My God

(Aslan with Lucy, Prince Caspian)

 

I read these words in a devotional book a couple of weeks ago…

Since then, I have had them posted in a prominent place over my computer, so that I will read them every. single. morning. before I start my day…

The God of the Bible is not weak;

He is strong. He is all-mighty.

Nothing happens without His permission

Or apart from his purposes – even evil.

Nothing disturbs or puzzles Him.

His purposes are always accomplished.

Therefore, those who know Him rightly act with boldness,

Assured that God is with them to accomplish

His own desirable purposes in their lives.

- James Boice

They are such an encouragement to me… I hope they bless you, too!!

Go with your STRONG and MIGHTY God today…

Allow Him to fulfill his purposes in your life No. Matter. What.

Happy Friday, Y’all!!!

The Waiting Game

“If I pulled back the curtain to allow you to view the heavenly realms, you would understand much more.  However I have designed you to live by faith, and not by sight.”

– Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

It’s so hard sometimes, isn’t it?? God gives us “just enough light for the step we’re on”…

No turning back.

No charging forward.

Just here.  Now.

But what a gift the present is! (Pun intended.) :-)

He wants us to trust Him. Lean on Him.  Let Him carry us when the road is difficult and our feet are weary. He gives us His strength… His power. Enough for each and every day.  Just like the Manna in the wilderness, we can’t borrow it or store it.  It’s provided as needed.

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms: he will carry them in his bosom and gently lead those that are with young.” (Psalm 40:11)

“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

As I was having my quiet time this morning, God flooded my mind with these images.  He reminded me that it’s okay to be vulnerable… that my weaknesses, when I trust them to Him, are the very things that display His strength and glory in my life.  It’s okay to tell Him how I feel… disappointments, doubts, concerns, yes… even fears. These are the things He takes and redeems… uses to show His power. He gently nudges me to stop fighting and struggling, and just rest in Him. The battle is the Lord’s!

Then I read this about times of trouble…

“Unspoken pain festers and takes on a life of its own; it cripples growth. Now I trust God’s love for me enough to tell him what I honestly feel knowing that just as he received Mary and Martha (at the time of Lazarus’ death), he will receive me…

Mary and Martha both watched Jesus weep.  They must have realized that Jesus knew he was about to bring Lazarus back to life, and yet he shed tears of grief and outrage for the brokenness of the human condition.

To me, that adds a holy dignity to so many of life’s harshest moments. It says we can trust in a Savior who cares --- deeply. It says he has a plan and in the midst working it takes the time to feel with us, hurt with us, hear us.'”

- Sheila Walsh, When a Woman Trusts God

God wants my honesty… demands it.  And through the person of Jesus, He grieves with me over my struggles. He loves me enough to shoulder the weight of my burdens… to carry the load for me.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

Not only does He carry me and offer me rest, but he gives me the assurance that He is at work.  Even through my pain…

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

“The God of the Bible is not weak; He is strong. He is all-mighty. Nothing happens without His permission or apart from His purposes – even evil. Nothing disturbs or puzzles Him. His purposes are always accomplished.  Therefore those who know Him rightly act with the boldness, assured that God is with them to accomplish His own desirable purposes in their lives.”  - James Boice

That gives me so much peace and security… that I can have the assurance to know that God is always working. He has a plan, and nothing can stop it.  Nothing gets in his way.  Not any person, any fear, any memory, any hurt or any pain. He is sovereign.  He is in control.  Like David says in Psalm 27…

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (v.1)

“Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage;

Wait for the Lord!” (v.14)

As a self-proclaimed “Control Freak”, waiting and resting don’t always come natural for me.  But when I consider the benefits, I understand that they are both needed. I have to “Be still… and Know” that God is in control. He is my Rock, and my Redeemer. He has my best interest at heart, and always has.  He WILL fulfill  his purposes for my life. He WILL reveal His glory through my circumstances.

The Apostle Paul reminds us…

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

It’s  a waiting game.  But it’s SO worth it!

Prescription for Joy

Worry Wart.

OCD.

Control Freak.

Short-Fused.

Frazzled and Frustrated.

Defeated.

All of these things have described me at one point or another in my life. Up until a few months ago, I would say that you could have probably used them ALL AT ONCE! 

BUT… God, in his divine provision, has allowed a precious little book to fall into my hands… and I think I have finally found some medicine to cure what ails me.

As a full-time mother of three, part-time middle school teacher, wife to a bi-vocational Executive Pastor, and self-proclaimed people-pleaser, it’s easy to get bogged down.  But as Sally Clarkson reveals in Dancing with My Father, Jesus understands.

“Often, when I have very little margin in my life, I notice that I become less patient, more self-centered and demanding.  Although Jesus always had people following him and making demands of him, he still made time for prayer with his Father and time to develop close relationships with his disciples. Watching the simplicity of Jesus’ life has taught me little by little to do what I can for this moment and complete what I can for this day, then go to bed and sleep restfully, not borrowing trouble for the next day for all the things I haven’t completed. I adjust my expectations to the realities of my life. I seek not to lose or abuse opportunities to love and enjoy those who are precious to me.”

She goes on to say how this has become a discipline in her life.  How she has resolved to CHOOSE JOY no matter the circumstance. How she literally “takes every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and “lays aside every encumbrance… for the JOY set before” (Hebrews 12:1, Hebrews 12:2).

POWERFUL advice.

I think I’ll take it!!

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory”.   -  1 Peter 1:8

Daniel Fast Day 8

Well…

I have successfully completed one week on the program!  I’ve been waking up at 5:30 am every morning to have my time with Jesus before anyone else wakes up.  I have followed the food plan meticulously.  Well… not really.  I messed up a couple of times and had a bit of cheese (at restaurants)… but I have definitely had no meat, no sugar, and no caffeine!

I am studying the book of Daniel (go figure!) each morning, plus reading one Proverb.  In the afternoons I listen to podcasts, or watch messages online, and at night I am reading Beth Moore’s “Believing God”.  Since Daniel took time out three times each day to study/meditate on God’s word, I am trying to follow his example there, also.

As far as results go, today is Day 8, and I have lost 6 pounds since I started.  But that’s not the most impressive thing to me… it’s the closeness I feel to my Father… the intimacy that I felt was so long ago, is beginning to be rekindled.  I know he’s speaking to me… and I am taking the time to listen.  My prayer for a closer walk, and a steadfast faith, is being heard, and He is indulging… I know that’s not rocket science, but it’s big for me.

So, there you have it.  Several of you asked me to keep you posted and I wanted to oblige.  Also, please continue to pray for me.  I am still facing challenges (of course) especially now, because the enemy wants anything BUT a victorious Susanne.  Defeated Christ-followers are easy to keep on the sidelines… Victorious ones, well… they are dangerous.

My ultimate prayer throughout  this experience is that I will become MORE DANGEROUS for My King!!

Calling All Godly Gals!

Hey Y’all!! Just wanted to let you know that I’ve been featured over at Mel’s World, today…

That’s right!! I’m a “Godly Gal!!” :-)

Thanks SO MUCH Melissa, for allowing me to be part of your awesome ministry. I am so honored!!

By the way… if you don’t already read Mel’s World, or follow Melissa on Twitter, you should.  She inspires me Every. Single. Day!!  What an awesome woman of faith!!

So go on over, and say Hello! She’ll be glad to see ya!!

Something I've Learned

I came across a great poem this morning as I was reading PAUL - A Man of Grace and Grit ,by Chuck Swindoll.  The chapter was on leadership, and it closed by looking back over Paul's life and realizing what a change had been made.  The fact that he had been transformed from religious zealot/terrorist to a man full of humility, totally seeking the face and will of God, is astounding.  What, or rather WHO, could make such a change??

This poem offers the answer.

                  I had walked life's way with such an easy tread,

                  I had traveled where pleasures and comfort led.

                  Until one day in a quiet place,

                  I met the Master face to face.

                  With station and rank and wealth for my goal,

                  Much thought for my body but none for my soul,

                  I had entered to win this life's mad race,

                  When I met the Master face to face.

                  I built my castles and reared them high,

                  Til their towers had pierced the blue of the sky;

                  I had sworn to rule with an iron mace,

                  When I met the Master face to face.

                  I met Him, and knew Him and blushed to see,

                  That His eyes full of sorrow were fixed upon Me;

                  I faltered and fell at His feet that day,

                  While my castles melted and vanished away.

                  Melted and vanished and in their place,

                  Nothing else I could see but the Master's face.

                  My thoughts are now for the souls of men,

                  I've lost my life to find it again;

                  Ever since that day in a quiet place,

                  Where I met the Master face to face.

I remember the day I first met the Master.  I was eight years old, and it was the Sunday before Christmas.  I knelt at the altar and gave my life to him.  Since that day, there have been countless other meetings, but I am ashamed to say, not as many as should have been.  Our Master longs to meet with us EACH day, multiple times a day.  He has so much to teach us, so much love to bestow upon us.  And as with the first meeting...each time we take the time to sit with Him, and meet with Him, he transforms us a little more into the person we are intended to become.  I have learned that when I neglect to meet with my Master, I am cheating myself.  There's no way I can get through the stuff of life without Him...and sooner or later, He is going to bring me back to where I meet him best...on my knees.

Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me this truth today.  Like Paul, and like I did so many years ago, I surrender all that I am, and all that I have to you.  I want to live for you, serve you, bring others to know you.  I know now that none of that is possible without one key ingredient...YOU!!!  

"It's all about YOU, JESUS...for YOUR GLORY and YOUR FAME...it's not about me...as if you should do things my way...YOU ALONE ARE GOD, and I surrender to your ways".

(Originally posted 8/22/06... apparently I'm STILL learning!!)

Courageous Prayer

Good morning, all!  It’s such a gloriously beautiful day here in Sunny South Carolina.  I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful start to the week.

As I was going about my business this morning, I decided to clean up a few of the folders in “My Documents” on the computer.  I came across this prayer from my “Having A Mary Spirit” study, a little while back.

Lord Jesus, I give you my life.
I invite You to have Your way in me.
Take me and break me. Shake me and make me.
Fill me and spill me. Change me and rearrange me.
But whatever You do, Lord…don’t leave me the same.
Spirit of wisdom and revelation, I welcome Your work.
Open my eyes so I can see…my ears so I can hear…
I choose truth over comfort, challenge over complacency.
Lord, make me forever Yours.
And most of all, make me like You.
Amen

Wow.  What an awesome prayer!  What courage it takes to pray a prayer such as this.
You see, God has been dealing with me greatly in the last few months.  While I have been praying for healing and restoration from a certain set of circumstances, He has decided to dig deeper.  He is bringing up and bringing out things that I have been holding on to for such a long time… not even realizing it.
I am not going to lie.  Pruning hurts.  As He digs deep into my heart, down to the roots of some issues, there is a lot of  pain and discomfort.  But oh the sweet relief of a lesson learned, a hope revealed, and a dream restored.

My prayer for all of us today, is that God would give us the audacity to pray a prayer like this… for “truth over comfort”… for “challenge over complacency”…

Only then can we experience true the healing Jesus offers us, and the real, full, abundant life that He came to give us.

Here I am, Lord… Have your will and your way in my life… but whatever you do, don’t leave me the same!!

Hungry???

Since January (when I wrote this post and said that one of my goals for 2010 was to read my Bible more and use the SOAP Method to journal my thoughts) I have been a total SLACKER!
Here we are, nearly two months into the year, and I have not read one.single.chapter.  Sure, I get my “Daily Devos” via email, and I also get a little scripture in with each of the three books I am reading (see sidebar), but it’s not the same.  And it’s not enough.
I am hungry for more.  And the only true satisfaction my soul can find, is in the sweet Manna from heaven that the scriptures provide…
So I have decided to commit to a daily reading plan.  I found one over at Discipleship Journal that I love because it mixes up the Old and New Testaments, and adds a Psalm, Proverb, or passage from (my favorite book) Isaiah to each daily reading.
So starting March 1, I will be following the “Book-at-a-Time” plan, and journaling again.  (I have already begun reviewing the book of John, but I wanted to “officially” start at the beginning of a new month, and a new book.) :-)  I am excited about pulling up to the table, and savoring every morsel that the Master provides.
By the way, there’s plenty of room here at my Master’s table, and the banquet is plentiful.  Care to pull up a chair and join me?

Begin Again

I was reading through an old First Place journal this morning, and found an entry I would like to share. An “open prayer”, if you will…

January 3, 2006

Thank you, Lord, for new beginnings!!

In Your Word today I read about the creation… and then the Flood. Even you began again!! Then in Matthew, I read about the birth of your Son, Jesus! Another way you “began again” to restore mankind unto you.

Thank you for these passages of Scripture and for speaking to me through them today. Thank you also for Isaiah 43:18-19. You are making a NEW way!!

I begin again – this day – January 3, 2006 – a NEW life in you.

I totally and completely give you ME. Help me to “deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow you”.

Shine in me and through me! I want to glorify you in all that I do, so that I will truly be a “sparkling light’ to a dark, lost, and dying world.

I love you, Jesus, and I thank you for all you have done for me… I SURRENDER ALL!!

Wow! As I sat here and read those words (you know me…) the tears began to fall. Here, again, I find myself in the midst of a new season… a new beginning.

I’m still clinging to those words in Isaiah 43…

He used an old journal to show me that HE IS doing a NEW THING…

And I will submit whole-heartedly.