From the Heart

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Welcome to From the Heart!

Here you will find issues and information straight from the heart. This is YOUR area to interact with us and with other readers. Here you can submit your article, share your testimony, get advice by asking a messenger, and read the journey of a young adult under “Hi, God, it’s me…”.

So sit back, relax, and read from the heart!

~Rashauna, editor

On this Page:

Let the People Speak

By Mama Dee

Eyes of a Praying Woman

Faithful Trust

By Gloria

Little Becomes Much in God’s Hands

Just Imagine

By Mary H

For You Lord

The Eyes of a Praying Woman

Mama Dee

hat do I see? I see emptiness. Emptiness… she has lost so much of herself trying to nurture everyone else’s needs and wants. She is void of her own strength, but wants and desires the strength of others. She isn’t sad but a little disappointed because she has so much to give and nurture, but receives nothing in return. There is determination, hope, and assurance for that one-day when things will change and her hope will be manifested.

In those eyes behind the film of cloudiness is blessed assurance of one day, not a fantasy of untruth, but promises that God has preserved and prepared her for. What promises? Those promises that were assured to her… she waits and waits for it. She held on to the promise. The promise was her strength, her hope, and her assurance. She is viewed as powerful— not almighty— but admired. Admired for her strength because she has endured many adversities, yet is always willing to go on and not give up and die.

Who is this woman? She’s the woman you see every day when you look in the mirror. She looks just like you. She knows her God shall and will supply all her needs, and he does. She’s the woman who always seems on top of the world, but isn’t. She just has hope and faith to believe in the impossible. She has faith in her God. Faith is her strength. Faith is all that she knows. Faith is her lifeline—faith won’t fail her, and faith allows her to wake up and live. Faith.

Where does she get this faith? Was it taught to her as a child? No, it’s from her many life’s experiences. She really had no choice it was destined for her. “Faith is the substance of things hope for the evidence of things not seen.” There is no evidence or blueprint for her promise, but in her heart she knows what God has promised and believes with all of her might that she will be rewarded. God has proven to her many, many times of who he is and what he can do.

I believe in this woman because she wants what God says that she can have, and she trusts him. She cares what others say about her, but she doesn’t live by what they say. Every morning she wakes up with the same agenda of hope and promise. It will not die in her. She believes because it will manifest as promised. She is determined to hold on.

In those eyes, I see determination. I see her determination not to give up. She doesn’t believe that her hope is hopeless. She believes her hope is hopeful, believable, possible and near. The praying woman believes in the relationship she has with her God. She depends on him and trusts in him. That’s all she knows, the praying woman who believes. Just look into those eyes and see her journey, travel with her if you can. Learn of the virtues of this praying woman and if you can, receive from her and if at all possible leave her some of your strength and encourage her and continue to pray for the praying woman.

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Faithful Trust

Mama Dee

aith is all about trust. Do you trust yourself enough to trust God? Many times we go to God in prayer, asking him to provide various things such as: strength, finances, peace, or wisdom. But, in all that we ask God, do we believe that he is faithful enough to provide these things?

This is faith; really it is not about God. It is about us. God is faithful, but are we? Are we faithful in trusting God to do what he has already promised? Jesus told his disciple in Matthew 28:20b “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Can we believe that he is with us in every area of our life?

One thing I have learned in my relationship with God is that he honors faith. If I believe that God will provide my necessities, he will because I believe. Here’s something to think about—what is God not able to do? Trust him in every area of your life and he will show you faith.

Little Becomes Much In God’s Hands

Gloria

remember a story in Matthew 14:13-21 where Jesus was on a boat on his way to a deserted place to be alone after hearing John the Baptist had been killed. The people followed Jesus. Jesus saw many who were sick, and he had compassion on them. Jesus’ disciples came to him saying “…this is a deserted place, the day is spent, send them away so they can go buy food for themselves.” I like what Jesus said to them “…they don’t have to go away.” I don’t know why disciples wanted to send the people away. Maybe the disciples thought Jesus was tired or needed to be alone, but I’m glad Jesus did not send the people away. Jesus always takes time to meet the needs of the people.

Today in a society where everybody seems to be in a hurry, you almost have to have an appointment to see some of us. I am really glad that Jesus always takes time out of his schedule to see about his children.

He said to the disciples, “…you give them something to eat.” The disciples probably thought he was joking. After analyzing the situation, they said to him, “we only have five loaves of bread and two fish.” They were looking at the situation from their natural eye, but Jesus said “…bring them to me.” Although the disciples were in doubt about the people being fed, Jesus took the bread and fish, held it up to heaven, and gave thanks. The disciples witnessed 5,000 fed and collected 12 baskets of leftovers.

There is another story in I Kings 17:7-16 about the widow at Zarephath. This is another story of how little became much in God’s hands. We have read the story about how the brook where Elijah lived dried up because there had been no rain. God then told Elijah to go to Zarephath where he had commanded a widow to feed Elijah. When Elijah came to the town gate of Zarephath, he saw a widow gathering sticks. He called to her, “…would you bring me a drink of water and some bread?” God knows when one of his children is in need. The widow was in need of a blessing and Elijah was sent to deliver good news from the Lord. I also liked how Elijah encouraged the widow with positive things.

I imagine the widow pondered, I only have enough for my son and I. She probably didn’t mind sharing the water, but only had enough the flour and oil for one meal. This really took an act of faith and obedience because she was going to give away her last. I can imagine her thinking God is getting ready to work a miracle in my life.

Looking through her natural eyes, the widow said, “I only have a hand full of flour and a little oil.” Look at her next statement to Elijah, “…before you came, I was gathering sticks to make a meal for my son and I so that we may eat and die.” She had lost all hope. We all have been in situations where we probably wanted to throw up our hands and say, “What is the use?” Listen to what Elijah said to her, “…don’t be afraid, go home and do as you said, but first bake bread from what you’ve gathered and bring it to me; and afterward bake you and your son one. For thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘the barrel of flour would never run out, the oil would never run out until the day God gives rain on the land.’” She went away, did as he said, and her household ate for many days.

Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The scripture even states in 2 Corinthians 5:7 how we walk by faith and not by sight. God is good all the time.

Just Imagine

Gloria

When I look into the sky, I see the awesomeness of God and his handiwork.

When I look into the sky and see the sunset and the sunrise, I think of how great thou art.

When I look into the sky and I see the different color schemes, I see an artist and painter of many kinds of art.

When I look at creation, I am in awe of his creativity.

When I look at each of us, I see how none of us have the same skin color, physical features, or fingerprint…

he made each of us unique.

When I look at how God just spoke things into existence,

I wonder who wouldn’t want to serve a God like him.

When I think about how my God gathered dirt to create man,

he breathed the breath of life into his nostril and man became a living soul.

Wow.

When I look at how God took a rib from man’s side to create a woman,

our God performed a perfect surgery.

God, there is none like you nor can anyone else even compare to you.

Who is like our God?

The answer is nobody.

For You Lord

Mary H.

For you Lord, I will love everyone.

For you Lord, I will walk in peace, happiness, and joy.

For you Lord, I will focus on you Lord.

For you Lord, I will spread your word everywhere I go.

For you Lord, I will stand for righteousness.

For you Lord, I will fast, pray, and meditate.

For you Lord, I will do whatever it takes to please you.

For you see Lord, I need you so and I want to be near you.

I love you Lord, thank you for your love, thank you Lord.

David said it best in Psalms 63:1, “Oh God, you are my God,

early will I seek you, my soul thirsts for you,

my flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.”

Lord, you are all that I need.

I give you complete control over my life in every area.

I will seek your face, Lord.

For in you, Lord, there is peace, joy, happiness, love, and life.

For in you, Lord, there is power to conquer the enemy.

For you Lord, I want so much to please you.

Lord, I need your help to cast off all fears.

Lord, you mean so much to me.

For you see, Lord, you have already said, “Because I love you, I will give my only begotten son,”

then Jesus said, “for you I will give my life.”

Thank You, Lord.

Your Testimony

People find the Lord through various ways.

What is YOUR testimony?

Were you the person God touched right before your demise?

Did you grow up in a Christian home and continue to stay out of “trouble?”

Did you fall so low that the only way out was lifting your hands to Jesus?

We want to hear it!

Email us and we might put it on the website!

Email my testimony

Post on the Message Board

Testimonies

True Counsel—by Ana

True Counsel 7/20/03

All my life, I was told that I was destined to become a lawyer. I was an intelligent, dedicated, and diligent student. But I wasn’t happy. I didn’t believe that anyone could truly be happy with life, so I played the game and did what was expected of me. I became a successful attorney, married an attorney, and had a child. But I still wasn’t happy. I was disgusted with my life and my future seemed bleak. I lived a life that others wanted to lead, but couldn’t. One day while discussing a case with a new client, I noticed that my client was genuinely at ease and joyful, even though he was being sued. I asked why he seemed so at peace when his life was in shambles. His answer? Jesus. He told me that Jesus changed his life and gave him assurance that he wouldn’t need to face anything in life alone again. He had faith that Jesus would pull him through.

I must admit I was skeptical at first. Faith? Jesus? I hadn’t been to church in over three years after I stopped attending the holiday events because I felt like a hypocrite. When asked whether or not I was a Christian, I’d respond, “Sure, I am! Are you?” but in my heart I knew I wasn’t. My client said that believing in Jesus gave him a purpose to live, a reason to hope. I’d always thought that God and Jesus were too supreme and too omnipotent to care about my everyday life. If God really cared about me, why did I hate my life and why did I have to go through so much turmoil? I told this to my client, expecting him to get angry or at least render him speechless, but he just smiled. He told me that God cared about me—that he always did and would, but that it was my choice to serve him. Because we live in a dangerous, heartbreaking, and sinful world, we are going to experience some kind of pain, suffering, or discontentment. All that will change when Jesus returns. But until then, my client said with another smile, having Jesus beside us, helping us through each day, will make living a bit easier. My client’s perspective on life changed when he turned his life over to Christ. Life as we know it is very short in comparison with eternity (although each day feels like an eternity). Once he realized that his actions and choices were affecting his present and eternal life, he relaxed and decided to let God work in his life. Because of this, he possessed a joy he couldn’t contain.

I was the one who ended up speechless. I’d never thought of my eternity before. I was always concerned with my life right now. My client invited my husband and me to a bible study the following night and I agreed to come. To my surprise, my husband was excited to check out the bible study. I had been so depressed with my life that I hadn’t realized that my husband was changing. He smiled more, got angry less. I nearly burst into tears when he told me that he’d given his life to Christ the previous weekend, but was unsure of how to tell me about it. I had alienated my husband and child the past few months without even knowing it.

At the bible study, it felt as if something in my mind clicked and I hungered to learn more about Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Needless to say, I became a Christian the next week and ever since, my life has changed for the better. Sure, I have my good times and disappointments, but now I’m not alone in facing them. I have Jesus and my family. I approach my job as a lawyer more seriously now and I’m enjoying every moment. When I agreed to represent my client, I had no idea that he would be the one to save me from spending the rest of my life in an internal jail. God works in mysterious ways.

By Ana

Ask a Messenger

Do you have something you’d like to ask a messenger? Post your question on the message board! (Select entries will be placed on this website) Share what's on your heart

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels… Proverbs 1:5

Dear Messenger,

When I became a Christian, I thought my life would change and I would become more “spiritual”. I don’t feel any differently and my peers can’t tell either. What gives?

~Confused Christian

Dear Confused Christian,

Becoming a Christian is the first step to changing your life and I’m excited for you! Okay, let’s get down to business. When you became a Christian, your life did change. Your eternity will be spent with your Heavenly Father and fellow Christians.

John 10:9-10 reads, “I [Jesus] am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved… I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” If you have asked Jesus to come into your heart and to forgive your sins, then you are Christian. Your life has changed from the inside out. In your life right now, though, the change will be gradual. With everything new, it takes time to learn and understand how this works. Be patient and be willing to change your life. (Being a Christian can be exciting!)

Start small. You wrote that your peers couldn’t seem to tell the difference in you. Are you still using language that you did in your past? That could be one thing to work on. Sit down and perhaps make a list (or just think of them) about some questionable activities your “secular” peers are doing that you probably shouldn’t. They’ll eventually be able to tell the difference in you!

As for becoming more spiritual… spend time in the word of God and in prayer. I would suggest the gospels (Matthew to Acts). Surround yourself with Christians who live what they talk. Keep in mind that no one is perfect, but some people have had more practice than others. Again, be patient. Being more spiritual doesn’t necessarily mean knowing and quoting the entire Bible (although at times it can be helpful). We’re talking about a daily walk with God. Speak to him often, ask for his advice, and most importantly, listen to his still small voice.

I’d love to hear how it works out!

~A Messenger, 6/23/03

~*~*~ - ~*~*~ - ~*~*~ - ~*~*~ - ~*~*~

Dear Messenger,

I am a successful businessman, but I haven’t any close friends. I have colleagues and associates, but they don’t really know me. I’ve been told that I have a problem trusting others and have had horrible experiences with relationships. I recently met a wonderful woman whom I would like to get to know better. She’s a strong Christian. I became a Christian last year after my sister’s funeral. Life has been difficult, but with God, I’m hanging in there. The woman I mentioned is attracted to me, but is worried about being associated with me among her peers. I don’t understand! Most women fight to be seen with me, but not this woman. When I bring up the subject, she tells me that my reputation precedes me, then walks away. I really enjoy her company and feel that our relationship (or future relationship) could escalate into marriage.

~the Friendless Bachelor

Dear Friendless Bachelor,

I’m sorry to hear about your sister’s passing, but I am happy that you found the Lord. Having close friends whom you really trust is a step-by-step process. Is there a particular reason or incident that hinders your ability to trust others? Perhaps you are concerned that they are around you because of your wealth and status. Proverbs 19:4 says, “Wealth makes many friends…” but also in chapter 18:24, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly.” Are you being the kind of friend that you want others to be toward you? Friendship is a two-way street and is very precious. My advice is to keep praying for God to bring true friends into your life that like you for you and not for what you can do for them.

The lady you mentioned may have a valid point about your reputation. I’m proud of her for staying strong and upholding to her principles. Do you have a history of having a different… girlfriend… every week? Are there any rumors about your treatment of women that area true? She may have heard them, witness them, and is now guarding her heart. She may truly be interested in you, so take your relationship slow and build up a friendship. Sit down with her and honestly talk about each other’s feelings and concerns. Another Proverb that could apply here is this: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”

If you plan to get married someday, your future Christian wife will appreciate that you cared about her even before meeting her by exercising restraint and using discretion among those whom you date. Always remember that the actions we commit today will eventually affect our future. Regardless of the outcome, consider how you are portraying yourself to those around you. As a Christian, we should set examples for those around us. I hope this helped.

~A messenger 7/16/03

Do have something you’d like to ask a messenger? Send it to [email protected] or Share what's on your heart by posting your question on the message board.

Hi, God, it’s me…

Follow the life of Caitlin, one of God’s newest children. Read her journal as she discovers herself, her God, and the path he has planned for her. It’s up to her to listen to his voice and obey his call. Join her in her triumphs and hardships as she journeys through life. She hopes that her life’s story will touch someone else’s heart.

Entry 1: “I’m ready to give my life to you”

Entry 2: “What friend is this”

Entry 3: “Turn on the Light”

Hi, God, it’s me…

Entry 1: “I’m ready to give my life to you”

Hi, God, it’s me,

I’m tired of living my life my own way. Whether or not I’ve been aware of it, I’ve been searching for something. I’ve been searching for the reason why I’m here. Now I know what I’ve been missing. You.

I believe that you are real and that you have created me in your image. I believe that you hear me when I talk to you and I believe that you love me. I’m confessing that I need you and that Jesus is Lord. Jesus Christ is your son and was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Because I was born into a world of sin, thank you for sacrificing your son’s life for me so I can live with you for eternity. I believe that Jesus rose from the grave and is willing to live in my heart and guide me through my life. Please, Jesus, come into my heart and forgive my sins. Help me to understand you more. Help me to live for you.

I love you, Lord. I know that my life and my place in eternity have changed because now I am your child. Thank you for loving me and for giving me the chance to follow you.

Thanks for listening… oh and, God… thanks for waking me up this morning.

Hi, God, it’s me…

Entry 2: “What friend is this?”

Hi, God, it’s me…

I’ve got a lot on my mind. I’ve been trying to follow you for the last few weeks, but I keep messing up! I know I should stop hanging out with my old crowd, but it’s hard. It’s as if they’re trying to test me to see if I’ve changed. I know I have. You said that I have. So why do I feel torn between my love for my friends and my love for you? When I first came to you, I was so excited and I wanted to share my experience with my friends. When I told them that I became a Christian, they laughed. I keep telling them that I’m different, but they don’t believe it.

Am I different?

There’s this nagging feeling that I really haven’t changed. But I want to. How can I be sure? How do I know that you really care about me? I wish I could see you so we could talk face-to-face.

I’ve got my new Bible open now. Some Christians at work gave it to me when they found out I decided to follow you. They were so excited! One of them even invited me to church yesterday and suggested I read about friendship and your “still small voice”.

Here’s John 15:13—“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Whoa. My friends would never do that for me. They have promised to stand by me, but during the times when I needed them most, they deserted me. All except one.

You were there, weren’t you? It was you! Even when I denied your existence, you were watching over me. When I should have died, you spared my life. Why? What can I do for you? I’ve messed up my life so much; I don’t deserve your love. A Christian told me that you could use anyone to serve you. I want to be that person.

The verse from 1^st Kings 19:11-12 say that you weren’t in the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire, but that you were in a still small voice. I guess that’s my answer of talking to you face-to-face. My heart feels full and I feel like know things I shouldn’t. It’s you, isn’t it—that small voice. I’m sorry for ignoring you in the past. I trust you, God, and I know that you care. For someone to take the time to create this world and me, then you must care! My assurance comes from knowing that you will guide me.

I feel that “small voice” again and this time I’m listening to it.

Okay, okay… I will stop hanging out with the old crowd and trust you to send me Christian friends who put you first. I’m going to need some help staying focused on you, but I’m willing to stick with it.

Love,

Your friend

Hi, God, it’s me…

Entry 3: Turn on the Light

Hi, God, it’s me,

Thanks for sending strong Christian friends into my life. I had no idea what I’ve been missing! I have learned so much from them. My old friends finally admit that I have changed. One of them is even interested in learning about you. I can see the change in myself now. When I let go and let you in the driver’s seat, I was shocked at how much better my life has become. Sure, it’s still tough at times (whose life isn’t?) but somehow, I’m not as stressed. My Christian friends say it’s because I’m trusting and believing in you.

When I first came to you, I was scared that I wouldn’t have anymore fun. No more parties, no more dates, no chillin’ out with my friends… but I now realize that I was wrong. Sure, sometimes I miss getting all dressed up and staying out all night partying. It was fun, exciting, daring. Once I really sat down to think about it… what was I really doing? Entering a darkly lit building with multitudes of lights spinning around. A drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Everyone—including me—had ulterior motives for being there. A horrible hangover and embarrassment the next day, even though I wouldn’t admit it. Oh yeah… fun.

The lights got flipped on yesterday, literally. One of my old friends needed a ride from a club I used to attend and I went to pick her up. I was shocked when I got there. The lights were turned on, the music was off, and the custodians were cleaning up. I looked around the place clearly for the first time—well not clearly because old cigarette smoke still lingered in the air. The sight made me cringe.

It was all an illusion.

On the way to my friend, I passed a few people I barely recognized. They were laughing, smiling, and joking around, but I was able to really see them. Their eyes were hiding something… hurt, anger, mischief… I don’t know. But I do know they didn’t seem very happy.

Last month that was me.

I wanted to burst into tears right then and there. Jesus saved me. I’m no longer going around, trying to have a “good time” when I was really covering up my emotions. I’ve found other ways to spend my time, doing things I truly enjoy and won’t be horribly embarrassed about later.

The lights got turned on in my life. I’m no longer hiding in the dark. Jesus came and set me free.

Thanks, God.

To Inspire · To Enlighten · To Encourage · To Discover

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Last updated December 2003

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