I have been accused of living my life with one foot in Heaven, my eyes focused on another country, my ears cocked to hear the sound of the trump of God (1 Thessalonians 4:16). My response has always been, "I surely hope so!" I have taken seriously Paul's assurance in 2 Timothy 4:8 (NIV) that there is a crown of righteousness awaiting those who long for His appearing.

As a result, I often feel I'm in a strangely foreign environment, as though I'd taken up life under the sea, far from equipped to exist in that alien atmosphere. I cannot take breath into my lungs as the natural inhabitants of the depths so easily can. I must get necessary oxygen through a tube from another realm. (John 8:23; John 15:19)

This should be no surprise since when we are reborn, we are recreated to breathe a rarified air, no longer able to survive the putrid atmosphere of the world, which is slowly destroying all who attempt to draw life from it, even those native to it. Notwithstanding, I have never felt I was left on my own in this hostile environment. Instead, it has been clear to me that I am here for a reason, on a Mission and that when I am attentive, remaining focused, I will be led every step of the way. Indeed, the Holy Spirit has communicated with me as often as I have been willing to provide an atmosphere conducive to hearing His voice.

I have kept each of these precious communications in my heart, some for years. Occasionally it has been clear to me that they were intended as the basis for a Bible Minute (Karin's one minute Bible reflections) or to be used for the benefit of others in counseling or coaching situations. But for the most part, they have been treasured evidences that my heavenly Father desires to be closely involved in my life, not only on a "grand plan" scale, but on a day to day basis as well.

Be wise when it comes to personal words you believe to be from the Holy Spirit. Check each against the written Word of God. Because the Word and God are One (John 1:1), the Holy Spirit will never speak a personal message to you that is at cross purposes with the Word. Were it possible, that would make God either schizophrenic or a liar! And we know that God is not a man that He should lie. (Numbers 23:19) We know too that changing is not an option for Him. (Hebrews 13:8) From the beginning He has assured us that He is God and He changes not. (Malachi 3:6)

So take your confirmed Word from the Holy Spirit and confidently step out wherever it leads you and know that in so doing, He will never leave you nor forsake you, assured of living as significantly as He has planned you to. Keep your eyes on Him, your ears attuned to His Word and one foot in that Heavenly country.