Heather Holleman's Blog, page 20

Talking Fast and Slow

Today I joined Susie Larson on her live one-hour radio program. I love what’s called “long form” radio interviews because you can take your time. You can answer questions more thoughtfully and with longer sentences without feeling rushed because weather and traffic reports are coming in a minute. This differs from “short form” quick, 5-15 minute live radio spots where you answer in short, memorable sentences. You don’t take too long, and the questions come at you quickly.

Susie wanted to talk about Seated with Christ. What a delight that, even after all these years, the message of Ephesians 2 stays fresh in my heart and in the hearts of so many of us.

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All That Is Contrary to God

I’m reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whitall Smith. Libby Miller, the godly director of Camp Greystone back in 1994, pulled me aside and gave me this book to read from her own bookshelf. She took pity on my storm-tossed, striving, depressed and anxious soul.

I love mentors. I love when God allows your path to cross a wise, older woman, who takes you by the hand and says, “Do not go this way any longer. There’s a different path.”

Now, I’m that older woman. Take my hand. Follow me to my bookshelf.

I read these beautiful sentences this morning:

“Give yourself to the Lord definitely and fully, according to your present light, asking the Holy Spirit to show you all that is contrary to Him, either in your heart or life. If He shows you anything, give it to the Lord immediately, and say in reference to it, ‘Thy will be done’.”

Is there anything out of alignment—anything contrary to what you know about God so far? Anything opposing what God puts forth in the Bible as the path to follow? A consecrated life starts here.

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Elevated Thinking: 4 Prayers

I continue to find encouragement and challenge in asking this question: When Paul asks for personal prayer (only 4 times I can find recorded in the New Testament), what did he actually want people to ask God for? What did Paul desire most? What was on his mind?

I’ll tell you. But first, think about what we all tend to share when it’s our turn to offer a prayer request. I think about all the things on our minds: better health, more money, happiness, companionship, ease of suffering, personal achievement. . .

Wouldn’t Paul want these things, too? What did Paul seem to care about if not these?

I find powerful requests noted in the verses below: Paul asks for safety, favor, refreshment, clarity of expression, boldness, an open door for the message of Jesus, and the rapid spread of the gospel. What strikes me about these requests is that Paul doesn’t ask for different circumstances, ease of living, or anything related to personal gain. Consider these moments:

Safety, Favor, and Refreshment: Romans 15: 30-32: I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Clarity of Speech and Boldness: Ephesians 6: 19-20 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

An Open Door for the Message: Colossians 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Rapid Spread of the Gospel: 2 Thessalonians 3:1: As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 

What if I added these requests to my own daily catalogue of personal concerns? Wouldn’t these prayer moments elevate my thinking to an eternal, rather than temporal perspective? Wouldn’t these prayers shape the day into a greater purpose? Lord, keep us safe. Grant us favor for the work or offering we contribute. Lord, refresh us. Lord, help us talk about you today with clarity and boldness. Open a door for us to do so. And may the gospel spread rapidly in our neighborhoods and communities. Amen!

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Always a Reason

I’ve been thinking about 2 Timothy 4:18: The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I love dwelling on the idea of God’s sure rescue, His plan for our safety, and all the things He’s doing that involve our protection, even when we can’t discern it.

For example, I discovered something wonderful yesterday. In the early evening, I love watching all the rabbits. One rabbit loves our backyard and eats all the weeds while never disturbing anything else. This rabbit never burrows under the vegetable garden fence and never tries to munch my young peach tree. So she’s a blessing to the garden. Well, I see her making a nest in the middle of the backyard, right in plain sight! She’s arranging the grasses, digging to make the perfect nest, and packing a hole with soft fur.

I learn two things about rabbits: 1) They pick a nesting sight that’s often right in the center of everyone’s view because this will keep away predators who won’t come into the middle of the lawn. 2) They only return to the bunnies twice a day to feed so they don’t attract predators or give away the nest location.

From my perspective, this all looks unsafe, strange, and quite abandoned.

But from nature’s view, it’s smart, helpful, protective, and caring. It’s the way to ensure life. I’m learning that God might build a season in our lives that seems like we’ve been abandoned, that we’re somehow exposed in plain sight to the enemy, that He’s not coming around enough with gentle care. But what if what’s happening is all part of the rescue plan? What if what He’s doing involves our greatest hope of really living?

I’m excited to see the bunnies hop out on their own in a few weeks.

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The Fun Little Details

We just returned from Kansas! We enjoyed speaking on living a “sent” life to an audience that represented many different churches in the area. I’m always amazed at people who have certain gifts in planning events and designing things.

For this event, I loved how the team put together little bags, customized journals and pens, and the schedule for the day retreat. I also loved how, for lunch, a taco food truck arrived. I ate the best taco I think I’ve ever had (I forgot to take the picture!). During this event, the worship team led us in beautiful songs, and young musicians joined us who sang and played violin and cello. Ashley and I served as the teachers, but we were only one small part of all the people who contributed their unique gifts to make an event come together.

I love being part of something where you can see how everyone matters, how everyone has a part to play—from the person designing a tote bag to the person driving the taco truck.

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Maybe This Summer

In all my years nest hunting, I still have yet to find a hummingbird’s nest. But I’m starting to dwell in hope. My hummingbird feeder now attracts three different kinds of hummingbirds, and they like to hang out in the winterberry bush. They like to perch on the tomato cages. They like to be here.

I know these nests are hard to discover. But I’m hoping.

I love hope. I need it.

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Still Selling

I’m so thankful that This Seat’s Saved still ranks #1 on amazon.com. It’s so wonderful to see how many people are reading the book, sending thoughtful messages, and encouraging my heart. So this message is a big THANK YOU! And thank you for the ratings and reviews. This is awesome, guys!!!

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Welcome Rain

I love waking up to rain. It’s so comforting and cozy. It’s been hot and dry here, and we find ourselves so thankful for the storm. I love thinking about gratitude and how strange it sometimes feels. I’m only thankful for the rain because of how dry it’s been. I’m only thankful for the sun after long periods of rain. We live in the beauty of contrast.

Sometimes God put us in places that make us need Him; He makes us hungry for Him and then He satisfies us beyond our expectations. But first, we might experience that hot, dry place. When the rain comes, we’ll love it even more.

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Your Deliverance Story

This morning, I stop at a verse in Psalm 111 about the great works of the Lord. In verse 2 we read “they are studied by all who delight in them.” I suddenly wondered why I don’t study the great works of the Lord more! So I searched for a list of all God’s miracles and pondered them. Some websites claims 183 miracles of God recorded in the Bible. The one I decided to study afresh was Daniel being delivered from the lion’s den in Daniel 6. What would I learn? What I notice most of all is the impact of Daniel’s rescue on the king. King Darius declares this about Daniel’s God to the whole kingdom:

For He is the living God and enduring forever,
And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,
And His dominion will be forever.
He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

I think about what people will say about Jesus because of our lives. I think about that last line. Can you imagine people saying this about your lives? Can you imagine people praising God because He has delivered you from whatever power coming against you?

I pray we live lives that showcase the great deliverance of God. And if we feel put in the lion’s den of discouragement, fear, or sadness, perhaps it’s because our great deliverance story is soon coming. And a whole kingdom will see it.

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I Just Love These

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