Pastors Desk - June 2022

The month of Restoration pt 2 'Deepening Intimacy' - Jeremiah 31:1-40

Psalm 85:4 says, “Restore us, O God of our salvation. And cause Your indignation toward us to cease.” Restore us, O Lord God of Hosts; cause Your face to shine on us (in favour and approval) and we shall be saved – Psalm 80:7, 19.

These indeed is our prayer as we continue in our journey of repentance. You make worn- out and destroyed things brand-new. In fact, many words that, begin with “re” describe actions of God: He re-news, re-wards, re-deems, re-fines, brings re-compense, re-surrects, re-stores, re-vines, re-leases and He teaches us to re-pent.

Ephesians 1:17 (TPT) says,” I pray that, the Father of glory, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would in part to You the riches of the spirit of wisdom and the spirit of revelation (discovery) to know Him through your deepening intimacy with Him.”

By the Scripture above, we are looking at obtaining restoration through our intimate relationship with God and to know Him deeply. Usually, we feel this kind of intimacy with a significant other – our partner, our parents, close friends and sometimes our children even we they are grown.

But, I hear you ask, is it possible to have these feelings with a Sovereign Divine God?

I would say – Yes! When we repent, God takes us back to the highest place, where we belong and from which we have fallen through sin. God is the God of restoration, who continues to work in and with us - as long as we desire change in our lives. He never gives up on us. He is not a harsh taskmaster who is angry and impatient. In reality God is just the opposite – merciful, gracious, kind, patient, compassionate, faithful and every other wonderful thing. However, when something has been lost or stolen from us, we become bitter, vengeful, angry, unforgiving unless we know there is hope of restoration. God does not only give back what was lost but promises us “double for our trouble” – 2 Kings 8:1-6, Isaiah 61:6-7, God promises that instead of suffering with dishonour and reproach, we will rejoice, for He loves justice and hates robbery, wrongdoing and violence.

Brethren, throughout the Bible, deepening intimacy with God is encouraged. God configured us with the desire to be drawn to Him – John 6:44, Exodus 33:11. Through our intimacy with God looks different now, we still have this personal access to Him. When we dwell in the secret place of the Most High - we are practicing intimacy. When we abide in Him, intimacy is forthcoming, when we draw near, we experience the mutuality of intimacy because when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us – Psalm 91:1; John 15: James 4:8, Psalm 63:8.

Here are 5 keys to deepening intimacy with God: - 1. Know God by studying His Word – Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:15. 2. Commit to living for Him – Acts 17:27-28. 3. Trust Him – Proverbs 16:20; Psalm 56:10. 4. Prioritise Him – it means removing distractions – Matthew 6:33. 5. Desire to hear from God – Proverbs 20:12; 13:19. We shall be looking at these 5 keys throughout the month as we hope indeed for restoration from God through our practice of faithfulness in deepening intimacy with God Almighty.

In conclusion, Job went through a very difficult time, but he remained faithful to God, and God restored to Him twice/double as much as He had lost. How can a person be bitter about their past when God promises such us a bright future? Forget what lies behind, remember that God loves to restore and press on into the new things He has for you.

I see and hear your exceptional testimonies throughout this month and beyond.

God bless you.

Happy New Month of Restoration 2!!!

Prayer Points :

1. Father, thank You for restoration in our lives and family in Jesus’ name.

2. Father thank You for the last 6 months and we appreciate You for this June and the next 6 months in Jesus’ name.

3. Father, thank You for the surprise following surprises in our lives in Jesus’ name.

4. Father, thank You Lord for restoring this immense power when You raised Jesus from the dead and exalted Him (enthroned) Him to the highest honour and supreme authority in the heavenly realm.

5. Father, according to Ruth 3:18 help us to be patient until we hear what happens. The men (persons) won’t rest until He has settled things or done what 6 required in Jesus’ name.

6. Father, let there be restoration as I deepen my intimacy with You Lord in Jesus’ name.

7. Father, draw me and my family closer to Yourself in Jesus’ name.

8. Father, Your restoration I need with compensation in Jesus’ name.