Conversations That Count: Curiosity

"Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, 'How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?' (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 

"Jesus answered and said to her, 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.' 

"She said to Him, 'Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?' 

"Jesus answered and said to her, 'Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.' 

"The woman said to Him, 'Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw'" (John 4:9-15, NASB).

There is something about a great storyteller. It is a special talent, I think, but then again, we can learn some things from them. For example, Dr. Seuss tends to stir up curiosity and the imagination of his readers as he gives characters names such as a "Wump" and "Mr. Gump," and then writes about a cat in a hat and a fox in socks. These words have kept many reading in search of just who those characters are.

In John 4:9-15, we can read how Jesus sparked this woman's interest at the well as he used the term "living" water. I can see her wondering something like, "What's this crazy man talking about?" She decided to ask this man what He meant.

Through this, Jesus got the opportunity to share about eternal life found through Him, the Messiah, who was sent by God. This "living" water metaphor helps explain how there is something that can satisfy us more than water. Water for the body is needed, but God satisfies and brings life on a deeper and a longer-lasting level. Words like "thirst" and "springing up" helped Him explain how much greater this water satisfies than physical water from a well.

By using the word, "living," Jesus invited curiosity into His conversation. Today, we can help draw others into the story of God by using metaphors, examples or even using ourselves as a curious character. We can speak truthfully and still use vivid, relevant words to help explain the amazing, saving grace we have found in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).

Conversations That Count: Common Ground

"...and Jacob's well was there. So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, 'Give me a drink.' For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food" (John 4:6-8, NASB).

A common thirst, a common need. When Jesus met this woman at the well, He knew they were from different cultures but picked up on their common desire for water. Being God and man, Jesus knew she needed more than just water - she needed a better relationship with God. So, Jesus took this opportunity to start a conversation with her.

In this, we learn how we can look for ways to start a connection with others and opportunities to share who Jesus is with others. When we come across others, we can ask ourselves, "What do we have in common?"

We are unique people, and yet -

• We live in the same world. What's going on around us? 
• We are all human and have struggles in some way or another. Have you had a similar struggle as someone else? 
• Most importantly, we have the same God who desires a restored relationship with His creation. Does the person know this? 

Lord, help us keep our eyes open for ways we have common ground with others. Give us the words to say, if we're able to connect and share something about You with them. Thanks for taking time to help us know You more. Amen.

Study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from bibleplaces.com.

Sharing God's Heart: Hope

"But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" (1 Peter 3:15, NASB).

Ready. I remember sitting at a table in a high school photojournalism class when a friend asked me a genuine question about my faith in Christ. I froze for a second. My face flushed red. It was an unexpected question, but I was glad she asked it. We can rest assured that God will give us the words to say at the right time. We can pray and prepare now for the next time someone asks about our trust in Him.

Account for the hope that is in you. What has God done in your life? When did you believe in Jesus and His message? In case you are having trouble putting your faith into words, it may help to reflect on your testimony, remember how you came to know Christ, search the Bible and ask God questions (your questions aren't too tough for Him). The Apologetics Bible and HeartCall resources have helped me personally in this area. The core elements of HeartCall are:

• Hope - God has a plan for you
• Believe - God sent Jesus to die on the cross for you
• Turn - Turn to God and away from sin
• Call - Call on God to be your Lord and Savior

Gentleness and reverence. The big idea that I see from that part of the verse is to treat others with consideration and respect as we share. We don't know everything about them, and they are God's creation. In a way, we have been in the same shoes they have - we all have done things against God, and we all need Him.

Father God, You have made such a difference in our lives. Prepare our hearts and give us the words to say when someone asks why we trust in You. Amen.

Study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from a HeartCall workshop.

Sharing God's Heart: Seasoned Just Right

"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person" (Colossians 4:6, NASB).

It is pretty amazing how even a dash of salt can help a meal's flavors come alive. Salt also acts as a perservative for food. Much like salt to a meal, one element that is a key part of God's makeup is grace. It reveals the goodness and purity in Him. In Colossians 4:6, believers are encouraged to live out the grace God has shown us. This is the same grace that He offers others.

Consider salt that is mixed with other elements. In Biblical times, it is known that salt from the Dead Sea was mixed and sold with other impurities. It wasn't pure sodium, which gave it less flavor and made it generally less favorable. Disciples who lose their saltiness (grace) are not as effective witnesses of Christ as they could be. We can pray that when we speak, God helps us do so with grace, so others can see more of Christ, the One we love, serve and testify.

Do you remember a time when you were caught up in sin or a tough situation?
How did God help you out of it, or how did He walk you through it?
Let's remember to show others the kindness of Christ that drew us to Him. Also, let's pray for those who don't know Christ yet.

Lord, thank You for your grace. Help us be aware of our speech, and help us speak with the grace You show us. Father God, equip us to be outstanding witnesses for who You are. Help others on our mind, ones that don't know You, embrace the grace You offer through Your Son. Amen.

"Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4, NASB).

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23-24, NASB).

Check out an acousitc cover of the song "Kindness" by Chris Tomlin, sung live by Greyson Sawyer here on YouTube. You can hear Chris Tomlin's version on YouTube here.

Study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Researched with the help of Stephanie Carey.
Photo from www.naturaltherapypages.co.uk.

Reward of Inheritance

"Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve" (Colossians 3:24, NASB).

I love morning runs, because there are less distractions. There's a great morning air, and things can be quiet if you get to go before traffic picks up. After about ten minutes in, I feel like I can get into a "zone" so to speak. It is just easier to get into the finish when I reach this, as it becomes easier for me to focus and keep going. As believers, where is our focus? Where are our eyes? We have this relationship with God that lasts forever. All because of grace. Now, I think that's a finish line to fix our eyes on.

Inheritance. This inheritance is our reward. What is it? The word itself is commonly known today as something that is passed on to someone else in your family - like a treasured vase or a piece of furniture. In this case, we are reminded that as believers, God has accepted us into His family. As we have put our faith and trust in Christ and what He has done, we know we are forgiven and called God's children, His sons and daughters.

He is glad to welcome family in. We are able to be near God and have this restored relationship with our Creator, forever - longer than accomplishments, physical health or any possessions we may have at the moment. Our King welcomes those who trust in Him as their heavenly Father.

Whom do we serve? As people who put our trust in God, the Lord is the One we aim to serve. Earlier in Chapter 3, we can read how we are to "set our mind on things above" (Colossians 3:1-4). God is is love and cares for the world (John 3:16-17). He stands for truth and yet has this amazing mercy. He is the One who saves, revives, and guides us.

So, we live for the One who rules over all the tribes, tongues and nations; the One who is just and sent Jesus to pay the price we owed for our wrongs on the cross; the One whom offers forgiveness and invites us to be a part of His family - forever.

Lord, thank You calling us sons and daughters. As we serve, help us keep our eyes on bringing honor to You. Thank You for being our Creator, Redeemer, Healer...you know, we could go on and on. We love You. In Your great name, Amen.

Check out the song "Your Great Name" by Natalie Grant:

• This version was posted by New Hope Oahu
• Natalie worships with others at Saddleback Church in this YouTube video
• This recording is an acoustic version

Study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).

Form of a Bond-Servant

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who...emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant..." (Philippians 2:5-6a, 7a).

Jesus was a sort of bond-servant to God - He served God above all else. What does it mean that He emptied Himself? Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. Even though He was God, He left His home and came to earth. He didn't lose His identity as divine, since we know He experienced temptations but was still without sin. He endured ridicule from some and suffering on the cross, knowing that He was God's Son and that He had a greater purpose to be a part of God's plan - to save His people.

How can we have the attitude of a bond-servant, like Christ? Christ served God first, no matter the cost. As believers, we've acknowledged our need of Him and received His grace. We now seek to serve Him first, but we can still struggle. Trip Lee offers encouragement in this arena, from his song, "We Told 'Em" -

"So we know that He's great, but we don't reflect Him well,

So when we told 'em that He saves, it was hard for them to tell

So it's time to live this thing, in light of the God who reigns

Let's not try to cause Him pain, show them a pic of the God who came."

Lord, thank You for showing us amazing grace. Work in us and help us put You first in our lives. Help us be a changed people, people who are a better reflection of You. Amen.

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men" (Colossians 3:23).

For a reference on being a bond-servant to Christ, see Paul's note in Galatians 1:10.
Verses from the New American Standard Bible.
Study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Hear Trip Lee's song, "We Told 'Em," on YouTube here.

Let's Have A HeartTalk!

Our world is full of people that are searching and starving for Jesus.  People that need the Lord have many similar characteristics:  empty, searching for peace, trapped in darkness, broken, rejected, without hope, wandering, searching for meaning, yearning for belonging, running from one thing to another, trying to fill their lives with constant activity, trying to escape reality, addicted to the things of this world, and on and on. Why do I know some of these characteristics? Because until I was a grown adult and someone shared Jesus with me, those characteristics described my daily lifestyle. You see, I was lost and without hope until I accepted Jesus as my Savior! Lost people look like lost people!!

Do you know Jesus? If you do not know Jesus, you can know Him right now, today, this very minute! He is looking over your life with His love. He knows those that are starving for peace and purpose that can only be found in Him! Here are some simple steps you can take to know Jesus:

• HOPE in HIM ♥ God has some things He'd like for you to know from His heart. God has great plans for you! Jeremiah 29:11-13 was written just for you as God says "'For I know the plans I have for you, ______________ (put your name in the blank)'" declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'"

• BELIEVE in HIM + God Loves You! John 3:16 was written just for you as God says, "For God so loved the world ______________ (put your name in the blank) that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." When you believe God sent Jesus to die on the cross for you and accept the forgiveness He offers, He will wipe your sins away. Then, the communication with God is open.

• TURN to HIM ^ God will forgive your wrongdoings and clean your heart! Acts 3:19 was written just for you as God says, "Turn to God, so that your ___________(put you name in the blank) sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." As you turn away from your sins and turn to God, He helps you make wise decisions. He wants the very best for you!

• CALL on HIM as LORD "HeartCall" God will give you a new heart. It's not enough just to know about Jesus. You must ask Him to lead your life and be your Lord. Romans 10: 9-10, 13 was written just for you as God says, "if you ___________(put you name in the blank) confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."!!

If you would like to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, just call on Him by praying a simple prayer similar to this one from your heart:  "Dear God, I know You have great plans for me and I want to place my hope in You. I believe You love me and sent Jesus to die on the cross for me. Please forgive me and help me turn from my wrongdoings. I want You to lead my life. Amen!"

If you prayed this prayer and meant it, God says you are now a follower of Him, a New Believer with A New Heart!  2 Corinthians 5:17 was written just for you as God says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, you are a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come."!

Please share with us of your life-changing decision to follow Christ so that we can rejoice with you, pray for you, and share a simple but wonderful New Believers Guide called "HeartCall: A New Heart", with you!

Now that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can know that He will help you every day and that when you die, you will go to heaven to live with Him forever! 1 John 5:13 was written just for you as God says, "I write these things to you _____________(put your name in the blank) who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life"!

You will also want to take the daily first steps as a follower of Christ:

1. Share HeartTalk with others and tell them of your decision to follow Christ. God will be pleased and you will be His Witness!
2. Join a Bible-believing church and follow Christ's example of baptism. You'll be blessed!
3. Pray daily! Prayer is simply talking to God just like we talk to each other. Share with God why you    love Him and about the things you are trusting Him for. He Always Listens!
4. Read your Bible daily! If you do not have a Bible please let us know so that we can help you get one. As you start reading your Bible, a good place to start is 1 John (don't be embarrassed to look at the table of contents in the front of your Bible to find 1 John). Then read the Gospel of John. Ask God to help you understand what you are reading and He will help you!

Let us hear from you! We would LOVE to know of your decision, answer any questions you may have, support you, and/or pray for you!

"HeartTalk" witnessing booklets are a great tool to use in your personal witness, and in your church ministries for witness training/decision time. You can contact Jaye Martin Ministries by clicking on the e-mail option.  (all of the written material above is from the "HeartTalk" Witnessing Booklet, written by Jaye Martin) Please contact us if you would like to purchase the "HeartTalk" Witnessing Booklets to share with others as His Witness!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PANiveIKVX0  (Come To Jesus - Chris Rice)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0LM5e7EkJ0 (God of This City with lyrics - Chris Tomlin)

Please pass this post onto others as His "HeartTalk" witness!!