Haven of the Heart by Helen Steiner Rice

Our father, who art in heaven,
hear this little prayer
and reach across the miles today
that stretch from here to there,
so I may feel much closer
to those I am fondest of,
and they may know I think of them
with thankfulness and love.
and help all people everywhere
who must often dwell apart
to know that they are together
in the haven of the heart.

Come Unto Me - Hezekiah Walker

I heard the voice of Jesus saying
Come unto me all ye who are heavy laden
And I'll give you rest

Take my yoke and learn of me
For my yoke is easy and burdens they are light

I heard the voice of Jesus calling
From the greatest down to the smallest
Jesus said come to me and i'll
Show you what to do

Those who are battered and those abused
Those whose feeling like what's the use
Jesus said come to me and i'll show you
Just what I can do

Come unto me, i'll guarantee
All the ove and the tenderness
You'll ever need

Take my yoke upon you and learn of me
For my yoke is easy, For my yoke is easy
For my yoke is easy and burdens they are light

Are you hiding your "light" to fit in?

Luke 8:16"No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him."

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For a long time I lived a double life. I was a Christian but I didn't want people to know it. Other people seemed like they were having so much fun. They would laugh and joke and drink, cuss, and well you get the picture.

I just wanted to fit in so I went with the crowd. I thought I was having a ball. It was very exciting at first. I started with a foul joke here and a sarcastic remark there. Soon I could weave a tapestry of obscenities so wide your mother would slap me!

I didn't drink heavily, but the drinking games were part of "the fun." My room mate and I had 3 or 4 people come over and the drinks would flow with laughs and jokes. This grew into 20 people being squeezed in a tiny dorm room.

Our solution to this problem was to get an apartment. Now we can have parties with more space! On graduation weekend, we held a nonstop 3 day party in our apartment. We had people laid out on the floor that we didn't know.

We were definitely "the life" or were we? After graduation I moved to a small town. I had grown so accustomed to my phone ringing off the hook in college that no calls seemed like a prison sentence. I didn't know anyone except a handful of people at work.

I started hanging out with some of them and we trolled the clubs and bars. Something was missing though. I couldn't put my finger on it. Then a strange thought popped in my head. One that I had not thought of in years. Why not go to church?

Okay, I will try church. I visited the boring church, then the loud church, then the good music church, the begging church, the church with the most women. I finally settled on a Bible teaching church.

I got excited and felt the desire to teach. I began to read the Bible and teach on Sunday's. But on Saturday's I would still go out to the clubs. One Sunday I had finished teaching my students and I walked down the hall with them in church. A Saturday night guy recognized me and started talking about the great time we had the night before."

Shhhh! Not in front of the students", I thought to myself. Then it hit me, maybe I shouldn't be doing the stuff I was doing. Living a double life is difficult. It is hard to be a good witness of GOD in the middle of sinful acts. Can you imagine telling the person you just lied about to believe in CHRIST? It doesn't work.

It actually is a struggle inside every Christian. GOD knows humans are sinful so I learned to cut myself some slack. I'm not perfect so I don't expect other humans to be. I now tell people that I was and continue to be a sinner. This points people to CHRIST. They don't look at my attempt to be perfect rather that get blessed because they see GOD accepts imperfect people.

GOD wants us to be open and honest with each other about sin. The more a person pretends to be perfect, the more GOD takes away from them. Think about it... the whole purpose of Christianity is to serve CHRIST. By pretending to serve people in order to look good defeats the purpose of being a Christian.

• Shining light means not being ashamed to say no to the crowd.
• Shining light means you know CHRIST is more than job, title or wealth.
• Shining light means giving people the great news about CHRIST.
• Shining light means you will be hated by the world and churchy people just for following CHRIST.
• Shining light means everyone around you knows you follow CHRIST.

Our lives are made for CHRIST and we should never forget it. GOD was not made for us, we were made for HIM. Our focus should always be "How can we serve HIM?" versus "what can HE do for me today?" With this new attitude, our light will shine!

• Are you trying hard to fit in the crowd?
• Can you be honest with people and tell them about your sins?
• Are you embarrassed about your past?
• Can you turn your bondage of the shame of sin into a statement of victory?

Do I really "hear" what HE is saying?

Luke 8:11"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.

13Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.

14The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

15But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

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I had a great discussion with a dear friend this week. He asked, "How do you know when you hear GOD versus hearing your own voice?" This is a very wise and deep question and I can't fully explain the answer, but I will take a stab at it from my life experiences.

We have a very short time on this planet. I do not believe life is an entrance exam for heaven like some believe. I believe GOD created humans to exist forever. I also believe HE created earth to exist forever. So why does Hell exist and why will GOD destroy earth?

I do not understand how or why GOD created "free will" but HE did. When HE did this, HE created scenarios that even Satan could choose right from wrong. GOD did not want robots who are forced to serve HIM. That's not love.

In this "free will" state, GOD allowed Satan to tempt HIS humans causing them to fall. Now humans question GOD's position. They go on quests to disprove HIS very existence. The longer humans exist, the further they move away from believing in what GOD stands for.

Then GOD came to earth as a human, lived a sinless life and died for all of HIS humans so they will not have to be eternally separated from HIM. HE knew earth and humans were cursed and our choice would not include HIM.

Now humans struggle to hear GOD. We constantly focus on the cursed earth thinking we can make a heavenly existence in a place that will be thrown away.

• I can't hear GOD when I don't listen to HIS HOLY SPIRIT inside of me.
• I can't hear GOD when I worry.I can't hear GOD when I think HE doesn't love me.
• I can't hear GOD when I am depressed.
• I can't hear GOD when I compare myself to others.
• I can't hear GOD when I sin.

BUT GOD says if you "do hear ME", then you will persevere while I correct things. HE has to clean up a huge mess Satan created with his selfish choice to try to be GOD.

It's almost like Satan slashed the tires on the bus and everyone had to get off the bus while the tires are being repaired. Then he pulled up his bus to go on another direction. He promises wealth and freedom and endless pleasure as his destination but lacks the power to "create those things". He can only use the things GOD already created.

Meanwhile GOD decides instead of a bus HE will get a limousine for each person. GOD's destination is far greater than mere wealth and freedom from HIS rules. HE promises that by listening to HIM and remaining in HIM eternity will be a place of endless excitement and love.

• Hearing GOD means I can persevere through tough times.
• Hearing GOD means showing love instead of getting my way.
• Hearing GOD means doing any and everything to get the great news about HIS SON to everyone.
• Hearing GOD means not being fooled into thinking earthly wealth is something to be obtained.

I truly hope GOD has changed my heart enough to make it open to HIS messages. My desire is to produce the maximum amount of "fruit" while waiting on HIS return from building a new eternity.

• Are you too concerned with the things of this world to hear what HE is saying to you?
• Can you change the way you view GOD?
• Can you focus on more than bills and riches?
• Are you concerned with bearing fruit today?

Should I get tired of admitting I'm wrong?

Luke 7:36Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."

40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.

41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[d] and the other fifty.

42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"

43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.

46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.

47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." 48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" 50Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

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A funny thing happens to some people who have been "Christians" for a long time. They become judgmental of others. How do I know? Because I have been a Christian for a long time and I have become judgmental of others.

I have judged people by their occupation, school, lack of school, income, car, clothes, political party, size, shape and tone of speech. It's real easy to spot a sinner, just look around.

GOD said all have sinned and fall short of HIS glory. But obviously that doesn't mean me. I mean I'm clean now and that person over there is dirty, right? Wrong!

In this passage it is clear that the Pharisee judged JESUS as being beneath him and definitely the woman. I don't know if she had ever set foot in the Pharisee's house. She may have never been invited because she was too dirty. Was she a thief, a prostitute, a murderer or did she just fight a lot?

What ever the case, she realized her current way of life wasn't helping anybody. Something inside her made her feel shamed and tired. She wiped animal poop from JESUS feet with her hair and tears. Each tear cleaned HIS feet and her soul.

I get tired of admitting I'm wrong. Can't I just be right sometime? YES! I am made right with GOD by admitting I'm a sinner and HE is GOD. By admitting my sins I give JESUS the right to do whatever HE wants with my life.

I have to trust that HIS choice will be an eternal life with HIM. I have to believe that HE will do the same for others and not try to control them or their situation with GOD.

GOD forgives anyone who wants to be forgiven.

• Do you judge others harshly?
• Have you given up a sin and judge others for doing that sin?
• Do you compare your Christianity to someone else's?
• Do you believe that JESUS is GOD and HE is the forgiver of sins?

What are "you" saying?

Luke 6: 43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.

45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

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What is "fruit?" I think fruit is a result. You know... the "fruits" of your labor. Well, over the years I have had some good fruit and some bad fruit. I can remember the times I served people and watched them go straight to GOD for thanks. It felt good.

Then there were times I had a lot of "bad" fruit. "When was that you ask?" Probably yesterday I would say. I remember laughing at the person who was smelly or big or goofy. I talked bad about people who were different than me.

I was skinny so I never talked about skinny people. Instead I poked fun at larger people. They were easy targets. I became good at joking about people. I could tear down the best of them. I made people laugh and I enjoyed the spotlight.

I took this attitude to work only this time it was more serious. I would call my bosses stupid and question their leadership. My peers and co-workers were no match for my work. I hoped "that guy" or "that lady" would get fired. "What a bone head!", I would say.

Now after saying these things, when it comes to telling those people about CHRIST, I'm ineffective. Imagine every person hearing every word you say "to" them and "about" them.

I have said some terrible things about people I didn't like. Other people heard my poison and felt the same way about the person. I felt great having support for my feelings. Now the damage was done. The person had been successfully torn down. Now what? Can I tell them about CHRIST? NO!

I complain so easily. I have been trained to have a critical eye and it's easy to find mistakes others have made. In efforts to be efficient and "better" I find ways to improve. Sounds like a great worker. Well, almost. If I only speak in a critical nature and never say what is "right" about the person then I am bearing bad fruit.

• When I have envy in my heart, I tear people down.
• When I have disappointment in my heart, I complain.
• When I have lust in my heart, I objectify the opposite sex.
• When I have fear in my heart, I control and think small.

GOD sees sinners different that you and I. HE saved us from eternal death by raising HIS SON to life. HE expects us to be grateful for this great act of kindness. Our love for other humans tells GOD we truly appreciate what HE has done for us.

• When I have love in my heart, I build people up.
• When I have grace in my heart, I look for reasons to serve people.
• When I have mercy in my heart, I forget what people have done to me.
• When I have joy in my heart, I go through circumstances without complaints.

I noticed that GOD says our heart would overflow whatever is inside of it. I had to only listen to myself for one day and I realized that GOD was not overflowing from my heart. From complaint to insult to fear, my heart gushed out insecurity which turned into poisonous words. GOD forgave me and changed my words to seeds. Now I try to speak about GREAT NEWS!

• If someone recorded what you said could you play it to the person you are talking about?
• Would you like other people to talk about you the way you talk about them?
• Can you tell the person about CHRIST after what you just said?
• What do you think is in your heart?
• Have you checked what kind of fruit you are bearing today?

GOD heals HIS way and HIS time!

Luke 5: 1One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a]with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."

5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

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I often question GOD's method of healing my life. I never understood why HE had me go through things, but each time I did, I emerged stronger and more faithful.

When I am in pain, I want out. When I am anxious for something, I want that thing right now. When I get an idea for something, I want it to be successful immediately.

GOD has never worked the way I wanted HIM to because I am not a patient person. I want HIS promises without the painful work or waiting.

JESUS saw some guys who had a great business idea. They would fish and make money. They probably got pretty good at it and knew there would be some good days and some bad days. Well, this was one of those bad days. They caught nothing and their business idea didn't look so prosperous.

JESUS climbed in their boat and preached. I wonder how long HE preached. Was it five minutes or an hour? Whatever the case JESUS captivated the audience. The disciples didn't know this was part of the healing process. They had to listen to HIM.

Then JESUS has them do something strange. Go back out and fish again. "Wait a minute, we are experienced fishermen and there is nothing out there today!", they probably thought. They obeyed which was another part of the healing process.

They rowed to an area where they probably never catch fish and lowered their nets. This was the last part of the healing process. They caught so many fish that two boats almost sank. Their business venture had paid off!

JESUS says those great words "Don't be afraid." HE said this because people always misunderstand HIS healing methods and timing. GOD has not changed since this incident. HE uses the same strange methodology on all of us. HE asks, "Do you want to be successful?", then do these things:

• Listen to GOD for a while. GOD wants a relationship where HE does more of the talking.
• Obey GOD for a while. GOD wants an obedient heart that is focused on HIM.
• Trust GOD for a while. HE will have you do something strange that no one can explain. In fact, people may laugh at what you are doing.
• Praise GOD for a while. When, not if, HE rescues you, use your testimony to point people to HIM.

I read the Bible and I see that GOD's methods are definitely not mine. Whenever I come up with a solution to a problem I have to question it because GOD sure does things WAY different than I would. HE cures ailments in me that I cannot see.

• When I am sick with pride, HE highlights my flaws.
• When I am sick with depression, HE brings sadder people in my life.
• When I am sick with fear, HE brings something more frightening in my life.

Each time I am sick GOD sees my ailment in a different way and HE has me "go out into the deep and cast my net." I have never seen a time when HE hasn't answered my needs abundantly.

• Are you willing to trust GOD today?
• Are you trying to solve things on your own?
• Does HE have you doing something strange?
• Can you trust that the strange thing HE has you doing will work for HIS glory?
• Can you be obedient a little longer?