Tag Archives: Intimacy with God

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is a Person

Do you truly know who the Holy Spirit is? If you’ve ever mistaken Him for a feeling, a force, or a sudden burst of energy, you’re not alone. Many believers are confused about the identity of the Holy Spirit. But today, let’s clear away the confusion and anchor our understanding in Scripture: the Holy Spirit is a Person.

“Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19, NASB). This simple yet sobering command carries weight. You can’t quench a force. You can’t grieve an emotion. But you can hurt, silence, or shut out a Person—and that’s exactly what we risk when we misunderstand or ignore the Holy Spirit.

Spell this out in your heart: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERSON. He is not enthusiasm. He is not courage. He is not the personification of goodness. The Holy Spirit is not an “it”—He is God. He has a will (1 Corinthians 12:11), speaks (Acts 13:2), loves (Romans 15:30), intercedes (Romans 8:26), and can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). He knows. He feels. He leads.

Jesus spoke of the Spirit as “another Helper”—the Greek word Parakletos, meaning advocate or counselor—“that He may be with you forever” (John 14:16, NASB). The Son promised One like Himself, not a mere power surge from heaven. And just as we would never treat Yeshua as a nameless force, we must not reduce the Holy Spirit to an emotional experience or a vague sense of conviction.

To quench the Spirit is to resist His leading, to silence His voice, or to shut Him out of your daily decisions. Imagine Him as a guest in your home, present and willing to help, but ignored. Or worse—treated with suspicion and skepticism. Can a guest like that stay long? The Holy Spirit desires intimacy, not toleration. He seeks fellowship, not mere acknowledgment.

Paul writes, “Now we have received… the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:12, NASB). You are not meant to walk in confusion, trying to “feel” your way through your faith. You are invited to commune with the Person of the Holy Spirit, to hear His voice, receive His comfort, and follow His direction.

This truth will change your walk: the Holy Spirit is not waiting for your perfection—He is waiting for your invitation. He is not fragile, but He is holy. He is not distant, but He will not force Himself into a life that will not listen. Don’t quench Him by busyness, by sin, or by doubt. Welcome Him.

Right now, stop and ask yourself: Am I treating the Holy Spirit like a Person? Do I listen for His voice? Do I make room for His presence? Do I respond when He convicts, prompts, or encourages?

The Holy Spirit is a Person. And He desires to walk with you, speak to you, and fill you with the life of God every day. He is not an “it” to be controlled. He is God to be worshiped, Friend to be loved, and Guide to be followed.

Prayer

Ruach HaKodesh, Holy Spirit of God, forgive me for treating You as less than who You are. I welcome You—not as a feeling, but as a Person. Speak to me. Lead me. Fill my life with Your presence and power. Teach me to walk in step with You and to never quench Your voice. I want deep, intimate fellowship with You. In Yeshua’s name, 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.

Effective Prayer

Dwelling in the Secret Place: Abiding in Constant Communion with God

The Power of Abiding Prayer

Prayer is not just an event—it is a dwelling place. Too often, prayer is reduced to moments of need or routine ritual, but God invites you into continuous communion. He calls you to abide, not visit; to dwell, not depart.

The psalmist understood this mystery:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1, NASB)

The secret place is not a location—it is a posture of the heart. It is the inner sanctuary where you live in constant awareness of God’s presence, walking in uninterrupted fellowship with the Almighty. Will you choose to dwell, not just visit?

The Tabernacle’s Holy of Holies: A Picture of Dwelling in the Secret Place

In ancient Israel, the Tabernacle was designed with three sections:

  • The Outer Court, where sacrifices were made.
  • The Holy Place, where priests ministered daily.
  • The Holy of Holies, the most sacred place, where God’s presence dwelled above the Ark of the Covenant.

Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement). But when Yeshua died on the cross, the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), granting every believer access to the Most Holy Place.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Yeshua, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh.” (Hebrews 10:19-20, NASB)

The secret place is now open. It is not just a place to visit—it is a dwelling for those who live in constant communion with God.

Why Dwelling in the Secret Place Changes Everything

1. The Secret Place Shields You from the Enemy’s Attacks

In the secret place, the enemy cannot reach you. Just as the Holy of Holies was guarded by the presence of God, so are those who dwell in Him. The secret place is a fortress of divine protection.

“You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7, NASB)

2. The Secret Place Cultivates Intimacy with God

Dwelling in the secret place is about relationship, not ritual. It is the place where you hear God’s voice, know His heart, and experience His love. True intimacy is born in constant communion.

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

3. The Secret Place Transforms Your Perspective and Faith

In the secret place, you see from Heaven’s perspective. When you abide under the shadow of the Almighty, you see battles already won, obstacles already removed, and victory already secured. Faith is birthed in the secret place.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NASB)

The Difference Between Dwelling and Visiting

  • Visiting is praying when in need; dwelling is living in constant communion.
  • Visiting sees prayer as a duty; dwelling sees prayer as a delight.
  • Visiting asks for God’s help; dwelling rests in God’s presence.
  • Visiting seeks a moment of peace; dwelling abides in perpetual protection and power.

Dwelling in the secret place is not about scheduling prayer times—it is about living in continuous awareness of God’s presence.

How to Dwell in the Secret Place

  • Create a sacred rhythm. Develop a daily habit of worship, prayer, and listening.
  • Practice God’s presence. Talk to God throughout the day, acknowledging His nearness.
  • Meditate on His Word. Let Scripture renew your mind and anchor your heart.
  • Guard your atmosphere. Avoid distractions that pull you out of communion.
  • Cultivate holy reverence. The secret place is sacred—honor His presence with awe.

A Call to Abide in Constant Communion

Are you visiting the secret place, or are you dwelling there? God does not call you to a one-time encounter—He invites you to abide under His shadow.

Will you make the secret place your home? Will you live in constant awareness of His presence? The door to the Holy of Holies is open—enter boldly, dwell deeply, and abide in constant communion with El Shaddai.

The secret place is waiting—will you live there?

Prayer

Father, I thank You for the invitation to dwell in the secret place. I long to abide under Your shadow, to walk in constant communion with You. Teach me to live in Your presence, to hear Your voice, and to rest under Your protection. Let my heart be a sanctuary, and my life a continuous prayer. I choose to dwell, not visit. In the name of Yeshua, Amen.

See Also

Effective Prayer

Listening Prayer: Tuning Your Heart to God’s Voice

The Power of Silence in Prayer

Prayer is not just about speaking—it is about listening. Too often, prayer becomes a monologue rather than a conversation. Yet the most powerful prayers are not the ones filled with words, but the ones spoken in silence and surrender. God still speaks. The question is, are you listening?

Young Samuel heard God’s voice but did not recognize it at first:

“Then the Lord came and stood and called as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening.’” (1 Samuel 3:10, NASB)

In that moment, Samuel’s life changed forever. He learned the power of listening prayer—a posture of the heart that says, “Your will, not mine. Your words, not my own.”

The Still Small Voice: A Picture of Listening Prayer

When the prophet Elijah was overwhelmed by fear and exhaustion, he longed to hear from God. He sought the voice of El Shaddai, but it did not come in the ways he expected:

  • Not in the great wind that tore through the mountains.
  • Not in the earthquake that shook the ground.
  • Not in the fire that blazed fiercely.

God spoke in a whisper— a still small voice.

“After the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave.” (1 Kings 19:12-13, NASB)

God speaks in the whisper because He is close. You do not shout to someone who is near. Listening prayer is about drawing close to God, silencing the noise, and hearing the whisper of His heart.

Why Listening Prayer is Essential for Spiritual Growth

1. Listening Prayer Aligns You with God’s Will

When you listen, you surrender control. Instead of presenting a list of demands, you align your heart with God’s purpose. Listening prayer leads to obedience, not just petitions.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NASB)

2. Listening Prayer Breaks Through Confusion and Doubt

God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). When you feel lost or uncertain, His voice brings clarity and peace. Listening prayer silences the chaos and tunes your heart to divine direction.

“And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21, NASB)

3. Listening Prayer Cultivates Intimacy with God

You cannot know someone without listening to them. Prayer is not just about receiving answers—it is about knowing the heart of the Father. Listening prayer builds intimacy.

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

How to Practice Listening Prayer

  • Be still and quiet your mind. Silence the noise and distractions.
  • Invite God to speak. Pray, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
  • Wait with expectation. God speaks to the heart—through His Word, impressions, and gentle whispers.
  • Discern and confirm. Compare what you hear with Scripture. God never contradicts His Word.
  • Obey what you hear. Listening without obedience leads to stagnation. Faith grows in action.

A Call to Listen Beyond the Noise

Are you weary of one-sided prayers? Do you long to hear God’s voice clearly? The whisper of God is waiting in the quiet.

Will you silence the noise? Will you tune your heart to His voice? God is speaking—are you listening?

Prayer

Father, teach me to be still and to listen. Remove the distractions that drown out Your voice. I long to hear Your whisper, to know Your heart, and to follow Your leading. I surrender my agenda, my worries, and my fears. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. In the name of Yeshua, Amen.

See Also

Effective Prayer

The Heart of Prayer: Encountering God in Prayer, Not Just His Hand

Why Seeking God’s Presence Matters in Prayer

You were created for intimate fellowship with God. Prayer is not just about asking for blessings—it’s about encountering El Shaddai, the Almighty One. Too often, prayer turns into a list of demands rather than a pursuit of His presence. But the most powerful, life-changing prayers are those that focus on encountering God in prayer to seek His presence, not just what He can give.

Yeshua taught this when He said:

“Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” (Matthew 6:9, NASB)

Before asking for anything, prayer should begin with worship. When you prioritize God’s presence, your faith grows, your burdens lighten, and your spirit aligns with His will.

Why Encountering God in Prayer Changes Everything

From the beginning, God’s desire has been fellowship. In Genesis 3:8, He walked with Adam in the garden. He longs for the same closeness with you today.

Moses understood this. Though he witnessed miracles, his greatest desire was more of God. He prayed:

“Now then, if I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways so that I may know You.” (Exodus 33:13, NASB)

Do you pray like this? Or have your prayers become focused on solutions rather than encountering God in prayer?

Prayer Is About Relationship, Not Just Requests

When you truly seek God’s presence in prayer, everything changes:

  • Fear turns to faith. When you focus on Him, worry loses its grip.
  • Peace fills your heart. His presence is greater than any storm.
  • Your desires align with His. Instead of asking for your will, you long for His.

David declared:

“One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.”(Psalm 27:4, NASB)

One thing. Not wealth, not comfort, not success—just God.

The Power of Encountering God’s Presence

Want to experience deeper, more powerful prayer? Make seeking God’s presence your priority. Embrace the journey and commit to encountering God in prayer day by day.

  1. Begin with Worship – Lift your voice in praise. Thank Him for who He is before asking for anything.
  2. Pray for More of Him – Like Moses, ask God to reveal His ways so you can know Him more.
  3. Be Still Before Him – Silence the distractions. Listen for His voice. Prayer is a two-way conversation.
  4. Desire God Above All Else – Say with David, “One thing I ask… to dwell in Your presence.”
tamarisk tree

Prayer is not just about the present moment—it is about establishing a lasting foundation in God’s presence. When Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, he wasn’t just marking land; he was declaring trust in El Olam, the Everlasting God (Genesis 21:33). The tamarisk tree grows slowly, requiring deep roots and endurance—just like an effective prayer life. When you seek God’s presence rather than just His hand, you plant something that will outlast your immediate needs. Your prayers today are not just for now; they are seeds for future encounters with God, shaping your faith for years to come.Will you press deeper, building a prayer life that stands the test of time?

How to Encounter God in Prayer

Prayer is not a formula. It is the lifeline of your relationship with God. The most powerful prayer is not one that demands miracles but one that says, “Lord, I just want You.” Encountering God in prayer will transform your prayer life.

Will you seek Him today? Will you return to the secret place, not for what He can do, but just to be with Him?

Prayer

Abba Father, forgive me for seeking Your hand before seeking Your face. You alone are what my soul longs for. Teach me to pray like Moses, to desire to know You more than anything else. Let my heart burn for Your presence, to gaze upon Your beauty, and to walk in deep communion with You. Draw me closer, Lord. I want You—more of You and less of me. In the name of Yeshua, I pray. Amen.

See Also

Faith, Spiritual

Day Four: The Freedom of His Presence

“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.

See Also:

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.

See Also

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.

See Also

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