] You, the only true [supreme and sovereign] God, and [in the same manner know] Jesus [as the] Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3, AMP). Knowing about Him will leave you empty; knowing Him will fill your soul with the fullness of life.

He calls you deeper still, into a worship that costs you something. Remember Mary of Bethany, who came to Jesus with her alabaster jar, filled with perfume of great price. Without hesitation, she broke it, pouring its fragrant oil over His feet, wiping them with her hair. The room was filled with the scent of her sacrifice, and though others questioned her act, Jesus said: “She has done a good and beautiful thing to Me” (Matthew 26:10, AMP). This was worship—extravagant, fearless, holding nothing back.

The Lord is calling you to break your jar, to pour out your life in worship that rises like a sweet aroma before Him. Will you hold back your time, your love, your devotion—or will you give it all, as Mary did? The fragrance of your surrender will fill the very courts of heaven, for this is the worship He desires: “The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers” (John 4:23, AMP).

Even now, He calls you—can you hear Him? His song rises in the night, a love that beckons you to leave behind the noise of this world and step into the holy place where He waits for you. His Word speaks:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29, AMP).

Beloved, this is your moment. Do not delay. The door to His presence is open, and the veil is torn. Lay aside the distractions, the fears, the sins that entangle you, and come boldly to the throne of grace:

“Let us approach [God’s throne] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, AMP).

Let your life become the offering. Worship Him with everything you are—with your heart, your time, your love, your obedience. Let your worship rise like Mary’s, costly yet beautiful, extravagant yet pleasing to the King of kings. In His presence, you will find fullness of joy and the deep satisfaction your soul has longed for.

The Father is singing over you. The Son is calling you. The Spirit is drawing you. Will you answer? Will you break the jar of your life and pour it out at His feet? He waits for you with open arms, ready to fill you with His love, His grace, and His presence. Run to Him. Worship Him. Know Him. Amen.

Stewardship, Worship

Come Ready: Worship Without Hesitation

Beloved, the voice of the Lord Almighty calls to you today. The King of Kings is waiting, arms open wide, calling you by name. Cast off every excuse, distraction, and weight that keeps you from Him. The time is now. The moment is here. There will never be a better opportunity than this to respond to His voice and draw near. Worship without hesitation, and you will find peace.

Why do you hesitate? What excuse could stand before the One who formed you in your mother’s womb, who gave you life and breath? The Scriptures declare, “Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage], not as the unwise but as wise, making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity]” (Ephesians 5:15–16, AMP). To delay is to waste the precious moments entrusted to you by God. Embrace worship without hesitation.

Deep in your heart, you already know the truth. No busyness, fear, or worldly pursuit is worth missing the presence of God. He beckons you to lay it all down and approach Him with a heart eager to worship. His invitation is clear: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened, and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]” (Matthew 11:28, AMP). This is your call to worship without hesitation.

Stewarding Time: Honoring God with Readiness

Every second of our lives is a gift, and every opportunity to gather in worship is a divine appointment with the living God. Arriving on time to worship is not merely polite but an act of reverence. It proclaims to God and the world that He is your priority, and you value the sacred time spent in His house.

The psalmist proclaims, “Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4, AMP). Showing up distracted, rushed, or unprepared diminishes your worship and denies God the honor He is due. Worship is a sacred offering that requires preparation. This preparation is essential to worship without hesitation.

How do you prepare to meet with God?

Readiness begins the night before. Set aside distractions, seek Him in prayer, and ask for a heart cleansed of anything that hinders true worship. “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, AMP). Come expectantly, ready to hear His voice and lift praises worthy of the King of Kings.

A Call to Surrender: No More Excuses

Beloved, do not allow the cares of this world to stifle God’s voice. Lay down every excuse. Whether it’s busyness, fear, or comfort, none compares to His presence’s joy. Jesus Himself commands: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also” (Matthew 6:33, AMP). Nothing that keeps you from Him is worth clinging to. Worship without hesitation is key.

Are you weary? He says, “Come.”
Lay down your burdens and find rest in His presence.

Are you thirsty? He says, “Come.”
Drink deeply from the well of His Spirit and be satisfied.

Are you broken? He says, “Come.”
Bring your wounds to the One who heals and restores.

Now is the time. Today is the day. Lay aside every excuse and run to Him. The Lord waits with open arms, longing to draw you into deeper intimacy with Him. “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18, AMP). Do not delay. Do not linger. Answer His call with urgency and worship without hesitation.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
We hear Your voice and respond to Your call. We lay down our excuses, distractions, and pride. Forgive us for placing anything above You. Teach us to honor You with our time, to come into Your presence with reverence and joy, and to worship You with hearts fully surrendered. Awaken within us a hunger to seek You first, to worship without hesitation, and to honor You in all that we do. Draw us ever closer, Lord, and let our lives reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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The Pursuit

The Soul’s Great Paradox: Finding God and Still Pursuing Him

A.W. Tozer beautifully described a profound truth when he wrote, “To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love.” This mysterious and exhilarating paradox lies at the heart of the Christian life. It speaks to the tension between contentment and longing, between satisfaction in God and the unquenchable desire for more of Him. 

At first glance, the paradox seems contradictory. How can we have found God—beholding His glory, experiencing His love, and walking in His presence—yet feel a yearning to seek Him further? But this is the nature of the infinite God. He is so vast, so boundless, that even eternity will not exhaust the depths of His being.

The Satisfaction of Finding Him

When we first encounter God, our souls are filled with a peace and joy we never thought possible. We realize that He alone satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts. Every restless search for meaning and fulfillment finds its resolution in the love of God. This is the profound contentment of the believer—to know that in Christ, we are fully known, fully loved, and fully secure.

“O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good; How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP)

This is the first step in the paradox: to know that in Him, we lack nothing. We are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10), and we rejoice in the abundance of His provision for our souls.

The Hunger for More

Yet, as we taste God’s goodness, an unexplainable hunger begins to stir within us—a longing for more of Him. This is not dissatisfaction; it is the recognition that the more we experience God, the more we realize there is to know, love, and worship. Our hearts, awakened to His glory, are drawn deeper into the pursuit of His presence.

David expressed this paradox beautifully: “As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, so my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God. My soul [my life, my inner self] thirsts for God, for the living God. When will I come and see the face of God?” (Psalm 42:1–2 AMP)

This longing is not a reflection of emptiness but of love. As lovers desire to know each other more deeply, our love for God compels us to seek Him more intimately.

The Eternal Pursuit

The paradox reaches its fullness when we realize that the pursuit of God is eternal. Even in heaven, when we stand in His presence, we will not cease to seek Him. We will see Him more clearly than ever, yet His infinite nature continually invites us into deeper awe and worship.

Paul writes, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and decisions and how unfathomable and inscrutable are His ways!” (Romans 11:33 AMP). This unsearchable depth ensures that our relationship with God will never grow stale or routine. There will always be more of His beauty to behold, more of His love to experience, and more of His glory to reflect.

The Call to Press In

In this life, the soul’s paradox calls us to press into God daily. We must never settle for a surface-level faith or a shallow understanding of Him. The satisfaction we find in Him is the very thing that fuels our desire for more. Like the Apostle Paul, we say:

“[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely]…” (Philippians 3:10 AMP)

This pursuit requires intentionality. It is a daily choice to seek His face, to dwell in His Word, and to commune with Him in prayer. It means pushing past distractions, laying down idols, and surrendering fully to His Spirit. 

Living the Paradox

The soul’s great paradox transforms how we live. It keeps us humble, for we recognize that we have only scratched the surface no matter how much we know of God. It keeps us hungry, for deeper intimacy is always possible. And it keeps us hopeful, for we are assured that the God we seek is faithful to reveal Himself to those who earnestly pursue Him.

“But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 AMP)

The Invitation

This paradox is not a burden but a blessing. It is the evidence of a living relationship with the infinite God. To have found Him and still to pursue Him is the hallmark of a heart that truly loves Him. The question is: will we embrace the paradox? Will we allow the satisfaction of His presence to stir within us an unrelenting desire for more of Him?

Let us pray:

Father, we thank You for the mystery of knowing You. You have given us Yourself, yet You call us to seek You continually. Teach us to embrace this paradox, finding joy in Your presence and pressing into deeper intimacy with You each day. Stir within us an unquenchable hunger for more of You, that we may reflect Your glory and know the fullness of Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

See Also

The Pursuit

Press into God’s presence

Beloved, do you hear the call of the Lord, beckoning you to come closer, to press into His presence, and to abide in His love? The words of Paul in Philippians 3 echo the heartbeat of Scripture—a divine summons to forsake the fleeting treasures of this world and lay hold of the eternal treasure of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith], unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4 AMP). Pressing into God begins with abiding—dwelling in Him as the source of all life and sustenance. It is in His presence that we find strength, wisdom, and the power to be conformed to His image. Press into God’s presence with a heart that seeks His face.

Consider the words of the psalmist: “One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord and to meditate in His temple” (Psalm 27:4 AMP). Pressing into God requires a singular focus, a holy determination to pursue Him above all else. The world may offer distractions, but those who seek Him lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10).

Beloved, we are not called to pursue God with half-hearted devotion but with a heart ablaze with holy longing. John reminds us of the magnitude of God’s love: “See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted as the children of God!” (1 John 3:1 AMP). If God has loved us so deeply, how can we not respond with an unyielding desire to know Him more intimately and press into His presence?

Paul’s pursuit of Christ resonates with the cry of those who long to go deeper: “I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8 AMP). Yet this is not a journey of self-effort; it is one of dependence on His grace. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6 AMP). Pressing into God requires humility, a surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to draw near and press into His presence.

The apostle John paints a vivid picture of the rewards of pressing into God: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true [supreme and sovereign] God, and [in the same manner know] Jesus [as the] Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3 AMP). To know Him is life itself—eternal, abundant, and overflowing.

Do not grow weary, dear one. Press in with all your heart. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). Forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13-14). As you abide in Him, as you press into the depths of His love, you will discover the fullness of joy and the power of resurrection life, pressing into God’s presence with hope and faith.

Sharing His Goodness with the World

Beloved, as you press into God and abide in His love, His heart becomes your heart. You cannot taste the goodness of God and keep it to yourself. The world is filled with those wandering in darkness, unaware of the hope and joy found in Christ. Jesus declared, “You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14 AMP). As you dwell in Him, His light shines through you, drawing the lost to the Savior and showing them the way to press into God’s presence.

Do not fear sharing His goodness, for the same Spirit who empowers you to abide also equips you to proclaim the Gospel. Paul reminds us, “How will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher [or messenger]?” (Romans 10:14 AMP). You are God’s chosen messenger, sent to testify of His unfailing love and salvation through Christ.

Let your life, rooted in intimacy with God, overflow with His grace and truth. Extend a hand to the brokenhearted. Speak boldly to those who are searching. Show the world that the same God who transformed you can bring them into the fullness of life. “Taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good; how blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8 AMP). Indeed, press into God’s presence and let His goodness overflow from your life.

Prayer:

Father, as we press into Your presence, let us not hold back from sharing Your goodness with those who are lost. Fill us with boldness to proclaim Your truth, wisdom to reach the searching, and love to reflect Your heart. Let our lives be living testimonies of Your grace, drawing others to the salvation found in Christ alone. May Your light shine through us, Lord, for Your glory and the building of Your Kingdom as we press into Your holy presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

See Also

Faith, The Pursuit

The Cost of Saying Yes to God

Beloved, what would it take for you to trust God completely? Not just in the easy moments, but when the stakes are high, the future is uncertain, and the cost feels unbearable. Blind, unconditional faith is not about ignorance; it is about trust—a trust so deep that before God even asks, your heart cries, “Yes, Lord!”

Abraham stands as a towering example of this kind of faith. When God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac, his promised son, Abraham obeyed without hesitation. “By faith Abraham, when he was tested [that is, as the testing of his faith was still in progress], offered up Isaac” (Hebrews 11:17 AMP). Abraham didn’t demand answers or explanations; he trusted that God’s promises are unshakable and that His ways are always perfect. Can you say the same? Would you lay down what is most precious to you, knowing God’s plan is greater? Abraham’s faith came from seeking God’s presence continually.

The prophet Isaiah’s response to God’s call echoes the same surrender. When God asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Isaiah didn’t hesitate. He declared, “Here I am. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8 AMP). He didn’t ask about the mission or the dangers involved. He simply trusted that to obey God was the highest honor.

Mary and Joseph, too, modeled this unwavering obedience. Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 AMP), even though her “yes” invited public shame and possible death. Joseph obeyed the angel’s command to take Mary as his wife and protect the unborn Savior, despite the whispers of scandal and the uncertainty of the road ahead. Their faith was not blind to the cost; it was fixed on the God who is faithful. Their actions showed that seeking God’s presence was paramount in their lives.

Now, beloved, I ask you: where is your faith? Are you holding back parts of your life, waiting for assurances or guarantees before you obey? Or is your heart fully surrendered, saying, “Yes, Lord,” before you even know the question? Blind unconditional faith is not a leap into the dark; it is a leap into the arms of a God who has never failed. Your leap begins with seeking God’s presence daily.

The world needs men and women like Abraham, Isaiah, Mary, and Joseph—people who trust God no matter the cost. Rise up and say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” Let your life be a testimony of faith that inspires others to lay down their fears and follow Him with reckless abandon. By seeking God’s presence, you inspire others to deepen their faith.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts longing to trust You more. Teach us to say “yes” before You even ask, to follow You with bold, unconditional faith. Strip away our fears and hesitation, and fill us with the courage to obey You no matter the cost. May our lives echo the words of Isaiah: “Here I am, send me.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now is the time to surrender, beloved. God is calling—will you answer?

See Also

Favor

The Favor of God

“Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]” (Luke 2:14, AMP). The favor of God is not simply the granting of blessings but an invitation to draw closer to Him, to know His heart, and to walk as those who reflect His glory. For those who have walked with the Lord and know the depths of His grace, favor is a reminder that our pursuit of Him must never cease. It is an intimate call to abide in His presence and glorify Him through every aspect of our lives.

The Psalms declare the nature of His favor: “Let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them… For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous… as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor)” (Psalm 5:11-12, AMP). God’s favor is a covering of protection and an overflowing of His love for those who live uprightly. Yet it is more than a gift—it is an invitation into deeper communion, where we rejoice in His name and trust in His steadfast care.

David’s cry in Psalm 30:7 (AMP), “By Your favor, O Lord, You have established me as a strong mountain; You hid Your face, and I was troubled,” speaks to the one who has walked closely with the Lord. For those who have tasted and seen His goodness, the hiding of His face brings a deep sorrow. This reminds us that favor is not merely about the blessings of life but about the nearness of God’s presence.

Moses understood this profound truth when he cried out, “If I have found favor in Your sight, O Lord, let the Lord go in our midst” (Exodus 34:9, AMP). He did not desire favor for personal gain but longed for God Himself, knowing that His presence alone could sustain and guide the people. So, too, we must set our hearts on God, not on what He provides, but on who He is—the faithful One who is our refuge, our joy, and our strength.

For those who have walked long in the faith, God’s favor requires a response of intentionality and maturity. Consider these applications:

1. Remain in Constant Dependence on God

The favor of God is rooted in relationship. Those who know Him well must guard against the temptation to grow self-reliant or complacent. As Jesus taught, “Abide in Me, and I will abide in you” (John 15:4, AMP). Seek Him daily—not as a duty, but as the source of life and strength. Let your prayer be a continual longing for more of Him, for the closer you walk with Him, the more His favor will transform you.

2. Walk Uprightly in Every Part of Life

“For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous” (Psalm 5:12, AMP). Those who walk closely with the Lord must live lives of integrity and holiness. Examine every area of your life—your words, your thoughts, your relationships, and your work. Ask, “Does this glorify God? Is this pleasing in His sight?” Walking in uprightness is not about earning favor, but about living as one who reflects the heart of God.

3. Be a Vessel of His Favor to Others

God’s favor is not meant to be hoarded but shared. Reflect His goodness in how you serve, encourage, and lead others. Like the apostle John, who declared the love of Christ to the Church, let your life testify to the favor of God. Mentor younger believers, show mercy to the hurting, and live as a witness to His goodness so that others may see His glory through you.

A Word of Warning and Encouragement

David’s words remind us that favor can be neglected when we fail to seek God’s face. To those who have walked with the Lord, remember that His favor is not an entitlement but a gift born out of intimacy with Him. Stay humble, stay prayerful, and stay dependent upon His Spirit. And take heart—His favor is steadfast, His mercies are new every morning, and His presence is your greatest reward.

Prayer for the Faithful in Christ:

Lord, we praise You for the favor You have shown us through Your Son. Teach us to seek Your presence above all else, to treasure You more than any blessing, and to live in a way that brings You glory. Guard our hearts from complacency, and help us to walk uprightly, serving as vessels of Your love and goodness. Let us never grow weary in pursuing You, but stir within us a deeper longing for Your presence each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For those who have journeyed far with the Lord, the call remains the same: press in, seek Him with all your heart, and let His favor lead you into greater depths of His love and purpose.

See Also

Faith, Intimacy

Stop Playing Church and Return to the Lord

In His mercy, God allows us to live with free will, even when our choices grieve Him. For many of us, this free will leads to “playing church”—going through the motions of faith without truly seeking God’s presence. We attend services, recite prayers, and check religious boxes, but our hearts remain far from Him. This shallow faith breaks God’s heart, yet He waits patiently, calling us to return to Him wholeheartedly. Let us finally stop playing church and seek His presence anew.

The Bible warns us about hollow worship: “These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me” (Matthew 15:8, AMP). Playing church might make us feel comfortable, but it keeps us from the fullness of God’s power and purpose in our lives. The Enemy is perfectly content to see us busy with religious activity, so long as we remain spiritually ineffective.

But the moment we stop playing church and truly seek God, everything changes. When we move beyond rituals and engage in intimate, heartfelt prayer, when we genuinely repent and surrender our distractions and sins, we become vessels for God’s power. It is in this surrender that the Enemy takes notice—because a church that prays, seeks God’s face, and loves others as Christ does becomes a threat to his kingdom.

The Danger of a Shallow Faith

Playing church keeps us stuck in a cycle of empty actions. We feel busy and religious but lack the intimacy with God that transforms our hearts. Jesus reminds us, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21, AMP). Faith is not about appearances; it’s about obedience, love, and surrender. To stop playing church, we must align our hearts with God’s will and seek true intimacy with Him.

This shallow faith is often sustained by distractions and comfortable sins—the things we turn to instead of God. Whether it’s entertainment, pride, or apathy, these idols dull our spiritual hunger. God calls us to strip away these barriers and return to Him fully.

True Faith Requires Wholehearted Devotion

The Lord does not want us to settle for religious routine. He desires relationship. “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, AMP). True faith is an all-consuming pursuit of God. It means surrendering our favorite distractions, abandoning our comfortable sins, and seeking Him with an undivided heart. When we stop simply playing church, we embark on a true journey of faith.

This is not easy. It requires sacrifice and humility. But when we set aside our excuses and truly press into God, we experience His presence in ways we never imagined. Revival begins when the people of God stop playing church and start living as the body of Christ—praying fervently, loving sacrificially, and sharing His gospel boldly.

A Call to Stop Playing Church

Beloved, now is the time to stop playing church, and start living out our faith genuinely. God is calling us to lay down our idols, distractions, and sins and return to Him. Imagine a church where believers gather, not out of obligation, but out of a deep hunger for God’s presence. Imagine spontaneous prayer meetings, where hearts cry out to the Lord without concern for schedules or distractions. Imagine a church so on fire for God that the lost are drawn to Him through our love and witness.

This is what God desires for His people. This is what He calls us to.

Prayer:

Father, we confess that we have often gone through the motions of faith without truly seeking You. Forgive us for playing church, for being distracted by our comforts, and for clinging to sins that hinder our walk with You. We lay these things at the cross and ask You to cleanse us. Ignite in us a hunger for Your presence and a desire to live in obedience to Your will. Teach us to seek You with all our hearts and to bring Your love to the world around us. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

See Also

Advent, The Pursuit

The Pursuit: A Call to Seek Him This Christmas

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13 (AMP). The pursuit of God this Christmas can bring new meaning to the holiday season.

As December 18th dawns, the nearness of Christmas reminds us of a profound truth: God has pursued us. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world not as a distant observer but as Emmanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23 AMP). Now, the call rests on us to pursue Him in return. This pursuit is the great journey of the believer’s heart—to seek the One who first sought us.

A God Who Draws Near

The pursuit of God begins with this eternal truth: He came to us first. The Gospel of John declares, “And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 AMP).

Here, John speaks with awe of the God who did not leave us to grope in darkness but entered it Himself to bring us light. The incarnation is the ultimate act of divine pursuit, where the Creator stepped into creation to restore what was lost.

A.W. Tozer captures this beautifully: “The voice of God is a friendly voice. No one need fear to listen to it unless he has already made up his mind to resist it.” God’s pursuit of us is not harsh or demanding but tender and loving, a call to return to Him.

The Call to Seek Him

While God initiates the pursuit, Scripture repeatedly calls us to respond. “Draw near to God [with a contrite heart] and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8 AMP). This mutual pursuit reflects the intimate relationship God desires with His people. Tozer describes this paradox, writing, “To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love.”

1. Seeking His Presence

David cried out, “As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, so my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1 AMP). The pursuit of God is a deep thirst that nothing else can quench. This Christmas, amidst the lights and carols, let us not settle for hollow traditions. Instead, let us long for the living God, pressing into His presence.

2. Seeking His Kingdom

Jesus Himself instructs us, “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also” (Matthew 6:33 AMP). The pursuit of God is not merely about personal experience; it is about aligning our lives with His kingdom purposes.

3. Seeking His Word

God’s Word is a treasure for those who pursue Him. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 AMP). In this season, when schedules overflow with busyness, let us commit to seeking God through His Word, allowing it to guide our steps and renew our minds.

Christmas: A Season to Renew the Pursuit

1. Remember the Gift of Emmanuel

The birth of Christ is the ultimate declaration of God’s desire for relationship with His people. This truth should compel us to pursue Him with greater passion. Charles Spurgeon writes, “Immanuel, God with us, in our nature, in our sorrow, in our life work, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us—or rather, we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendor.”

2. Respond to His Love

Christmas reminds us that God’s pursuit of us is not passive. It is active and sacrificial. “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son” (John 3:16 AMP). As we ponder His love, let us respond by loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

3. Live in Anticipation

The pursuit of God is not just about the here and now; it is about eternity. Paul writes, “But [I actively] press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12 AMP). Like Paul, we are called to press forward, longing for the day when we see Him face to face.

Practical Steps to Pursue God This Christmas

1. Pause and Pray

Carve out intentional time each day to sit in God’s presence. Prayer is not just speaking; it is listening, longing, and waiting on Him.

2. Dive into Scripture

Reflect on the promises of God’s coming. Meditate on passages like Isaiah 9:6 and Luke 2, letting the truth of His Word stir your heart.

3. Worship Wholeheartedly

Let your worship go beyond music. Let it be a lifestyle—a daily offering of gratitude and obedience to God.

4. Give and Serve

Pursuing God often means reflecting His love to others. This Christmas, seek to serve someone in need, showing the light of Christ through your actions.

The Reward of Pursuit

Jesus promises, “Ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 AMP). To pursue God is to find Him, and in finding Him, we discover the fullness of life.

John, the beloved disciple, puts it simply yet profoundly: “We love, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19 AMP). Our pursuit is merely a response to the love He has already lavished upon us.

Closing Prayer

Lord, You have pursued us with an everlasting love, sending Jesus Christ to dwell among us. This Christmas, we desire more of You. Stir our hearts to seek You with all our strength, that we may know You more deeply and reflect Your love more clearly. Draw us closer, and let our pursuit of You be the defining mark of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

See Also