A Greater Love...
Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 5:42AM 
Greetings, Dear Friends!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So share a story or an insight, bless lots of people, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and friend!
NEW RELEASE!!!
I am very excited to announce the release of my newest book, "Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience in God's Heart for Justice."
Bless my socks off and pick up a copy today! I believe the message of this book is an important word for women in our day. Follow the Amazon link below to get a look at my book. Please post a review if you've had the chance to read 'Embracing Your Freedom' (thank you so much!):
Embracing Your Freedom on Amazon...
Last month, in light of the Thanksgiving holiday, we explored some uncommon aspects of giving thanks. This month, in light of our Savior's birth, we'll spend the next few weeks exploring different ideas around giving and receiving 'gifts.'
Now on to my topic...
Can you think of a time recently when you didn't get your way? Maybe somebody promised you something and then they forgot about it. Or maybe you had every right to think a certain someone would come through for you only to be left high and dry. How did you respond to such a disappointment?
Recently I spent some time reflecting on the following passage:
"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever" (1 John 2:15-17 NLT).
I like this version because it describes how the world offers 'only a craving' but not the answer for our souls, not the real and lasting satisfaction for which we were designed.
Read this excerpt from my, "Believer's Bible Commentary":
When a banks is breaking, smart people do not deposit in it. When the foundation is tottering, intelligent builders do not proceed. Concentrating on this world is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. So wise people do not live for a world that is passing away. But he who does the will of God abides forever." (p. 2314).
Just how does a 'love for the world' manifest in us? Well, in many ways, but here's one: Our want for credit and glory and recognition! Even when we are overlooked and have a seemingly legitimate reason to gripe - we must know that it is in those places where we have the opportunity to please God most. Can we serve and give just for Him and Him alone? Do we always have to receive our 'fair pay' and proper credit?
When an insatiable craving for recognition rises up within us, and we grab for ourselves something God would have eventually given us, the love of God through us, diminishes in those competitive moments. During those times when we love and crave what the world loves and craves, God's love ceases to operate within us. But when we humble ourselves, and trust God's timing and goodness, when we die to our imagined rights that we might live for Christ, the power of the Kingdom is released in those hidden and obscure places.
Consider Joseph in the Old Testament. He was falsely accused, horrifically betrayed, and then overlooked in prison after being used of God to help others. What was his response? In all things, Joseph humbly honored God, knowing that God would establish him in due time.
Will we be faithful in such a test? Faithful with the opportunity to love when an offense would be easier? Will we refuse to pick up a stone, and pick up our cross instead?
We die daily that we might grow deeper.
May we love and live and serve and give for an audience of One. He will establish and bless us in due time.
John 15:13 ~ Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
God bless you this week!
Until next week~
Reader Comments (11)
There is NOTHING greater and more fulfilling than knowing I'm cherished by Jesus and yet this temptation to seek that affirmation from others is something I certainly have to guard against. Great post, Susie! Thanks!
I love the NLT translation you gave...craving certainly fits how my life has been. Craving the world and security so much, and God has recently pulled the rug out from under us. My husband is losing his job. His employer, our small town's only industry, is closing the doors. People are devastated. I have been devastated.
During those times when we love and crave what the world loves and craves, God's love ceases to operate within us. But when we humble ourselves, and trust God's timing and goodness, when we die to our imagined rights that we might live for Christ, the power of the Kingdom is released in those hidden and obscure places.
Amen! God is showing me that there is so much more to life than job security! He is radically redefining my life and my perspective through this time. I could go on & on...but I'm trying to remind myself this is a comment and not a blog post! (Besides, I've been writing a series about our journey on my blog!)
It's been a year of adversity and str-r-r-etching, so I look for laughs and light moments where I can. My Aunt who lives near Minneapolis sent me the following. It hits my funny bone while also offering sage advice that tracks with many principles in "Uncommon" -- hopefully the following will spread some levity while driving home life lessons! (Susie, does the following do justice to the essence of "Uncommon"?)
Here is what is called "Old Farmer's Advice":
Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight, and bull-strong.
Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
Words that soak into our ears are whispered ... not yelled.
Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.
Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.
Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.
It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.
You cannot unsay a cruel word.
Every path has a few puddles.
When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
The best sermons are lived, not preached.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.
Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't bothering you none.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with watches you from the mirror every mornin'.
Always drink upstream from the herd.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta' that comes from bad judgment.
Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.
If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
Live simply.Love generously.Care deeply.Speak kindly.Leave the rest to God.
I hope this encourages someone as it has me! Isn't God gracious to give us truth and laughter that are sometimes bundled together?
Thanks, Susie, for pointing us to the Lord's truth in the "Uncommon Woman" . . . who I think may know this wise ol' farmer!
In Christ,Dawn(Rowlett, TX)
Re: SPAM-LOW: [www.susielarson.com] Jami submitted a comment to "A Greater Love..."
Dear Jami,
If only we had a constant and continual awareness of our place with God – isn’t that the ultimate goal? How we would live differently in light of His love! I’m sure you’ve heard me mention this before, but my life verse is Psalm 116:9 ~ And so I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth. Love that. :)
When we forget who we are, we start grabbing for quick fixes to satisfy cravings that can only be satisfied in Him. May we all remember to look up. On the hour.
Bless you!Susie
If only we had a constant and continual awareness of our place with God – isn’t that the ultimate goal? How we would live differently in light of His love! I’m sure you’ve heard me mention this before, but my life verse is Psalm 116:9 ~ And so I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth. Love that. :)
When we forget who we are, we start grabbing for quick fixes to satisfy cravings that can only be satisfied in Him. May we all remember to look up. On the hour.
Bless you!Susie
I was so blessed by your post. Thank you for sharing your story with us! May all who read it lift you up in prayer. I have a dear friend walking through a similar situation and as painful and scary it has been, she'd tell you herself that God is absolutely transforming her from the inside out. The pulls of the world have lost their power; her fears have lost their teeth; and the promises and presence of God mean more to her than ever. God has been her ever present help in this time of trouble and I know He'll do the same for you. These refining times are preparing God's people to stand in a day those who don't know Him will need to SEE the Gospel in action. God bless you, and stand strong my friend!
I was so encouraged to read that you continued the Uncommon study even though you moved! What tenacity! And I laughed as I read your 'Old Farmer's Advice.' Some good advice there. :)
You've made my day! Thanks for your comments about the 'Freedom' book. I really appreciate it. May God move in and through you as you read! Blessings~