Tag Archives: El Shaddai

Holy Spirit, Prayers, Unity

Pentecost: A Call to Absolute Reliance on God

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When the day of Pentecost had fully come, the disciples were not busy making plans or debating strategies. They were hidden away, hearts low to the ground, souls turned upward. “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place” (Acts 2:1, NASB). They were not idle. They engaged in tear-soaked prayer—quiet, desperate, persistent prayer in the Upper Room (Acts 1:14, NASB). Pentecost teaches us that absolute reliance on God begins not with action but with prayer.

Prayer was not an afterthought; it was the furnace where their dependence was forged. In the Upper Room, they wept, waited, and wore the floor thin with their knees. They had no other plan. They had no fallback. The strength to fulfill the Great Commission could not be conjured by willpower—it had to be born in prayer. If we are to learn anything from Pentecost today, it is this: we must return to the Upper Room posture. Absolute reliance on God means sinking to our knees and refusing to rise until He answers.

In our generation, prayer is often the last resort. We strategize first, act second, and pray third. Pentecost rebukes this order. The fire of God falls on soaked altars, on lives marinated in the secret place. Prayer must again become our lifeblood, not a hurried sentence but the slow, aching cry of a heart desperate for Him. The world tells us to be busy; Pentecost calls us to be still before El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, and wait for His power.

Pentecost also reminds us that prayer is corporate as well as personal. “These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer…” (Acts 1:14, NASB). They were of one accord—not arguing about doctrinal differences, not boasting, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos.” Their hearts were knit together in humility and dependence. Division would have quenched the Spirit before He even came. In that upper room, the Spirit of God found a vessel unified and emptied.

And what was the cry of their hearts? These disciples, hunted and threatened, did not ask for protection. They did not pray, “Lord, send angels to defend us,” or “Deliver us from our enemies.” They prayed for boldness—the holy courage to preach the gospel without fear (Acts 4:29, NASB). Absolute reliance on God means trusting not in physical safety but in the triumph of His Word. They understood what it meant to be crucified with Christ. Their lives were already laid down; they sought only the strength to proclaim the Name of Yeshua boldly, even unto death.

The Church today must recover this fearless heart. If we long for revival, we must pray not for ease but for fire—not for comfort but for courage. Absolute reliance on God means trusting Him to sustain, strengthen, and embolden us when the world rages against us. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and sound judgment (2 Timothy 1:7, NASB).

Beloved, the lesson of Pentecost is clear: if we are to walk in the power of the Spirit, we must first kneel in utter dependence. Absolute reliance on God is not passive—it is an active, unyielding trust formed in the furnace of prayer. Like the disciples, we must forsake all other hopes, all other strengths, and look only to Him who promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8, NASB).

Our world is desperate for revival, but revival will not come through clever sermons or polished programs. Revival will be born when men and women of God are found once again in Upper Rooms, floors damp with tears, hearts lifted like incense. Pentecost calls us to be that generation.

Self-Reflection: Walking in Absolute Reliance on God

For the Believer:

  • Am I seeking the fire of God through tear-soaked prayer or am I relying on my own strength?
  • When fear rises, do I pray for protection, or do I ask God for boldness to proclaim His Name?
  • Have I set aside personal ambitions to become fully dependent on El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One?
  • Is my heart unified with my brothers and sisters, or is division hindering the move of the Spirit in my life?

For the Local Congregation:

  • Are we a church of prayer or a church of programs?
  • Have we created an Upper Room culture where dependence on the Spirit is our first response?
  • Do we spend more time strategizing or more time seeking the face of God together?
  • Is boldness to preach the Gospel part of our prayers, or have we settled for safety and comfort?

For the Denomination:

  • Are we leaning on heritage and tradition, or are we actively dependent on the living Spirit of God?
  • Are we unified in mission and spirit, or divided by secondary matters that grieve the Holy Spirit?
  • Have we lost our boldness, forgetting the fearless prayers of the early Church?
  • How will our generation be remembered — as those who sought revival through prayer and unity, or as those who trusted in human plans?

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Prayer

O Sovereign Lord, we come to You stripped of all pretense and power. Teach us again to wait before You in prayer, to soak the ground with tears, to hunger for nothing but Your presence. Forgive us for trusting in our strength and teach us absolute reliance on You. Birth in us the Upper Room cry, the unrelenting groan for Your Spirit. And when You come, Lord, grant us boldness—not comfort, not safety—but boldness to declare Your Word without fear. May our lives be the altar, and may Your fire fall again. In the mighty name of Yeshua, we pray. Amen.

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Holy Spirit

Boldness in the Presence of God

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A Call to the Fearless

This word was born last night at the Pray West Boylston prayer meeting at Freedom Worship Center, and was sparked in part by a message two Sundays ago by Samuel Maisonet, formerly of Faith Church in Auburn. It is a word for now — for you, beloved of God.

The world trembles at the sound of danger. Men pray for safety; hearts seek shelter. But I write to you, beloved, that you would not pray as the world prays. You are called higher. You are summoned to boldness in the presence of God.

When the early Church faced threats — real threats of death and imprisonment — they did not plead for protection. They did not beg to be hidden. They lifted their voices and cried:

“And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence.” — Acts 4:29 (NASB)

The ground beneath them shook. Heaven answered with fire. They were filled again with the Holy Spirit. They spoke the Word of God with boldness, not fear.

But boldness is not born of flesh. It is born in the presence of God.

Come and see the prophet Isaiah. He was drawn up to the heights of heaven, where the Lord sat enthroned, high and lifted up. Seraphim circled and cried:

“Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of armies, The whole earth is full of His glory.” — Isaiah 6:3 (NASB)

Break you jar before the Lord
Before the healing comes, the jar must break. This is where revival begins—on our faces, with nothing held back.
She broke her jar—and with it, her pride, her plans, her past. Only in surrender can the fragrance rise. This is where healing begins.

Isaiah fell on his face:

“Woe to me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of armies.” — Isaiah 6:5 (NASB)

The fire of God touched him. His guilt was taken away. His sin was atoned for. Then — only then — did he hear the voice of the Lord:

“Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” — Isaiah 6:8 (NASB)

Return to the Lord in brokenness
Return to the Lord in brokenness

Beloved, Isaiah did not hesitate. His heart, once trembling, now burned. He answered:

“Here am I. Send me!” — Isaiah 6:8 (NASB)

This is the secret: Boldness comes after brokenness. Confidence is born from cleansing. You cannot stand fearless before men until you have bowed low before God.

Boldness in the presence of God is not arrogance — it is holiness on fire. It is the soul washed clean by the blood of Yeshua, the lips purified by His mercy, the heart inflamed by His Spirit. It is the Church, shaken but unshaken. It is the believer, trembling but bold.

And understand this: When God speaks, His command is often 180 degrees opposite to human logic. Where we would pray for protection, He calls us to pray for boldness. Where we would build walls, He calls us to tear them down with His love. His ways are not our ways — they are higher.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. — Isaiah 55:8 (NASB)

“Whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” — Matthew 16:25 (NASB)

Boldness is not reckless noise; it is love in motion. Last night, the Spirit whispered a deeper truth: it is not only God’s love that draws people — it is God’s love in us. The world will not be won by arguments or anger, but by a bold, visible love that cannot be denied. The true disciple goes out in love and shines. They see Yeshua in us.

As the song “Send Me” by Bethel Music so beautifully sings:

“And before You even ask, oh my answer will be yes.”

This is the posture of boldness: a surrendered yes before the question is even asked.

Will you not come? Will you not enter the presence of the Most High? Will you not fall before Him and be made new?

Do not pray merely for safety. Pray for boldness.
Do not ask merely for comfort. Ask to be sent.
Do not walk in mere knowledge. Walk in love.

The Lord is asking even now:

“Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?”

Let the cry rise from your cleansed lips:

“Here am I. Send me!”

The world is waiting for the fearless.
The lost are waiting for the loved.
Heaven is waiting for the willing.
The Lord of Glory is waiting for you.

From trembling knees to lion’s roar,
You lift my voice to heights unknown.
In fire and cloud, You speak once more —
The King of Glory claims His own.

Closing Prayer

O Holy Father, El Shaddai,

I come trembling before Your throne. Cleanse my heart with Your holy fire; purify my lips with Your coal. Let every fear be burned away by Your presence. Let every weakness be clothed in Your strength.

Fill me, O Lord, with the power of Your Spirit. Let boldness rise where once there was fear. Let Your love overflow from my heart. Let my voice proclaim the name of Yeshua without shrinking back. Grant me the courage to answer when You call, to stand firm when others fall away, to speak when silence tempts me.

Here I am, Lord — send me.
Here I am, Lord — fill me.
Here I am, Lord — use me for Your glory.

In the mighty name of Yeshua, the King of kings,

Amen.

See Also

Joy

Genuine Joy in the Spirit: A Church That Shines

You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
—1 Thessalonians 1:6 (NASB)

The mark of a Spirit-filled church is not a passing happiness or a smile worn like a mask. It is genuine joy in the Spirit, a joy that abides and cannot be stolen by trial or sorrow. Paul did not praise the Thessalonians because they smiled through their pain; he honored them because their hearts, full of the Holy Spirit, radiated a joy untouched by the world’s suffering. This joy was real, deep, and everlasting—flowing not from circumstances, but from the fountain of life Himself.

You have seen it, haven’t you? The false smile of the world—quick, practiced, hollow. Walk up to many today and, as soon as they sense you wish to speak, a plastic smile is fastened upon their face. It is the mask of courtesy, not the evidence of genuine joy in the Spirit. But the joy given by the Holy Spirit is different; it is not an act, but a living reality. It sings in the prison cell, it rejoices in affliction, it bears witness when all else fails. It is the echo of heaven in the heart of a man made alive by Yeshua.

Beloved, we must ask ourselves: Is the joy within us the joy of God or the mere courtesy of the flesh? Let us not deceive ourselves. A church that bears genuine joy in the Spirit will shine without striving. It will influence not only its own members but every church and soul around it. The Thessalonians, with this holy joy, became examples to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia, and their faith sounded forth in every place. So it should be with us.

How, then, do we apply this? We must welcome the Word of God, not with the fleeting smile of Sunday religion, but with hearts open wide in obedience. We must seek to be filled, not merely stirred. We must ask the Spirit of God to make His home in us, burning away the pretense, leaving only what is true. Joy that is born of the Spirit abides; it does not shift with the tides of fortune. It is planted deep, rooted in the unchanging character of El Shaddai.

I challenge you, reader: cast off the mask. Let the world see a people not merely polite, but gloriously alive in Yeshua. Let your business dealings, your family life, your worship, all be soaked in the reality of genuine joy in the Spirit. Then, and only then, will we be the city set on a hill that cannot be hidden, and the lost will come, drawn by the fragrance of Christ Himself.

I love being with the family of God. Whether we gather in a building, a home, or under the open sky, I can hardly keep from smiling when I’m with the saints. There is a deep and unshakable joy that rises up in me whenever I am right where God wants me to be—surrounded by His people. This joy is not the fleeting happiness of circumstance—it is genuine joy in the Spirit, a river flowing from walking in His will. The trials of the world and the sour attitudes of others cannot touch it. It is not a mask, nor a performance; it is real, it is deep, and it abides. Even in seasons of hardship, that joy anchors my soul, and no storm can wash it away.

Spirit-filled church—this is not a fantasy or a relic of ancient days. It is our calling today. Do not settle for the appearance of joy; pursue the Person of Joy, the Holy Spirit, and the Joy of Heaven Himself, Jesus Christ. Press in until your life becomes a living testimony, speaking without words, shining with the joy that only comes from abiding in Him.

Joy that no sorrow can replace,
A river flowing from His grace;
O Spirit, flood this heart of mine,
Until my life in You will shine.

Closing Prayer

Father, deliver us from empty smiles and passing cheer. Fill us with genuine joy in the Spirit—the joy that comes only from abiding in You. Let Your Spirit dwell in us so richly that every mask falls away, and what remains is pure and radiant. May we be a church that lives, sings, and breathes Your glory, that the world might see and believe. In the name of Yeshua we pray. Amen.

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See Also

Choose This Day

Come to the One Sent by the Father

Beloved, you who hunger for truth and long for something more—listen. The Father sent the Son, not to judge you, but to save you (John 3:17). Yeshua, the Lamb of God, was not an afterthought nor a distant Savior. He came in the fullness of time, sent by the Father, bearing heaven’s authority and the weight of divine love.

The prophets foresaw Him. “I have called You in righteousness… and will appoint You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations” (Isaiah 42:6). “Come near to Me, listen to this: From the beginning I have not spoken in secret, from the time it took place, I was there. And now the Lord God has sent Me, and His Spirit” (Isaiah 48:16). And again: “Many nations will join themselves to the Lord in that day… and will become My people” (Zechariah 2:11). His coming was foreseen, even as one sent by His Father.

This is that day. Yeshua is the Sent One, and He is calling you now.

Made meek by the spirit
A weathered wooden cross stands silhouetted against a glowing sunset, marking the place where pride ends and surrender begins.

God’s Faithfulness and My Journey

My life bears witness to this truth. Years ago in Nashua, NH, I encountered Yeshua through my girlfriend. I accepted Him into my heart, and everything changed. My first pastor, Kyn, baptized me in his backyard pool, and El Shaddai began a transforming work in me, just as it is written: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NASB). This transformation, orchestrated by the One sent by the Father, marked the beginning of a new journey.

Later, I moved to Syracuse, NY, to help plant a church. I took on many roles and became an ordained pastor. But under the weight of ministry, I faltered. I burned out. Divorced and disillusioned, I walked away—not only from my calling but slowly from God. I spent nearly twenty years in a wilderness of silence.

But God wasn’t finished with me.

In October 2023, while looking for retirement income, I began writing again. What began as a practical step turned into a divine encounter. The Lord led me to combine my photography with devotional writing—and that’s when breath entered dry bones. “This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life” (Ezekiel 37:5). The Holy Spirit stirred, and my soul awakened. Where I once avoided people, I now pursue them to share His love. His Spirit now guides every step.

He has spared me from death, carried me through sickness, and brought peace into my chaos. “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, NASB). He supplied what I lacked (Philippians 4:19), strengthened me when I had nothing left (2 Corinthians 12:9, AMP), and healed wounds I didn’t even understand (Jeremiah 30:17, AMP). Through His infinite grace, the Father sent His peace into my chaos.

I testify today: God’s promises are unshakable. He has never failed me.

The Joy of Heaven
Jesus rests with friends in Bethany, finding peace and fellowship before the cross, while Mary and Martha quietly serve in love.

The One Who Was Sent

Yeshua did not come on His own. He was sent. Indeed, sent by the Father for a purpose.

“I have not come of Myself, but He sent Me” (John 8:42).

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent” (John 6:29).

“He who receives Me receives Him who sent Me” (John 13:20).

To believe in the Son is to believe in the Father. To reject the Son is to reject the One who sent Him. Yeshua spoke only what the Father gave Him (John 12:49), and performed works that bore witness to His divine sending (John 5:36).

He was the final word, the beloved Son whom the Father said, “They will respect My Son” (Matthew 21:37). Will you respect Him? Will you receive Him?

No Guilt in Life No Fear in Death
The face of an apostle, marked by reflection and resolve, beholding the risen Christ—no guilt in life, no fear in death.

The Call

Let my story speak to your heart. If El Shaddai could awaken a weary servant, bring peace to years of silence, and breathe life into dry bones—He can do the same for you. The One sent by the Father continues to call and restore.

“Just as the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). He sends us still—to love, to serve, to speak truth, and to walk in the power of the Spirit. And this is eternal life: “that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

Come. Believe. Receive the One sent by the Father.

Prayer

El Shaddai, You who sent Your Son in love and truth—open the hearts of those reading now. Let them feel the weight of Your glory and the tenderness of Your mercy. Draw the wandering home. Revive the weary. Let the breath of heaven fall again. I thank You for my journey—for every valley and every restoration. May it point back to You. Use me now to serve Your people and speak Your truth. In the mighty name of Yeshua, the Sent One—Amen.

See Also

Personal Holiness, Sin

Worship Above All

Escaping Idolatry’s Grip

Article 7 in the 12-part series on Overcoming Sin

You were made to worship. Not as a duty, but as a delight. From the moment you were formed in your mother’s womb, your soul was wired to gaze, to adore, to exalt. The question has never been if you will worship—but who or what. The heart is an altar, and something always burns upon it.

In this generation, idolatry no longer wears the mask of carved statues and golden calves. It hides behind ambition, screens, relationships, and even religious routine. But the danger is no less real. Idolatry is any affection, pursuit, or priority that competes with your worship of God. It is a thief that dresses like fulfillment but drains your spirit. It whispers, “You need this to be whole,” but it leaves you emptier than before.

“You shall have no other gods before Me,” the Lord commanded (Exodus 20:3, NASB). This is not a suggestion—it is a cry from the jealous heart of a holy God who loves you. Not because He needs your worship, but because He knows your life will be fractured until He is your first love again.

The Hidden Golden Calves

In the days of Moses, Israel traded the glory of El Shaddai for a golden calf they could see, touch, and control. They wanted a god on their terms. And so do we. But anything we worship that we can control is not a god—it’s an idol.

Today, your idol might not be made of gold, but it may be just as polished: a career that defines you, a relationship you refuse to surrender, a reputation you protect more than your prayer life. Some even idolize their own emotions—worshiping comfort above obedience. But the truth stands firm: you become like what you worship. If your heart bows to success, you’ll be driven and restless. If you worship God, you will become like Him—pure, steadfast, and free.

The Altar of the Heart

Let me offer you an image—a simple one, but sacred. Picture a man in an old farmhouse. The wind howls outside as night settles in. He enters a dusty barn where a wood stove sits cold and silent. The man kneels and begins to build a fire: dry kindling first, then logs. Slowly, with patience, he stirs the embers. A small flame catches. He leans close, feeding it with breath, shielding it from the wind until the fire glows strong and steady.

That stove is your heart. The fire is your worship. The world is cold, and your soul cannot survive unless it is kindled with the presence of God. You must return to that altar daily. You must clear out the ashes of yesterday’s distractions and false loves. You must feed the fire with the truth of Scripture, the song of the redeemed, the cry of surrender.

Only One Can Reign

Yeshua did not die so you could have Him plus your idols. He died to set you free from the tyranny of false gods. He called us to love the Lord with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength (Mark 12:30, NASB). There is no room on the throne of your heart for two kings.

And yet, how gentle He is with us. He does not tear down our idols to shame us—He removes them to restore us. He turns over the tables not to humiliate, but to cleanse His temple. You are that temple. He is reclaiming His altar.

How to Escape Idolatry’s Grip

To walk in freedom, begin here:

  1. Identify the idol. What consumes your time, thoughts, or affections more than God?
  2. Tear it down. Confess it. Renounce it. Ask the Holy Spirit to break its power.
  3. Return to true worship. Carve out space to adore God, not for what He gives, but for who He is.
  4. Guard the altar. Keep distractions out. Feed the fire daily.

Your freedom begins when your worship returns.

Prayer

El Shaddai, I repent for every idol I’ve allowed into Your sanctuary. Forgive me for loving created things more than the Creator. Tear down every false god in my heart and take Your rightful place again. Stir up in me a fresh fire of worship. Let me seek You above all, long for You above all, and treasure You above all. Cleanse my heart, set it apart, and make it an altar where only You reign. In the holy name of Yeshua, amen.

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See Also

Worship

Covenant of Worship

Beloved, consider the mystery of worship that draws us into the presence of the Living God. There is a holy place where faith and expectation unite, where the hearts of the people are bound together in covenantal trust before El Shaddai. In that sacred space, worship becomes more than a song—it becomes a covenant of prayer, a holy agreement to seek His face with one heart and one voice. This is the essence of the Covenant of Worship.

This covenant is a threefold cord, not easily broken.

1. Declaration of Faith:

Those who lead speak boldly, proclaiming their trust in Yeshua’s promise: “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20, NASB). This is more than words; it is a call to believe, an invitation to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence. It aligns perfectly with the Covenant of Worship.

2. Unity of the Congregation:

Here, hearts beat as one, voices rise in unison—not just in song but in faith. It is the gathering of souls who trust that El Shaddai hears their worship and responds to their hunger. “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity! … For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:1, 3, NASB). This unity is a covenantal act, fulfilling the ancient promise, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, NASB). Such unity is central to the Covenant of Worship.

3. Faithful Promise of God:

Yahweh is the covenant-keeping God who dwells in the praises of His people: “Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3, NASB). When faith unites with expectancy, and hearts are joined in covenantal worship, His presence is not merely felt; it is known. Within the Covenant of Worship, His promises are experienced profoundly.

This is the mystery of the covenant of worship—a holy agreement to come before God with faith, trust, and hunger. It joins heaven and earth as one voice declares His glory, and His Spirit moves among them.

Beloved, let us enter into this covenant of faith. Let us lift our hearts and voices with one accord, trusting that He who promised is faithful. Let us press into His presence, not seeking a formula but seeking the face of Yeshua, the Living God.

Come, let us worship in covenantal faith, for He is faithful to meet those who seek Him with all their heart. And in His presence, we shall be transformed.

May this covenantal prayer rise before Him as incense, and may His glory dwell among us. Amen.

See Also

Effective Prayer

How to Pray Aright: A Call to Earnest Prayer

Beloved, do you truly pray, or do you merely say words? Do the cries of your heart reach the ears of El Shaddai, or do your lips move without meaning? It is not enough to recite words; God listens to the cries of a soul that hungers for Him. To pray aright, one must have a heart fully invested in seeking God.

God hears the prayers of the sincere. If you pray out of duty or habit, without feeling your need for Him, your words are empty. It is as if you were speaking to the wind. The Almighty is moved by a heart that yearns for Him, a heart that recognizes its own need and humbles itself before His throne. As the Psalmist cried, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17, NASB).

Let your prayers flow from the depths of your soul, not merely from your lips. Words without the heart fall to the ground unheard, but the cries of the humble pierce the heavens. It is written, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18, NASB). If you pray aright, you will avoid merely echoing words that fade away, never reaching His presence.

Do not approach God with empty phrases or rehearsed lines. Come to Him with honesty, humility, and longing. Pour out your heart before Him, for He knows your thoughts before you speak them. He is not impressed by eloquence but moved by brokenness. He desires truth in the inmost being.

If your heart feels cold or distant, ask Him to teach you to pray. Cry out, “Lord, teach me what I need and show me how to pray! Stir my heart to seek You earnestly. Do not let me speak to You without feeling what I say.” This is the prayer He hears—the prayer of one who longs for Him. To truly seek Him, we must learn to pray aright.

Seek the face of Yeshua with all your heart. Lay your burdens before Him, not just with words but with genuine faith and dependence. Let your prayer be like incense rising before His throne, carried by a heart that loves Him. Remember His promise: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, NASB).

Do not be satisfied with shallow prayers. Press in, seek more of Him, and pour out your soul before El Shaddai. He hears the earnest cry. Do not be content with hollow religion or empty rituals. Seek an encounter with the living God, for He is near to those who truly seek Him.

Let this be your prayer:

Father, draw me nearer. I need You more than words can express.
Teach me to pray with a heart that truly seeks You.
Awaken my soul to cry out for Your presence.
Let my prayers be real, my words be true, and my heart be Yours.
I long for more of You and less of me.
In the name of Yeshua, I pray. Amen.

Beloved, Pray Aright. Seek Him earnestly. God is near to those who call on Him in truth.

Faith, Spiritual

Light Without Sight: Asking El Shaddai for Wisdom

PREFACE

I am going to start trying to use HEBREW names of God in articles, as IMHO they are richer in meaning than the normal English translations. Below is a key for this article: remember to ask El Shaddai for wisdom when seeking deeper understanding.

  • El Shaddai (God Almighty) emphasizes His power and provision, which fits when speaking of His generosity in giving wisdom.
  • Yeshua (Jesus) is appropriate when discussing salvation, the gospel, or light, as He is the Light of the World.
  • Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) is used when referring to spiritual guidance, illumination, or empowerment.
  • Adonai (Lord) is often used when addressing God’s authority and sovereignty.
  • Elohim (God, Creator) highlights His divine majesty and role as the source of wisdom and truth.
  • Abba (Father) emphasizes the intimate, relational aspect of God, particularly in prayer.

Light Without Sight: Asking El Shaddai for Wisdom

Dear reader, have you ever felt lost, uncertain of what to do, or overwhelmed by the decisions before you? El Shaddai, the Almighty God, invites you to come to Him and ask for wisdom. James 1:5–8 (NASB) speaks directly to you:

“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. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

This is not a passive invitation. El Shaddai desires to generously give wisdom to you—but He asks for faith in return. When you approach Him, you must trust His goodness, power, and faithfulness. Doubt will only rob you of the peace and stability He offers.

Faith Unlocks the Wisdom of Elohim

When you ask Yeshua, the Light of the World, for wisdom, you must approach Him fully convinced of His ability to guide you. James warns against being double-minded, describing doubt as being “like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” Doubt creates instability, leaving your heart torn between trust in Elohim and the distractions of this world.

The truth is, wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge—it is a gift of the Spirit, rooted in a deep relationship with Adonai. Proverbs 9:10 (NASB) reminds us: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This holy reverence for God leads to wisdom that transforms your decisions and your life.

The Gospel Brings Light and Sight

As you seek wisdom, consider these words from 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NASB):

“The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Satan blinds hearts and minds, preventing many from seeing Yeshua’s light and responding to it. This blindness doesn’t just affect unbelievers; it can creep into our hearts as doubt, pride, or distraction. You may know the truth, yet still lack the spiritual sight to walk in it fully.

Even Benjamin Franklin, brilliant as he was, illustrates this tragic reality. Despite hearing the gospel from the evangelist George Whitefield, he admitted he remained unconverted. He had light but lacked sight. Only the Spirit of God can open blinded eyes to see and respond to the truth.

How to Ask for Wisdom

El Shaddai offers wisdom to you freely, but He asks for your faith in return. Here’s how you can receive His wisdom: 1. Ask Boldly in Faith: Trust that Yeshua hears you and is eager to answer. “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22, NASB). 2. Reject Doubt: Refuse to be tossed around by fear or uncertainty. Instead, anchor yourself in the promises of Elohim. 3. Seek His Presence Daily: True wisdom comes from intimacy with Yeshua. Spend time in prayer and His Word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NASB). 4. Rely on the Spirit: Invite Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit, to lead and guide you in every decision.

A Prayer for Wisdom and Sight

Beloved, as you seek wisdom, remember that Adonai desires to draw you closer to Him. Pray with confidence:

Abba Father, thank You for Your promise to give wisdom generously to all who ask in faith. I lay my doubts at Your feet and trust You completely. Open my eyes to see Your truth and help me walk in Your light. By Your Spirit, guide my steps and make me a light for others, that they too may see Your glory in Yeshua, the Light of the World. Amen.

Let His Light Guide You

Beloved, don’t live in darkness or confusion. Seek El Shaddai with all your heart, and He will give you wisdom and clarity. Let the light of Yeshua transform your life, for He is the Light of the World, and in Him, there is no darkness at all.

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