Tag: one step at a time

God will Inhabit the Timeline of 2026

On By Heather HensonIn Devotionals, Personal Reflections, Sharing from my Journal2 Comments

Enjoying time spent with God yesterday morning (December 30, 2025), I heard myself pray words that I had never expressed in that way before. The beloved Spirit of Jesus seemed to inspire and inform my prayer in a most wonderful way. I pray the Spirit of God might also use them to minister into your soul.

The words came vibrantly alive in my mind, “Daddy*, You inhabit the timeline of 2026!”

I went on to pray, “Would you please help Ross and I to keep hold of Your hand and walk through each day letting Your Spirit be the Choreographer—the Lord—of the dance of life as we journey together. I know that You will be there to usher us into each day; indeed, into the moments that we might not see coming. And I also know from experience that You’ll provide for us in ways that surprise and amaze us, even when we need to be patient and watch and wait to see what you will do! I’m confident that there will never be a time when You won’t be with us, or will not have prepared for us according to Your heart. It’s so good to remember this, so thank You for your gift of the inhabit word!” 

Then I remembered we’re about to leave 2025 behind… 

“And God, thank You that Your Spirit inhabited the timeline of my 2025. Ross and I surrender this year-already-lived into Your redemptive grace and Your plans which are, after all, ALL about the King of kings and Lord of lords: Jesus. You are the God of the second chance! You are not limited to the timeline that we are in, and You see and hear clearly what we do not, or what we see in part. You even see the unspoken cries of our heart. 

I seem to sense the Lord saying, “Leave it all with Me, beloved. I can wonderfully and redemptively fashion all things according to My plans designed to create in you the likeness of Jesus, My Son and your Kinsman-Redeemer. 

Relax and enjoy Me as we journey through each and every day. Some days will be filled with joy, but there will be others that will hold sorrow. Remember that in everything I AM actively with you—I am never a passive spectator. I AM your wise and compassionate Help in times of trouble. I AM your strategic Shepherd and Guide who provides for you in all sorts of creative ways. 

In this world you will experience troubles of one kind or another, but take heart because I, in Christ, have overcome the world!”

The writer of the Bible’s Old Testament book of Deuteronomy 31:6 (The Message version) says; Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.

*By the way, you might not already know this story about God and me… One morning about 20 years ago, while enjoying time soaking in God’s presence, He seemed to clearly communicate into my soul saying “Beloved, I want you to call me Daddy!”

His invitation into a heart to heart relationship of deeper intimacy seemed to unlock the door of a room deep in my heart. Immediately and surprisingly for me, there erupted a spontaneous flow of violent sobs! After my messy sobbing tears had subsided, not only did I feel that same deep part of me was at peace—wrapped up in the embrace of His heart—I somehow felt more gloriously free to be and continue to become who HE created me to be!

From my own lived experiences I know that with Jesus who is Immanuel, God-with-us, our story continues on; however, the living Saviour of the world who is eternally I AM (see Exodus 3:13-15) promises to inhabit the timeline of our lives—in 2026 and beyond!

Finally, Psalm 139:1-7; 10-11 says; 

Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! 

You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. You have laid your hand on me! This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength. 

Where could I go from your Spirit? Where could I run and hide from your face? Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me. It’s impossible to disappear from you or to ask the darkness to hide me, for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night. —The Passion Translation (Emphasis mine.)

*If you need support—prayer, wise counsel, or just a listening ear—please reach out to someone you trust. 

2026 Photo Credit: BoliviaInteligente

Relaxing with Jesus

On By Heather HensonIn Devotionals, Life's Lessons, Personal Reflections, Sharing from my JournalLeave a comment

Long ago the apostle Paul wrote to the first century church. His words inspired by God, the Holy Spirit, are also life-giving for us today. Very meaningful to me are words found within the second letter to the Corinthians:

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NLT)

The passing seasons of life as seen in the tree in front of my house.

Just like this tree, now with all of its glorious seasonal Autumn colours, we pass through seasons of life. For me, 2025 is a season which God seemed to designate as a “Sabbath”. It seems to me, Holy Spirit’s been at work in me to create space for a falling away of beliefs and thoughts and habits that never belonged to me in the first place, or are no longer serving me well, and must not be carried into the next season of life. While it’s been a stretching and challenging time, I sense I’m entering the next phase of this Sabbath year: a time of deep, peaceful, restorative rest which will quietly prepare me for the season to come.

Perhaps these thoughts I’m sharing might somehow resonate with you? Something of God’s comfort to me might also comfort you at this time. During a time of prayer journalling – writing what came to mind while listening and talking to Jesus (on 23 May, 2025) – it seemed to me that God said the following life-giving words to me:

“Beloved, remember My words to you; Relax! I just need you to enjoy Me…

I don’t expect perfection in you, or from you. I need you to relax and let Me mould and shape you—uniquely—to beautifully reflect Jesus, My beloved Son. 

Dance with Me, Jesus, and sing with Me for joy! Let My lavish, complete, life-giving love fill you and penetrate into the very core of who you are. For this to happen, I need you to relax in My presence. Relax from the inside-out. 

All will be well. All is well with your soul. 

Let that truth seep into the deep places within you. Truly, My grace will be enough—more than enough—for you!

Keep hold of My hand, and together, we will walk the one step at a time through life. Be patient and stay with Me, and remember…

Enjoy Me!“

May the Spirit of Jesus and our good-all-the-time beloved Father bless you with a deep, unshakeable knowledge and understanding of how wide and deep and eternal God’s love is for you because you experience Jesus for yourself.

The Banner of Love

On By Heather HensonIn Devotionals, Personal Reflections, Sharing from my JournalLeave a comment

As is often my first-thing-morning custom, I welcomed the presence of God that day in April, 2025.

Of course I knew that the beloved Holy Spirit never leaves me while I sleep, nor does He sleep! But this was a new day for me and, well, why wouldn’t I welcome the Lover of my soul who knows me better than I know myself? Why wouldn’t I welcome He who provides for me in all sorts of creative ways, He whose mercies are new every morning; the One whose joy will be my strength; and whose grace, faithfulness and love never ends?

In that restful and relaxed place of somewhere between sleep and morning wakefulness, I asked Who do You want to be for me today, Daddy1 and Jesus and Holy Spirit?

The words came like a gentle, clear whisper into my inner being, “My banner over you is love”.2 

Pondering on the word banner with its accompanying visual image, I replied asking, “Daddy, would You please show me or tell me more about Your banner over me?” 

These words seemed to flow into my heart…

“My banner is a declaration! Therefore My declaration of love for you, into you, is My protection over you. 

In the world—in the spiritual realm—this is seen as a light of flame burning so brightly that all must look away. You are therefore invisible to anyone who would approach with malicious intent to steal, kill or destroy. 

Nothing can penetrate My banner. You are secure in Me as you rest in Me, and I AM good.

My plans for you are good ones. 

Take heart, beloved! We will walk forward together on this journey of life. Holding My hand3 imparts strength into your being. This is what it means for you to not grow weary or faint, but to soar in the heavenly realms as on eagles wings4 – and keep going – one step at a time, infused by the joy of My strength and My peace, which passes all your understanding!

Celebrate life in Christ, life with Me, beloved!“

How might a picture adequately illustrate “God’s banner over me is love”? The memory of watching the sun rise over the beach at Anglesea (Australia) comes close. The experience caused me to stand in awe of who God is, revel in His great love for me, and worship Him!

I pray that you will choose to come to God through faith in His Son, Jesus; or draw closer to Him in intimate relationship, just as you are. You will be surrendering to the life-giving One whose loving-kindness never ends; the Lord of glory; the majestic, powerful, undefeatable, gentle, and wise Hope of our salvation! His grace really is sufficient for you and me. Truly, His banner over you and me is Love… because the One true God is love itself!

  1. In that glorious mystery, within the perfectly united Oneness of God, God is three: Father, Jesus the Son, and Holy Spirit. It seemed to me that Father God, the eternal I AM, said to me many years ago, “Beloved, I want you to call Me, Daddy!” His words instantly and powerfully ministered to a deep place of searching and longing in my soul. The fruit of that experience continues to be life-giving! Father God, exactly represented by the Son, Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 1:3), longs for people to go ever deeper into a place of intimacy in relationship with Him. Unlike so many earthly fathers, He is always a good and perfect Father. ↩︎
  2. The words resonated with my spirit, so it was no surprise to be reminded that the words “His banner over me is love” are the second half of a verse found in the Bible; Song of Solomon, chapter 2:4. (Complete Jewish Bible) ↩︎
  3. I continue to explore this as I journey in life with Jesus, but I wonder if holding My hand might include me staying with the Lord and agreeing with Him in a surrendered-to-the-Lordship-of-Jesus lifestyle. ↩︎
  4. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ ↩︎

The Treasures of the Wildflowers

On By Heather HensonIn Devotionals, Life's Lessons, Personal Reflections, Sharing from my JournalLeave a comment

The man walking toward me was speaking into a mobile phone. It was in the early days of mobile telephones and his private conversation—loudly and thus public—somehow didn’t belong on the footpath of my local shopping center!

My mind was transported back in time to the television show, Get Smart, first aired in the 1960s. Secret Agent, Maxwell Smart, used a phone built into his shiny black shoe (took it off first!). And how many times in those early years of mobiles did I feel silly for replying when someone nearby said, “Hello!” 🙂 

Am I the only one whose mind can become distracted, restless and even overwhelmed by the constant (and perhaps imagined) need to communicate and send or receive information? 

While it might be humbling to face the workings of my inner world (let alone admit it in public!), I know this: I need to, and am willing to be, transformed by the redemptive grace of God, the always very-present beloved Spirit of Jesus Christ who lives in me and is always with me. 

The battle is real and it’s a battle for control of our mind. 

The Bible has a lot to say about the renewing and transformation of one’s mind. For example, the apostle Paul wrote: “… Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” — Philippians 4:8 NLT

Psalm 46:10a (TPT) encourages me with these life-giving words: “Surrender your anxiety. Be still and realize that I am God.”

Last year I began a practice that hasn’t been easy for me since I acquired my first ‘smart’ phone.  While walking—for exercise or to go somewhere local—I began to resist the temptation to fill the time listening to an audiobook, music, or to phone someone. Where possible, now I leave my phone at home, or at least switch it to silent mode. And do I really need to know how many steps I’ve walked in a day… 🙂

And so I let myself just be. Present. In the moment.

I began to practice letting my mind be still—quieter, relaxed and gently observant. One day I laughed out loud at the sight of two rabbits trying to scare off a magpie which, I noticed, wasn’t the least bit impressed! 

At first, it felt like my mind was being stripped of something, and I admit that it didn’t feel comfortable at all. It felt boring! It felt like wasted time. 

I once heard it takes three weeks to create a new habit, so I remained optimistic! 

I’ve heard it’s healthy and restful to let my mind be, or become, uncluttered and mindful. 

I’ve heard that boredom is a positive thing, especially if I want my creativity to have space to develop, flourish and explore… 

Jesus has invited me, and you, to be open to hearing the whispers of His Spirit within the daily rhythms of life and to be free to explore life with Him, the great I Am, Lord of glory, Lord of heaven’s armies.

And so it was on that day in October 2024… 

Choosing to quietly enjoy my walk on a delightful blue-sky Spring day in Melbourne (as tempting as that audiobook was!), I noticed a beautiful flash of pink down on my right. 

There in the long, messy green grass I saw the most exquisite tiny pink flowers. I stopped to look—really look—and wonder at their beauty. 

Imagine with me that Jesus is inviting you and me to join Him. With His presence comes an atmosphere of pure love, peace, joy and the freedom to come just as we are to God.

With the eyes of my heart I see that Jesus is kneeling and looking at the flowers. He tenderly and gently holds one to the palm of His hand and it seems like I hear Him saying: 

“Life’s treasures are not always so visible. In fact, you may not discover them if you give way to the busy, insistent, driving and striving, often loud demands of the world. 

The beautiful colours in which I dressed these wildflowers speak joy and delight and the wonder of My glory into your life. You need not be anxious for your daily needs because My Father wants to be The One who lovingly and abundantly provides for you in all sorts of creative ways.

Your human nature might want everything to be contained, controlled, orderly and neat. But it’s so often in the ‘messiness’ and trials of life that you’re free to grow and thrive and explore, and be and become who I have created you to be. 

Beloved, let Me help you to be content where you’ve been planted in life! 

The flowers quietly reflect courage, boldness, tenacity and resilience. They don’t shout at you to stop and notice them, nor do they complain about their lot in life. They simply are. 

My beloved, behold the moments! It is within those moments that I will reveal My heart to you. Don’t fall into the trap of waiting for that elusive moment when life will be tidy, manicured and free of mess… 

Trust that it’s good and right and safe to be still and walk with Me—the one step at a time. I will help you to explore life; in fact, I have hidden treasures that reflect My glory along the journey so that you will have the joy of discovering them with Me.”

“And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” — Matthew 6:30 NLT

2025: The Journey Continues

On By Heather HensonIn Devotionals, Life's Lessons, Personal Reflections, Sharing from my JournalLeave a comment

On 1 January 2024, I didn’t know how the year would unfold. 

Sure, I had a couple of signposts that helped me to plan for stages of the journey along with my beloved travel companion, my husband, Ross. The first signpost pointed to six weeks overseas in Greece—associated with our continued volunteer work with Hellenic Ministries. The second beckoned me toward the joy of celebrating my firstborn’s 40th birthday. 

But I didn’t know that I’d need spinal surgery preceded by scans, appointments and procedures; nor did I know I’d be supporting Ross through his urgent prostate surgery and rehabilitation.

I didn’t know about the bleeding disorder that had my haematologist telling me it’s a wonder I’ve lived for my 66 years and, ‘this is very serious, Heather’.

I didn’t know about the wonderful myriad of opportunities I would be offered to nurture and celebrate relationships with family and friends and neighbours-who-are-dear-friends. 

I didn’t know about the wonderful experiences in which I would be able to make new friends at home, in Athens, on Lesvos and Crete, in Liverpool and Enniskillen (Ireland), and through my social media groups! 

I didn’t know just how much this can be true and has been for me: “Courage is moving forward in the face of fear.” (Original author unknown.) Or Corrie Ten Boom’s well-known words: “It is safe to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

I didn’t know just how true were the gently whispered life-giving words into my soul that seemed to come from Father God during a conversation with Him on the first day of 2024, “You treated it as a burden, but I gave it to you as a gift.” (The it being my writing.)

I didn’t know just how much I can procrastinate because of the distant echo of voices demanding that everything—that I—must be perfect… 

But this I do know: through it all, God the Holy Spirit has been helping me to trust more deeply that Father God is good all the time and that His plans, which are actually not all about me, but rather, all about Jesus, are good and right ones designed to promote my wellbeing and freedom to be the real me—who He created me to be.

Photo Credit: Unsplash – Ch Photography

I might not know what is around the corner—what will happen in my life, in the lives of my family and friends, and in the world in this new year, 2025…

But this I do know: with Holy Spirit’s grace at work in me, I am able to practise the truth in 2025; it is wise, right, life-giving, and an act of worship and loving obedience to God for me to keep hold of the hand of His Son and my beloved Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ.

And I know, and have experienced, that to remain intimately and vitally connected into the life of Jesus is to agree with Him because God made Him, Jesus; the Word, to be Wisdom itself (Read 1 Corinthians 1:30 and John 15, especially verses 1-17.)

Thankfully I know, and have experienced, that His mercy means that no matter what, the Spirit of Jesus will never leave or forsake me. He will gain my focus and gently woo me back to where I am the most secure—in the centre of His heart!

And so, I will keep going… 

I choose to journey into 2025 with the word, gentle accompanying and guiding me because it comes with peace and hope, and resonates in my soul. I sense that gentle has travelling companions including (but not limited to), Rest. Relax. Go forward slowly and mindfully.

For years now, I’ve been asking God for a word or phrase to serve as a compass point directing me toward Jesus who is True North. I know from the past that I will explore life with all of its adventures as I walk with Jesus, but I will never be lost because I know that this is true: Jesus is “…the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through (Him).” (John 14:6 NLT – paraphrased). And, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 – NLT)

As I journey gently and mindfully with Jesus into 2025, I see and know that healing will come—transformational healing from the inside out! Let it be, Lord, because this is for your glory and my good. I also know that others who come near will somehow be impacted too! 

Did you notice the sign nailed to the tree on the left in the photo? Having being a very significant Scripture verse for me for a very long time, I did! I saw it as Ross and I walked the road to the retreat centre, our accomodation in Ireland.

The words of Joshua recorded in the Bible say it better than I could ever do: “…be strong and brave, Do not yield to fear nor be discouraged, for I am YAHWEH your God, and I will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9; The Passion Translation)

Dear reader, I pray that you will know and experience the truth: you are wonderfully created, deeply loved, and wanted! I pray that you will know that the Father planned for you to be born and that your life, (created by Him) and how you live it, really does matter to Him. God has made a way for you to be in intimate relationship with Him through faith in Jesus, His beloved Son! His Spirit will help you to come to Jesus, or to come back to Him; or to even draw closer into the Father-heart of God to enjoy Him forever—in spirit and in truth.

Reach out to Jesus. There is no valid reason for you to walk the journey of life alone.

It seems to me that Jesus is reaching out to you and says: Come to Me. Come and don’t delay. Test Me and see that I will not fail you. Walk and talk with Me along the way that is the journey of 2025 and beyond. I—who am Love, Truth and Grace—AM faithful and will never leave you or forsake you. Trust Me! I AM trustworthy!

I pray that you and I will feel free to be active and engaged in this part of our life’s journey—2025—a year of peace and increasing freedom in Christ.

Imagine that it is God's Son Jesus's hand that you are holding. He knows you, He sees you, He loves you! He is the way and will guide you forward on your journey in life.

The Lord is my Shepherd

On By Heather HensonIn Personal Reflections, Sharing from my Journal2 Comments

Perhaps these words I wrote might speak to you today as deeply as they speak to me each time I read them and let myself feel them.

Perhaps you might even look at the photo and imagine that you are walking with Jesus, holding His hand on this journey that is life. It is safe to be still and listen to His voice today.

It seems to me that He says: 

“Come beloved, trust Me because I will be with you and I will provide for you in all sorts of creative ways!

Don’t be dismayed. Don’t be discouraged, because I AM with you and will prove to you that I am your Helper, your Advocate, your Comforter and your Guide. I need you to trust Me, especially that I AM good. 

My plans never fail, so come, walk with Me and talk with Me and you will see doors open that will leave you looking upon My Presence in wonder and adoration! 

Fear not, beloved, for I AM with you! My plans for you are ALL about Jesus and so they WILL be worked out as you surrender to the Spirit of Jesus.”

For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. Isaiah 41:33 (New Living Bible)

The Lord my God loves to intervene in the circumstances of my life, and in yours, a reality which might seem impossible to us. But Jesus is the Way-Maker… 

Jesus wants to be the One who holds your hand and mine. We never have to walk alone!

Would you read through the words of one of my favourite chapters in the Bible, Psalm 23, with me? Take your time, beloved. Let the words and word-pictures wash over you and into your soul because they are life-giving.

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
    He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.”

Psalm 23 NLT
(Verse numbers intentionally omitted.)

The Lord, who is the always-good Shepherd, loves you and me! No matter what you have done (or not done), or who you think you are (or are not), the one true God loves you just as you are, and invites you to surrender to Jesus.

The Father’s perfect love expressed in and through Jesus is always redemptive.

(Photo credit: Fiona Wu)

The Joy of Friendship

On By Heather HensonIn Devotionals, Personal ReflectionsLeave a comment

On April 8 2023, at the beginning of a three-month sojourn in Greece, I shared with friends a message that I believe God put on my heart to give away.

But it was not just for these precious women in Athens. I believe our beloved Father-God wants you, dear friend, to receive it too—in harmony with his heart.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you into a life-giving encounter with Jesus, the Son who is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. (See Hebrews 1:3 CSB)

“Oh Jesus, thank you for inviting me into the dance of friendship with you!“

I hear you say…

“I AM with you, my beloved! I will never compromise in any way and will never ever tempt you to compromise with anything that would lead you away from me. 

Trust me! 

Look to me! As you rest in my presence and focus the eyes of your heart (your mind) on to me, I will fill you with thoughts that build you up in Christ, for glory to God. 

Take the one step at a time! 

Do not try to look around me in an attempt to see what might be ahead of us on this journey of life. Practice my presence—one step at a time—holding my hand. It is as you agree with me and surrender all to me that my Spirit will help you to see me, to hear my voice… to know my heart. 

Be still and know that I AM the Lord of glory, the King of heaven’s armies, your hope and your salvation! 

Let me lead you, beloved! There are mysteries that I will unfold and reveal to you, and there are other mysteries that will remain so. 

In everything, enjoy me!

Enjoy being with me!

Enjoy exploring life with me! 

I hold the key to life and AM the Door through which I invite you to dwell in the glory-light of my life! 

Cast ALL your cares, worries, frustrations and stresses on to me. They are not too much for me to deal with, but they are too heavy for you to carry. Indeed, they would only serve to weary and weigh you down so that your joy, my wonderful gift of strength-giving-joy to you, is drained. 

Remember, beloved, I have left you with peace, my gift of powerful peace that enables you to take a deep breath and walk the one step at a time, even when the world would hassle and hurry you along like angry, noisy little dogs yapping at you and nipping at your heels. That is not my way. 

Be Mine, beloved! Trust Me. I will tenderly care for your heart.

I came to set the captives free.

I came that you might have abundant and satisfying LIFE, experience freedom (in Christ), be led by Wisdom, and know the truth that will guard your heart and mind.”  

“…letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:6b NLT)

“I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father.” (John 15:15 CSB)

Friendship!

On By Heather HensonIn Devotionals, Personal Reflections, Sharing from my Journal4 Comments

Another New Year’s Day, with all its hopes and dreams, was just a calendar entry away…

Reflecting back on 2002 while peering into 2023, I wondered if there might be a defining theme for this next year. 

I turned to Jesus asking him for the gift of a word or phrase that would, like a compass, provide direction for me. Such theme-words have impacted me in life-giving ways in past years, so I really wanted to know! 

I waited, curious, resting in the sense of his presence that was within and all around me. The word floated in like a gentle breath of air that filled my being with joy and peace and wonder. 

Friendship

As I let the word rest in my soul I wondered, Jesus, would you please show me or tell me more about ‘friendship‘?

It was then that a verse—Jesus’s words—from the Bible came to mind (italics mine):

“I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father.”

John 15:15 (CSB)

There is so much for me to explore in the words of Jesus, not least the thing of identity—in the light of how God sees me in Christ. How I am to him, and to others. 

It feels like I’m embarking on a mission—a journey of discovery and adventure—with Jesus who calls me “friend” and shares secrets from the Father’s heart with me!

On another level, I celebrate those ones I call friend. I have met them throughout the world— Papua New Guinea and Greece (where I have lived); New Zealand, Philippines, Malaysia, Zambia, South Africa, Hong Kong, England, France, the USA … 

On another level I see that Daddy (it was Father God who asked me, to call him, ‘Daddy’) has heard the deep, mostly silent, cries of my heart in 2022. I finally recognised and admitted to him that I have felt lonely for meaningful friendship. 

In the most remarkable, gracious and unexpected (to me) ways, he has been connecting me with people who are becoming friends to me. What joy is this!

Even in the oft-maligned space of social media there are those with common bonds—writing is one of them—with whom I am developing a friendship. 

Some friendships are just for a season though their aroma remains in the fabric of who I am. 

Some friendships are close while others are on the edges—but equally precious in some way. 

My friendship with Jesus is a gift from the Father initiated by him. By the power of his Holy Spirit, he will continue transforming me into someone worthy of being called HIS friend.

And out of this friendship room in my heart, I will become a true (and truer) friend to the people in my life and those I am yet to meet. 

All this will happen as I keep hold of HIS hand and walk with HIM, following in the footsteps of Jesus—one step at time. 

As I think of you, friend, and ask God for a gift from his heart for you, I seem to hear these words;

“I invite you into a life of friendship. Come to Jesus and take My hand. I will fill the deepest parts of your heart that secretly long for connection. You will find that in me. I will not be a ‘fair-weather’ friend. I will not judge you, talk about you behind your back, abandon you for someone else, or even be disappointed when you don’t live up to those unreal expectations that haunt you. 

Trust me, beloved! Surrender to my love for you that saw me send my beloved, only begotten Son—Jesus—to the world. I am the friend of the outcast, the maligned, the sinner. I am a true Friend who will lead you into life eternal! 

Taste and see that I, the Good Shepherd, am GOOD!”

Heather Henson

Written December 31, 2022

Hush!

On By Heather HensonIn Devotionals, Personal Reflections, Sharing from my Journal3 Comments

“Hush

Do you hear the whisper of My voice? 

Amidst the din, the cacophony of the loud hustle and bustle noise of the world, listen… 

Listen for my powerfully-gentle voice! 

I AM peace 

I AM joy  

I AM love

I AM the truth 

I AM wisdom

I AM the way!

I invite you to come to Me and rest in the glory-cloud of My goodness. 

Take My hand and walk with Me—one step at a time. 

I AM your Helper who never leaves you or forsakes you. 

My name is Jesus, the only begotten Son of the most-high God!

I came to seek the lost and bring them back to My Father who redeems all things for the sake of His holy, pure and glorious Name which is above all and before all and beyond all things. 

Surrender it all to Me. Where your treasure is, there also is your heart… so let Me hold it all.” 

Jesus, I see a picture of someone who is holding so very much. Their arms are more than full and it looks so heavy. As I watch, they are trying to protect what looks like gift-wrapped boxes from those who come, one after the other, to take for themselves. 

Jesus, the burden of trying to protect what they have collected, and are now working so very hard to protect, looks like such a heavy burden. I see the frustration and anger building in their eyes. I see desperation rising as they work to protect what they are holding.

What will they do? Who will help them? What will happen? 

Jesus, I hear you say;

“Come to Me. All of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, come to Me. I will give you rest. 

Lay it all down so that you are free to receive the gifts that I have for you. One at a time. 

What I give you is life-giving and is light to carry. And you will never be alone. My Spirit is (and will always be) your Helper, wise Counsellor, all-knowing Guide, and your Advocate. 

As you rest in Me, your weariness is washed away. Peace envelops you filling every part of your being. Joy is your everyday strength that builds you up. My loving-kindness fills you with hope that never leaves. You are now free to sing and dance as we walk together. 

One step at a time directed and empowered by My grace. 

Beloved, in Me, you are home—forever and wonderfully home! 

Welcome!“

‘… Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”‘ – Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT)

All is Well

On By Heather HensonIn Personal Reflections, Sharing from my Journal2 Comments

“Beloved, I see your heart—your beautiful and tender heart!

I long to be THE ONE who, alone, gathers you up and draws you into the shelter of My presence. 

Within the beauty and serenity of My peaceful and joyful presence, the reign of My holiness creates an atmosphere where all is still. 

All is calm. 

It seems like the pause button is on and the endless hurry and driven rush and bustle of the world is silenced. 

In this ethereal silence—filled with the sound of My love and majesty—you breathe deeply of My hope, wisdom, confidence and joy carried in an endless stream of loving grace and mercy.

In this place, you are secure in your identity in Christ.

In this place, you are free to explore life, hand-in-hand with Jesus.

In this place, fear takes a back seat because courage inspired by a kingdom-of-God mindset fills and floods the room in your heart where Hope now reigns.”

And I turn to You, Jesus and know that all is well!

There is a future that beckons me to enter—confident and assured of Your ever and very present moment-by-moment help and guidance through the stream of Your empowering presence. 

You, the only wise God magnificent and holy in all Your ways, is for me. Your plans for my wellbeing are always excellent and trustworthy in harmony with Your heart. 

And I hear You say…

“Be still and rest in My eternal goodness, and together, we will continue to walk through life—hand-in-hand—one step at a time!”