Author: HeatherJean

FRIENDS

FRIENDS

by HeatherJean

2 steps to a greater friendship with God.

Have you ever caught a glimpse of someone and thought “We should be friends!”

Maybe they were adventurous or had cool toys or great hair. Hey, trust me. I’ve picked friends for less. Many of us take whatever comes along, by way of friends, just happy to have some when we need them…but the best relationships are intentional.

You know, ones we invest time and effort in. It starts with a simple decision to focus more on the needs and desires of the other person than our own. That is where relationships turn the corner from a casual acquaintance to an intimate confidant.

All living things thrive when their needs are tended to; houseplants, farm animals, human hearts, and God.

Read more ›

ME

ME

by HeatherJean

“I asked Jesus to come into my heart with my Grandpa Andrew leading me. I’ve never had a memory of that event. I was four.”

I was thinking these words, preparing to write them in my journal. But the speaker wasn’t allowing vague answers. He said to write the whole story of our redemption. He said there is no forgetting the moment we knew we were His. That moment when we discovered, actually tasted, our own depravity, and became physically sickened by it. That moment when our hearts broke at the sight of His blinding holiness. The beautiful moment when we received His grace-gift of forgiveness and healing.

“Like a real birth”, I thought. “But more painful. More glorious.” I didn’t have a story like that.

“If you can’t remember, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you when it was. He’ll tell you. You will remember.”

I cooperated because that’s what you do. But I doubted. Just for a second. That’s how long it took Him to uncloak the mystery and show me my moment. You see, this death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it isn’t just “for everyone” or “for anyone”. It was for ME He died. This is my story.

It was 1977. School was out for the summer. To prove I can remember, I’ll tell you this; my favorite smells were car wax and freshly mowed lawns. “No hands” and “Popping wheelies” were the bike tricks everyone was doing. Hoola-hoops were big.

Somehow, I was pulled from my bliss to attend the 50th anniversary luncheon for some very old people. I sat at the kids table. The conversation turned upsetting rather quickly, and since I was smart enough to know you can’t believe everything a going-into-second grader says, I called her a liar. She insisted her news was true. Her mother had read it in the paper. She said Kendal Kuskie was dead. I was so mad at her, I got up and walked outside.

You can bet I told my parents about the mean girl at the kids table.

As soon as we got home, my mom looked at the newspaper and then we walked to my room. We sat on my bed together while she told me. The horrible news was true. There had been a collision in an intersection and my classmate and friend, Kendal was gone. I was devastated.

I literally could not stop crying no matter how hard I tried. It was more than grief, it was shame. I finally confided in my mom.

My friend Kendal lived several blocks away, but he could ride to my street by way of a short-cut across a partially-fenced empty lot. We liked to talk about Jesus after school while we rode bikes around the neighborhood.

One day, when he was headed home, we saw that the gap in the fence had a new sign that read “No trespassing. Private property”. “What are you going to do?” I asked. We could see Kendal’s older brother dashing across the lot as if nothing had changed. I assumed Kendal would take off after him. That is certainly what I would have done.

Without a second’s hesitation, he swung his front wheel around and headed the long way home. I caught up to him to tell him it was ok to cut through. “Why would you say that, Heather?” He asked. “We are Christians. It wouldn’t be right.”

I can tell you exactly why. Going the “right way” was a big waste of time! And he would have to go all by himself! I was shocked that someone would be that obedient and honest. I was ashamed that he thought more of me than was true. Obedience and honesty were big problems for me.

Something else happened earlier that same school year. First, I should tell you that I was the only child among all five of my siblings to attend public school, and only for first grade. God had a plan to intersect my life, and give me a burden for unsaved children, but I had no idea of this at the time.

My top priority at Harrison Elementary was to have friends, and to make sure people liked me.

One day, we were all sitting in class waiting to go on a field-trip. Ms. Basset told us the trip was being canceled on account of the rain. Kendall raised his hand and suggested to the whole class that we pray. He was looking right at me for encouragement, but I looked down at my desk, embarrassed. Then, when the teacher said it was fine, he stood up and confidently asked God to stop the rain. As if that wasn’t enough, he asked to go outside and check. It was still raining…so he did it again!

You should have heard the cheer that went up when he came back inside to report that the rain had stopped.

By mid-afternoon the sun was out, and the busses were pulling out of the parking lot on schedule. The day was saved! I was shocked. Kendal’s faith was inspiring to me, but his boldness made me feel awkward. I didn’t know what to do. So…

After school I told him not to talk to me about Jesus in front of other kids because they “wouldn’t understand.” Yes, I am one who denied Him. Just to protect my pride.

“He was a real Christian and I am not!” I told my mom. I was so ashamed of my behavior I could hardly breathe. And now Kendal was gone and I couldn’t say how sorry I was. “Maybe you and Jesus need to have a talk.” She said.

So, with the priceless taste of my own depravity on my tongue, I cried out to Jesus. I asked His forgiveness for all my sin. At that moment, I knew I was His.

I felt so free and so in love with Jesus. It was the beginning of a new life for me.

My moment of brokenness blossomed into a truly surrendered and devoted heart. So great was my salvation, so great is my Savior!

By the time I was nine, several very significant events took place. I was baptized in water, then I was baptized in the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. I started talking with the Holy Spirit while I played or rode my bike. This began a life-long love affair with Him. I then received a call from God to minister to children, which I started immediately and continue to this day.

One last little thing…For the past 25 years I’ve asked a question to every Christian boy I know, “Are you a man of God, or just a man?” I want them to know that being a real Christian is possible. Kendal Kuskie, was one.

He led me to Jesus. And He was only seven.

FAVORITE

FAVORITE

by HeatherJean

One Monday recently, Elton drove me to a car dealership to pick up a new-to-me car. Other than it being an ordinary Monday, this might have been one of the best days of my life (Proving once again, that God works on Mondays).

I wasn’t raised to love cars. A car gets you places. Hopefully. And that is all. So, it makes little sense that the Lord would chose a car to teach me about Himself and His love. But He did.

The first half of my life, my dream car was a Volkswagen Bug. For obvious reasons. High on the cute scale.

I was dying to have one until (numerous, meddling) mechanics felt obligated to tell me that they wouldn’t be in business without the frequent VW Bug repairs that made up the bread-and-butter of their garages.

I didn’t really care that it would eventually “need work”. I enjoy the challenge of fixing. I find self-worth in making-do. I feel secretly deserving of things when I have made them myself. Is this a pride  that keeps me in poverty? Who knows.

Somewhere in all this, my obsession with Jaguars began.

I can’t remember the first time I noticed one, where I was, what I was doing or that sort of thing. It just appeared, and it was so beautiful. So refined. So elegant. I especially loved the front grill of the S-type…so I made it my screen saver. Yah. I just decided my Father wanted me to have one. That was 10 years ago.

Then, you know how it is, I was seeing them everywhere. When I did,  I would remind myself that God wanted good things for me. Not mediocre, not “in need of repair” or “sold as-is” things…but beautiful, excellent things. It became a God-kiss. A sign of favor. Instead of being lost in the crowd, maybe I was special. Even a favorite.

In case you don’t know the secret, it’s ok to call yourself His favorite. Because you are.

Once I went to a celebration service, honoring the life of an amazing woman of God named Ernestine Broadous. She was a gem, but what stood out to me that day was her family. Her “favorite nephew” prayed. Her “favorite daughter” sang. And when they lined up to pay tribute, her “favorite niece” rang a bell to make sure no one person took more time than they were allotted. When she handed the microphone to the first relative, he was her “favorite somebody or other”. Turns out, everyone there was favorite.

Everyone was favorite because Miss Ernestine said they were. No one ever doubted it. Miss Ernestine and God are a lot alike. God has the capacity to choose me to be His favorite, and then choose you in the same breath.

It’s almost like we please Him just by being. Like we cannot disappoint Him no matter how hard we try. We disappoint ourselves and I assume He has a heart like ours.

But it isn’t. His is bigger.

God doesn’t just show love; the Bible says He IS love.

Love is patient; therefore, God is patient. Love is kind; therefore, God is kind.

God is never jealous or envious. He is never boastful, proud, or haughty. (No matter what people persist in thinking about Him) God is never selfish or rude, and God does not demand His own way. He is not irritable or touchy. He does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do Him wrong. He is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. When He loves someone, He is loyal to him no matter what the cost. He always believes in him, always expects the best of him, and always stands His ground in defending him. (adapted from 1 Corinthians 13)

I know this about God, so how would I have any trouble believing that He gives good gifts to His children, way beyond their needs, way beyond their wildest dreams?

Simply ask, and wait (and wait), and receive.

I think we could go to the moon on a rocket ship if we wanted to. I think I shall ask.

The only reason we don’t have more of such extravagant things is that they are against our stingy religious mindsets. So sad. We leave amazing blessings on the table…and when others receive them, we struggle not to be jealous. None of us need be. There is enough for all His favorites. In His eyes, we are beautiful and perfectly refined.

According to what He said when He made us, we are the Artist’s rendering of Himself. Worthy because He made us so.

And so, that very special Monday night after work we went to the dealership to pick up my car. Not the Bug, but the 2006 S-type Jaguar. The mechanic gave it the once-over, kicked the tires and and checked all the boxes. Low miles, a sunroof and beautiful leather and wood interior. The color is called “radiance”. Crimson red. It is paid in full.

More than a car, it is a status symbol. The status of favorite in Father’s eyes.

Just like you.

(this post is dedicated to my friend Jennifer Broadous Scurlock)
CAPTURE

CAPTURE

by HeatherJean

When we were kids, we played a game called capture the flag. There were two teams, Red and Blue. I was on Blue. The strategy was to take as many Team Red players captive as possible, to get access to their flag…while they were out to do the same to us and our flag.

The difficulty was hanging onto Team Red POWs (Prisoners of War). If they escaped, well then, we were back where we started. A never-ending cycle unless we stepped it up and took the game seriously.

I was thinking about how this same strategy applies to our thoughts. There are good, healthy, lovely ones, can we call them Team Blue? (Yes, I think we shall) And there are anxious, fearful, jealous, reactionary ones. Team Red.

My friend Melissa reminded me how hard it is to stay on top of them all. Self-control is not always enough.

She said “I struggle with this so very much…my thought life…. any negative word or news sends my mind into a world of “what ifs”…and then anxiety sets in….” Team Red is swamping her and capturing her flag. The ones she captures from their team keep escaping, to beat her up again. This struggle is real.

Yet, Blue Team can come away victorious!

Here are Three Steps to Capture Team Red.

  1. Enter the arena knowing we are in a war. My friend Jean recently told me “I’ve just been going through the motions.” We feel that way at times. Perhaps this is a wake-up call. The enemy wants to destroy every peaceful thought we have, and flood us with anxiety. We must plan on fighting. Plan on winning. Remember that our God has equipped us to “Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 in the Message is…awesome.

“The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

  1. Don’t ever fight alone. Team up! Go Blue! We do this by FIRST getting a word from God. Simply pray “Holy Spirit, what should I think when anxious thoughts assault my mind?”  And then listen, believe, obey and carry that word with us always. Let Him help us battle those thoughts with that word. And SECOND, by telling a loving and honest friend about our struggles. They can pray with us and keep us encouraged and accountable as we fight. We may want to find a trained Christian counselor to help us find the root of our thought cycle, so we can get out of it and start captivating instead of being captivated. My friend Grace reminded me of this wonderful verse, Philippians 4:6-7. Here it is in the Message.

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

  1. Just like in our childhood game, it is always easier to win when we can take on fewer enemies. How? Expose ourselves to less of whatever attacks our peace. I suggest we periodically test ourselves to see if we’re taking in too much negativity, only to have to fight negative thoughts. When we are on Social media, or watching the news, how many thoughts are anxious and fearful? Whatever the source Team Red is using, close the portal down for a while. Let peace gain a fighting chance!

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”

CAPTURE those thoughts. They are yours… make them yield to Christ.

GO BLUE!

RELAX

RELAX

by HeatherJean

On my way to Israel in March of 2017, (I went there specifically to spend time with Jesus) I got out a piece of paper and a pencil and started to listen.

Jesus gave me one word. “Relax”.

I was thinking about the people I was going to meet when I got there. And He gave me this little message.

“Relax. you are going to see that I chose real, ordinary people with real ordinary lives to be My friends. I choose you, too. Just follow.”

“Yes, Jesus.”

Toward the end of my trip I rented one of those cool city bikes and rode the boardwalk along the Mediterranean Sea to the town of Jaffa. I wanted to see the fishing boats, and the nets…and I ended up at an old warehouse with an outdoor cafe’. There, on a chalkboard was this sign “RELAX”.

Really? What are the odds? (Pictured at the top of this post)

It was hanging by a cluster of megaphones.  As if to shout it at me. Which doesn’t seem very relaxing. Shouting is the opposite of relax.

However, it did occur to me, that with all the noise in my ears, mostly made by my own thoughts, it is time to quiet myself. It’s time to simply follow. Jesus chose me. He chose you. No worries.

Unclench. Be at ease. Calm. Loosen up. Sit back. Soften. Unwind.

So I did, and I am. Jesus, help me! Relax is a lifestyle-change word for me. A word for a whole season, not just a day. My husband has gotten ahold of it. Yep. He uses it on me now.

“Just until you get it” he said. 
Most recently, I heard it when I was I was traveling home from Oregon back to Texas. I was seated next to a man who didn’t welcome even the slightest conversation. And that was fine. I was fighting a sore throat and didn’t really want to talk…but somehow I still felt it was important for me to share something of the goodness of God. I was feeling stressed about the situation. Stress is the opposite of relax. 
 
RELAX! The Holy Spirit said. If I wanted you to talk, trust you Me, I would tell you. 
Haha. So true. I never did talk to the man, but four hours later, the plane landed and I found myself standing in the isle ahead of an older couple.
Me: Are you going home or away?
Them: We’re going to see his brother. He’s in the hospital fighting cancer. It’s stage four. He has almost no hope of making it. 
Me: I’m so sorry! Here’s a little story you might like. I was in that same place, end-stage cancer, no more treatment options…just a few years back.
Them: And here you are.
Me: Yes. And here I am. I did what the doctor said, and put my trust in God for the rest. He is where healing comes from. 
Them: He isn’t doing what the doctor says.
Me: Well, he can put his trust in God…for more. There is hope!
They were very quiet, then…
Them: Thank you so much for telling us this story.
And we got off the plane.
 
That was it. Relaxed but also fruitful because I didn’t push Him to unfold it. It was a little seed, or maybe a little water. The beauty is, they can never un-hear it, and God will be faithful to use it. I know He will because He loves them. God loves people. 
Relax is my word for this season. I’m a natural activator, an achiever…but I can also just be His daughter. He loves me too…and not just for doing things. 

Time to relax and let that sink in. 

 
Do you have a word for this season of your life? I’d love to hear it!

 

RAIN

RAIN

by HeatherJean

One day I asked God to release me…But first, this.

There is grace for staying where we are uncomfortable. Comfort isn’t on God’s agenda. He grows us through discomfort, so we should expect quite a lot of it…considering we have a lot of growing to do.

Discomfort could come in the form of tight schedules, difficult people, scarce finances, health pains and heavy loads. Everything that causes life to be…well, life. For long periods of time.

But there is always grace available. It comes as His discipline shapes us, His love sustains us, and His hope strengthens us.

Even still, one day, we may get to the point that we can’t take the season of discomfort anymore. We need to be done.

Maybe God lifts the grace strategically so we can glimpse where we are, and become desperate enough to cry out for change.  

My life had come to this place. I had been through some hard things.  Very hard things for a very long time. Kidney failure, cancer, depression. Those are just the names on the file drawers. The details are still locked away for later.

Then life went back to normal as if it had never happened. That just upset me to no end. Normal was killing me. Where were the dreams and callings of my heart? Where, for that matter, was my heartbeat? My emotions were dull and my dreams, dim.

I needed breakthrough. I had to live above this foggy plateau. I needed a gust of wind to blast through my life and prove to me that I was still among the living.

So, my husband sent me away to a cabin on the McKenzie River for a few days to write. I needed to be alone with God, not really to write but to scream. (Don’t worry, so far He hasn’t struck me with lightning)

The drive was a few hours long, but for some reason it was not long enough to find my words. I was still searching for them when I  unlocked the cabin and carried my bag into the quiet bedroom. I sat on the quilted bed for a moment in silence. Still nothing. Wandering through the kitchen, I put away my groceries and went into the living room. Nothing. My heart was full of agony but my words would not form.

I opened the sliding door and stepped into the screen porch that led to the forest. The cold mountain air stung my face as I made my way through the trees, following the sound of rushing water to the where the river met the bank.  The scent was vibrant. The mist, refreshing. There, among ferns in every shade of green, under moss covered branches in every texture, I found my cathedral. The ache gushed from a crack in my heart. My words found their voice.

I lost all time and inhibition. I cried to Him that I was sick of being sick. Sick of being tired. Sick of failing myself. Sick of the lid on my life. I was trapped in my circumstances and I needed Him to know I couldn’t take it anymore. Also, in the interest of full disclosure, I had a hole in my boot and water was getting in.

And this became the day I asked God to release me, even though I didn’t see how He could.

“God! There is more in me. There is more for me. There is more!! Release me. Please.” And I prayed the same for my husband. Over and over again.

While all this was going on, in a small pool of water, a leaf was floating in circles. It was completely trapped by rocks, twigs and other leaves that formed a kind of dam, keeping it from moving downstream. The whole time I was crying I kept my eye on it, sympathizing with it’s plight and keeping God informed of the problem.

“God, there is so much in the way! This little leaf needs a miracle to find an open path into the current! Then there will be no stopping it! Please, God!” Exhausted from shouting my best ideas and sloshing about, I stopped to listen.

“Just ask for rain.” He said.

What? I sat down on a slippery rock and didn’t even care that my jeans got wet. Rain. He said one word to my hours of crying. God, He’s brilliant.

“Ask for rain, and the water will rise.” He said. “You will be released.”

So I did.

When I left there, the grace to face my discomfort continued, and at the same time, my heart had endless resources of hope because of one word from Him. I could pray a prayer I knew He would answer. A prayer that partnered with His strategy of release.

The rain that came flooded our lives and lifted us above all that contained us. It was His provision, His anointing, His opportunities, His resource, His divine power, His direction. It was all HIM. It was unexpected and it was more than enough. Within a year we transitioned into a new place of growth and service in His kingdom…and His grace remains for the discomfort of this place. Haha!

Yes, one day I asked God to release me…

He didn’t send a crowbar, a backhoe or a wrecking ball. Nothing of man, nothing of self. He had a strategy for me and He has one for you. A simple God-idea we couldn’t anticipate. He is amazing and brilliant beyond words.

Haha! Rain! Who would have imagined? Hope you don’t mind getting wet!

WAYS

WAYS

by HeatherJean

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

I have four kids. Four plus two (my daughter-in-loves). Having a relationship with them is one of the great joys of my life.

More than they know.

When my kids were littles, they almost never left me alone. Every sentence was punctuated with “MOM!” Well, they’re all young adults now and I’m the one initiating most of the conversation. And that’s okay. I do TRY to keep it in perspective. I did the same thing to my mom. and dad. (Sorry!)

But in order for us to have relationship, I have to think creatively and use methods they “get”.

Hello and goodbye just aren’t enough. That’s all.

To get my kid’s attention, I might try a note on the fridge or in the lunch box, anywhere there’s food.  A note on the mirror, a voicemail, text, instant message, Facetime, email. Even that ancient method; the phone call.

These little touch-points aren’t the whole relationship. I just know that if I invest in small moments of contact, more opportunities will follow for us to be open about bigger things. Vulnerable with each other. Real and raw when need be. I want our bond, though it goes through seasons, to stay strong.

They may not even realize it, but they need me. They need their dad. They need the advice, stability, and frankly, resources that we have. We’ve been here longer. We know.

My point is, that the Holy Spirit is a wise and relational being, and the same principles are crucial to our bond with Him.

  • He knows more than we do that we need Him. Without Him, one stiff wind would blow us away. Off the planet.
  • He longs for vulnerability and a deepening bond with Him as we become increasingly raw and real. Open and honest.
  • He is a responder, hearing our prayers and answering, receiving our worship and responding with His presence. He never leaves us hanging on our end of the conversation.
  • He is also an initiator, speaking in creative ways that we “Get.” He keeps in constant contact with us. He has His ways!

For me, recently, His touch-points are punctuated with a single word. One word that I Listen for, Believe, Obey, Carry, and am ready to Share.

Ways I find my word from Him:

  • A word in a song
  • A word from a friend
  • A “prophetic word”
  • Something I see, touch, taste, smell or hear
  • A word in The Word

I will post again on each of these. If you have received a single word from God in one of these ways, and want to share it in the comments, that would be great!

~HeatherJean

WAYS cont.

WAYS cont.

by HeatherJean

Top 10 Ways God Gives us a Word Each Day.

There are thousands of good words He has for you…a virtual treasure hunt.

10) Your word may be found in a song. Do you ever wake up singing? For a long time, I didn’t even notice these morning melodies playing through my head, but I’ve started paying attention.

9) Your word may be found in a movie. I only mention this because this has happened to me. It is seriously one of my best words. Remind me to share it sometime. #moneyball #sportsmoviesrock

8) Your word may be found through a servant of the Lord, in a direct way…like “I have a word from the Lord for you.” Those are awesome. By the way, the word we receive each day can prepare our ear to receive prophetic words for others; words that build up, edify and comfort (those are the Biblical parameters)

7, 6, 5, 4, 3) Your word may be found in something you see, taste, touch, smell, or hear. This is how I found “LIGHT” and “FLOWER”. I also found “BOLD”…well, you can guess that one. I was drinking coffee. (My son said I have an addiction. I’m just hoping it’s not straight-up idolatry.)

 2) Your word may be found in His whisper to your heart. Once, as my husband was going out the door I heard him say “See you later” and the Holy Spirit said “LATER. It means some things don’t have to happen now. Yield to My order. Be patient. Wait until later. You’ll see everything I have planned.” Hmmmm. “I’ll write that down,” I think.

Beautiful words fill my mind. I am speaking of royal things. My tongue is like the pen of a skilled writer. Psalm 45:1

…and (drum roll, please) the number one place your word may be found…in His Word. I find words in the Bible by reading along where He directs me, and then stopping when He says “Stop right there! Read that again!” BINGO! I may only get in a sentence, or I may lose track of time and read whole pages. (I don’t keep track.)

I also search the Bible for more understanding about the words He gives me from other sources. It has amazed me, when looking for one thing, I find another. I search and read and cross reference…it is fascinating and delightful. The Spirit is leading me, like a guided tour through Wisdom.

Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119

When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will lead you into all truth. John 16:13

I’ll post again on finding words in The Bible, and on the ways some of my friends have learned more of the Bible, in case you need some ideas.

Do you have a fun or interesting way God has given you a word? Please share in the comments. We’d all love to read it!

~HeatherJean

 

Image

One Word. Oops, that was two!

by HeatherJean

This blog is an invitation to connect to God, one word at a time.

Why one word? Because it’s portable. I can remember it, carry it with me all day, talk to Him about it, let it impact me, grow me up a bit. Pretty simple really. 

It tastes like a flake of Manna, I think. I need a new one every day.

Maybe you get one word a year, or 500 words a day…and both of those are magnificent. This might still be something you want to try for a season. I have found that listening for one word is both intimate and freeing.

I’m using five simple steps to help me live intentionally WITH God all day long. It starts when I go to bed every night, anticipating that in the morning – and sometimes in my dreams – The Holy Spirit will speak! He speaks so many ways!

 

1) LISTEN for IT. One word or a simple phrase.

2) BELIEVE IT. No doubt, no fear. 

3) OBEY IT. Change my thoughts and actions to line up with the word. 

4) CARRY IT all day. I may sing it, write it, research the Scriptures to find it, and ask Him for more understanding and confirmations. Talk WITH Him. 

5) SHARE IT as the Holy Spirit leads. 

…and that’s about it. I welcome you to join me  in this breathtaking treasure hunt. If you’re doing this with me, say “Hey!” in the comments!

~HeatherJean

Disconnected

Disconnected

by HeatherJean

As a human-being, I’m growing in the realization that we are quite  vulnerable out here, adrift on a rock in the universe, and that connecting to God is our greatest and only hope.

Have you noticed that, too?

It baffles the mind, but with love as His ONLY motivation, God wants to be with us… as intensely as we need to be with Him.

If wanting was enough, we would be together. But tragically, it isn’t. Humans are guilty of sin and God is not. Our sin, though it seems normal enough to us, actually condemns us to a permanent and eternal of separation from God. Our death is our payment, each one for his own.

Humans are problem-solvers, and we made our best attempt to reach Him. Guess what we came up with? We invented religion. As if doing a bunch of human things could erase centuries of shame. It has never worked, but we keep it up. It still isn’t working.

God is also a problem-solver. He didn’t ask for religion. He had a better way, a free way, a lasting way, a way without a go-between. It cost Him everything that meant anything to Him…but it’s done now. I suggest we at least consider His solution as an alternative to death.

Here are the basics of the arrangement:

It all hinges on Jesus. His Son. Jesus has always been aware that the love the Father had for us would cost Him greatly. And He was completely willing. He came down here and became a human, but remained sinless. By voluntarily dying a criminal’s death, He paid our death payment. His perfect blood was accepted by the Father. For all of us. Any who would believe. So we can be WITH Him. Now, later, forever.

Ask Him if it’s true, He’ll tell you.

He is ready to forgive your sins and receive you as His son or daughter. He is calling you to be His own, in a way you never have before. You see, you’ve always been His child. He made you and He loves you, but this is a different, new way of relating to Him. This is more like a decision on your part to surrender to His love, and choose Him as your God.

It is like taking your first breath. Breathtaking.

Death was not the end for Jesus Christ. He rose from the grave to new life and returned to Heaven to be with His Father. He sent the  Holy Spirit of God to be down here WITH us. It is important to know that He has never, and will never leave us alone. WITH is a big deal to Him.

Also, Jesus Christ is coming back to this planet oneday, and if you or I die before that happens, we will be immediately transported to be WITH Him in Heaven. No fear of death. Death is the door to new life with God.

Does this news just keep getting better?

While we are here, we can be filled with His Spirit, just ask! We can be changed into someone who closely resembles Jesus. It is God’s will and God’s work.

It is made possible by the gift of God spelled out in this simple verse from the Bible:

“God brought us back to himself through Christ’s death on the cross…He did not hold people’s sins against them. God has trusted us with the message that people may be brought back to him…It is as if God were making his appeal through us…Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Ask the Holy Spirit right now to make your heart ready for this beautiful salvation. It is your’s for the asking. Once done, you are WITH Him and He is WITH you.

Connected.

 

If you have become connected to God by trusting Jesus Christ for your salvation, please leave the date you made your decision in the comments!