The Origin Of Jesus Haven
Not too long ago, I was going through some difficult times, coping with some issues, just like we all do from time to time. A friend of mine from work gave me a book to read called "The Shack". It is a well known work of fiction that was on the New York Times best seller list, and has been read by many people all over the world. The book, although fiction, is in my opinion, divinely inspired. Many people feel the same way. In fact, the friend who lent it to me is a Catholic Deacon. He said it best. He told me, "it's the best description of the concept of trinity and God's grace". After reading the book, I must agree. Now, I recommend the book to anyone, and you will see that it is listed in the "Suggested Readings" section of JesusHaven.com. I am not here to market the book, and I have no vested interest in it, other than the fact that I know it has the power to change peoples' lives. So, if you haven't read it, I strongly urge you to.
Without giving the story away, it begins with a man who has huge issues of his own. God reaches out to him in the form of a note in his mailbox. The note is an invitation to meet God personally to help him through his difficulties, among other things. That has significance, as you will see, but I will not say any more about the story. You should read it.
God used this book to heal me spiritually, mentally, and to some extent physically. It renewed my faith at a time when I needed just that. God knows I wrestle with doubt, and from time to time he gives me gentle reminders of his presence in my life. In fact, sometimes, the reminders are anything but gentle. It's like getting hit in the head with a spiritual sledgehammer, but then again, I have a thick head, and need the jolt on occasion. The book in itself renewed my faith. It delivered a message to me about God's love and even answered some of the difficult questions about our physical universe and the world we live in that cause me to wrestle with doubt on occasion. It was all part of God's plan to help me through my difficult moment. Timing is everything, and God is the master of timing.
Well, after reading the book, I guess God saw fit to give me another hit on the head with the "Spiritual Sledgehammer", I suppose it was just to cement the message for me. One particular day, I made a blood donation. When I got home that night, I looked in the mail. There was something in the mail that came that day which looked like a pamphlet. It said "Especially For You" on it. I was tired, and did not read it, but went to bed instead.
The next morning, I got up early with things on my mind. I made a pot of coffee, and was feeling a little blue, thinking about my "issues". As I was thumbing through the prior day's mail, I came across the flyer and opened it. It was from a local church that I have no affiliation with. It said "Especially For You" on the front. As I opened it, the front page said, in huge font, "Jesus Made A Blood Donation For You". I couldn't believe my eyes !! I made a blood donation the day before. That same day, I get a flyer in the mail from a church I have no affiliation with that says "Jesus Made A Blood Donation For You". The very same day !!!!!! And....it said "Especially For You" on the front.
Well, that was unbelievable enough, but the true blessing didn't come until a week later when my friend (the same one who recommended and lent me "The Shack") and I were rehashing the event. It was then that he made the connection for me. In the same way that God reached out to the main character in this book that helped me so much, God was reaching out to me. A letter (of sorts) in my mailbox from God. In a way, it was God inviting me to meet him. I was flooded with emotion and spiritual renewal. I opened my heart (even further) to God's Spirit and He rushed in, healing me even more. It was truly glorious. It was so amazing and fulfilling that I had to share it with other people. I had been feeling as if God was moving me to create a website for his glory for some time, but I never acted on it, so, I decided NOW was the time. That, is the story of how JesusHaven.com came to be. I still don't fully understand what God's plan is for it, but I feel that I have met Him half way. I opened my hands and heart to his will, and I guess we'll just have to see where the ride leads.
I'm excited, and I hope you will be part of the ride !!
Please feel free to share your testimony or thoughts. I can be reached at webmaster@jesushaven.thriftysite.net.
May God bless you and give you peace, delivering you from all anxiety through the blood of Jesus and the awesome love and power of his Holy Spirit.