04-01-2026 PART 1: Drawing Near to God: Prayer, Testimony, and the Anchor of Trust

Section 1

The time opens with a sincere and expansive prayer, not limited to one congregation but extended to all churches that genuinely call upon the name of Jesus Christ. There is a humility in acknowledging how often people come before God with requests, yet the focus shifts back to His goodness, His kindness, and His peace that surpasses understanding. The prayer recognizes that no church is perfect, just as seen in Scripture, yet all are under God’s care and instruction. The request is simple but powerful—that God would pour out His presence on every part of the church body, from leadership to the smallest acts of service. It is a reminder that the church belongs to Him, and the desire is for every gathering to reflect His grace, love, and truth in a way that draws others to call upon His name.

Section 2

That spirit of encouragement continues through the testimony shared from Shane and Lisa, offering a real and raw picture of transformation. After years of struggle, brokenness, and loss, there comes a moment of surrender—“enough is enough”—followed by a full return to the Lord. What follows is not perfection, but renewal. Their lives begin to change through the application of Scripture, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Even their marriage is restored without formal counseling, simply by aligning with God’s Word. This testimony reinforces a critical truth: when someone turns fully to God, He meets them there. The Word becomes alive, the Spirit moves, and what once seemed impossible begins to take shape in a new and living way.

Section 3

Psalm 73:27–28 brings the message to a strong and fitting conclusion. Asaph contrasts those who remain far from God with the personal decision to draw near to Him, declaring, “It is good for me to draw near to God.” This is not theoretical—it is practical, essential, and life-giving. Drawing near to God is better than anything else a person can pursue. From that place of closeness comes trust, and from that trust comes the ability to declare what God has done. The connection is clear: the nearer a person is to God, the more they recognize His work and the more naturally they share it. In the end, everything hinges on that relationship—staying close, trusting fully, and living in a way that reflects His ongoing work in their lives.