Performance for Acceptance vs. Obedience because of Love...

Greetings, my Friends! Susie Larson here...

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 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. It's time to announce the winner for the month of May: 

And the winner is...Kathleen Martin. Congratulations, Kathleen! Please email me your mailing address at: info@susielarson.com and thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and insights. 

Yesterday on Live the Promise we had a great time talking with author and Pastor's wife, Becky Harling about her new book, Freedom From Performing: Grace in an Applause-Driven World. *Listen to yesterday's show, it was excellent! Yesterday's Show

 Anyway, we talked about how often fear, insecurity, pride, and the need to people-please drive our decisions and stress out our lives. When we feel the need to perform for others, we miss out on an opportunity to see God do His best work in and through us.

The other day my husband offered to refill my coffee cup. As he walked away I thought about his motivation for doing so. I know why he did it. It's because he loves me. We've been married 26 years. He wasn't trying to impress me or gain special favor with me. He already has my heart. And I have his. I wouldn't have even noticed if he didn't offer to fill my cup. He just did.

That's the kind of relationship Christ wants with us.

If you think about it, to mix fearful or prideful striving with our efforts to please God, is sort of like (or maybe a lot like) mixing grace with the law; something the Bible tells us not to do. Read this great passage from the Message paraphrase:

What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20-21).

Oh, to know this Love. Because then, the Bible says, we will be filled to the fullness of God. As we meditate on the love of God, He takes our cup and fills it. To overflowing. He fills our cup so that we'll have much to give away to a world in need. And we give and serve and love because we've received this and more from Him. We're loved and we love.

Perfect love casts out fear. Knowing He is God is the remedy for striving. Stillness in His presence reminds us that we are His. Obeying and serving and giving because we already have His love brings great joy to His heart.

What's the name of that worship song: Lord, you have my heart. And I will search for Yours. Let me be a pleasing sacrifice... 

May we stop striving to rescue our identity and start responding to God because He has already established it. Yes, Lord.

~Have a great week!

God is Present...

Happy Wednesday, Friends! Susie Larson here...

And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Every month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So leave a post, share an insight, bless lots of people, and you might win a jolt of java for you and a friend!

Last week I had the privilege of interviewing Matthew Barnett on my show (founder of The Dream Center). Let me tell you, if that interview doesn't stoke your fire, your wood might be wet! :) I was so motivated, so inspired after that show, I'm pretty sure you will be too. Listen in if you get the chance: Matthew Barnett Interview

Now on to my topic...

Recently I've been acutely aware of how God is deeply interested in His people and how He sweetly shows up in the small places of life. Last Saturday morning we met with our home group in a friend's basement. Just us and four other couples. Our friend Al strummed a guitar and led us in a very simple time of worship. We didn't sound great, but we all love Jesus and it was an especially sacred time. I looked around the room at the faithful saints in my midst. Each of them had a tattered Bible open in their lap. Each of them has a long history of following Christ wholeheartedly. 

These men and women fear God and walk humbly with Him. They've offered Him their lives and as a result, there's a ripple effect of Redemption in the lives of those around them.

Though the rest of the world did not know we gathered together last Saturday, God did. Scripture says that God is present in the company of the righteous (Psalm 14:5).

God is in the nooks and crannies of life, ministering through His saints in small places, one at a time, two at a time, one small group at a time, one mission team at a time, one youth group at a time. 

And from a distance, these people and teams seem inconsequential in the whole scheme of things. It’s easy to wonder, “Does it really matter if I take a team to minister to a people no one knows about?” "Does it matter if I stop to help someone with a flat tire?" "Does it matter if I pick up the phone and pray with a friend?"

It does matter and God engages with us as we engage with others. The Kingdom of God has come and is coming – one seed a time, one trip at a time, one team at a time. He is present in the company of the righteous. He’s at our meetings, on our trips, weaving Himself in to the fabric of our lives, our faith, and our memories.  Think about it: our memories of God's involvement in our lives strengthens our sense of identity in Him. 

I pray you'll never underestimate the power of one life lived for God - your life. Singing songs in the car with your children, smiling at your husband when you'd rather not, caring for a stranger who needs your help - all of these random acts of kindness are noted by God and He is right there with you. He is present with us because He cares so deeply about the people He has made in His image. 

To quote lyrics from my friend Sara Groves, "It's a little stone, it's a little mortar, it's a little seed, it's a little water in the hearts of the sons and daughters, this Kingdom's coming." (Kingdom Comes from her 'Add to the Beauty' album)

Press on in His Name. May His Kingdom advance in and through you! 

Bless you this week!

Make Room For Peace This Season...

Greetings, Dear Friends!

Susie Larson here...

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 leave a comment, share a story or insight, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend! 

It's time to announce the winner for November. Drum roll, please...

Nena Harvath, congratulations! Please contact me through my website and send me your mailing address and we'll get the gift card out in the mail to you (PS - you must claim your prize before I announce next month's winner). Blessings to you and thanks for stopping by! 

As most of you know, I have a radio show,Live the Promise with Susie Larson The program now airs 6 days a week! Join us every weekday from 2:30-3:00 CST, and on Saturdays from noon to one, KTIS AM 900, on the Faith Radio Network, or listen online at: www.faith900.com We've had some amazing guests and some powerful dialogue. Hope you can join us!

Also, I want you to have the inside scoop. Be sure to check my Facebook page for a heads up on my weekly giveaways (that way you'll know when to call for a book you may want). I'll also post daily questions and may read your comments on the air.  

Now on to my topic...

This morning I had a great conversation with my sister. We talked about our bursting-at-the-seams task lists along with our desire to enjoy a better pace, a deeper peace, and a few sacred pauses this season. I'm not sure how you do it, but I'd like to share a few ideas that have worked for me over the years.

Remember, the holiday season only lasts a few short weeks. Typically we cram in our already crammed schedule, a bunch of parties, an 'ought-to' cookie exchange that we don't particularly enjoy, and a handful of other activities that make us more tired than joyful. 

Now granted, maybe a cookie exchange is the just the thing that brings you joy. Well, then, that's the very activity you should make time for in your schedule.

But, as Believers in Christ Jesus, as followers of our Most Sacred King, we must make room for HIM this season. We must not be at the mercy of the commercial craziness all around us! Just how do we engage in a better pace, embrace a deeper peace, and pause long enough to marvel at the works of God?

Here are a few ideas...

Postpone: Chances are, you've made for yourself an impossible task list this holiday season. Are there engagements you can postpone until after the holidays? Are there tasks that can wait? Can you make a few calls thereby making a little more room in the Inn this season? I encourage you to do just that.

Plan NOT to have Plans: Right now, before the month gets away from you, mark of at least one (better yet, two) nights a week where you plan not to have plans. Let your children miss practice, tell your church committee you need to be home this week. The world will go on even if you miss a meeting or two. Of course, you want to fulfill your responsibilities to others, but if those responsibilities take you away from Jesus, you might want to make some adjustments sooner than later. I promise you, you won't regret making extra room for Jesus this holiday season.

Practice the Pause: Every chance you get, stop in your tracks and take a brief moment to pause, to be still and know that our God is the One and Only, the True Almighty, the Lover of our Souls, and the Maker of Heaven and earth. Look around you and see His handiwork. Embrace the gift of living in a free country where you can lift your hands and praise Him in public, without fear for your life. Sit by the Christmas tree with a cup of cider and exhale; thank Him for your warm home and comfortable bed. Practicing the pause is excellent for your health and even better for your spirit. Cease striving and know that He is God!

Determine now to make room in your life, in your heart, and in your holidays for the Prince of Peace. I promise, you won't be sorry!

So, what do you do to make the holidays a sacred season? I'd love to know!

~Until Next Week

Wise in Your Own Eyes?

 

Greetings, Dear Friends!

Susie Larson here...

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 leave a comment, share a story or insight, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend! It's time to announce the winner for September (where did the month go?):

Vanessa Anderson, congratulations! Contact me through my website and include your mailing address and we'll get your gift card in the mail within the next two weeks (you need to claim your prize before I announce next month's winner). Blessings to you!

As most of you know, I have a new radio show,Live the Promise with Susie Larson The program now airs 6 days a week! Join us every weekday from 2:30-3:00 CST, and on Saturdays from noon to one, KTIS AM 900, on the Faith Radio Network, or listen online at: www.faith900.com

You won't want to miss this Saturday's show. My guest is Rebecca Nichols Alonzo, author of the gripping true story, "The Devil in Pew Number Seven." Rebecca shares her unbelievable story of harassment, trauma, and forgiveness. Don't miss this show! 

Also, I want you to have the inside scoop. Be sure to check my Facebook page for a heads up on my weekly giveaways (that way you'll know when to call for a book you may want). I'll also post daily questions and may read your comments on the air. Let's do this together! 

Now on to my topic...

Lately I've been hanging around in Proverbs 3:3-10, just meditating on these verses and committing them to memory. As I prayed about this week's blog post, one verse repeatedly came to the forefront of my mind:

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil (verse 7). 

As I pondered this verse, thought through it a bit, and asked the Lord for clarity, this is what came to me: To be wise in our own eyes is to trust ourselves, to believe in ourselves (apart from God), and to rely on ourselves. In essence, it's to say, "I've got this." 

We are far too easily impressed with our efforts and are quite quick to rely on our own understanding of things. Especially when the wisdom needed involves our area of experience.

Now hear me correctly. It's okay and normal to feel a certain level of comfort with things we know. But where we get into trouble is when we find ourselves impressed with our own wisdom; when we feel pride over our own experiences; and when we allow what we know to define who we are.

Think about it. The devil got himself kicked out of heaven because he shifted his hope from God to himself; in essence he declared, "I've got this."

When our kids were growing up we earnestly taught them that pride was one of the worst attitudes they could embrace (because it was the very thing that sent the devil hurling from heaven). 

The Bible reminds us that we can do nothing of substance apart from Christ. And anything done apart from faith, is a sin (we should tackle that scripture one of these days). We cannot please the Father unless faith is present.

In other words, our core belief should not be one of "I've got this" but rather, "You've got me, Lord." Whether we know our way around a topic, or we find ourselves in over our heads, we can humbly declare, "You've got me, Lord. In all things, in all places, in every circumstance; in small offerings and abundant ones, in easy tasks and heroic feats, You've got me, Lord. I live to please You. I am thrilled that You carry me. And I don't want to breathe a breath of life without You in it. I'm so grateful that You've got me." 

 The rest of the verse reads: Fear the Lord and shun evil...

We fear the Lord by giving Him His proper place in our lives. We honor Him, respect Him, listen to Him, and trust Him. And we shun evil by putting giving the devil his proper place in our lives - under our feet. We refuse to entertain thoughts that elevate ourselves or our circumstances above the One who holds us every minute of the day.

And the next verse reads: This will bring health to your body and strength to your frame. 

Powerful stuff. We could spend weeks on this passage, no?

Have a blessed week and may the Lord fill you with wisdom from above! A wisdom that He owns but entrusts to you, knowing you'll humbly steward it well; giving all of the glory back to Him.

~Until next week...

Shut the Door!

 

Greetings, Dear Friends!

Susie Larson here...

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. For the months of March AND April I am giving away away a gift card and a couple of copies of my new book, "Growing Grateful Kids" so leave a post, share an insight, bless lots of people, and just maybe you'll win a fun treat this month!

It's time to announce the winners for April:

$10.00 Gift Card goes to: Pam Carlson - Congratulations!

Copy of 'Growing Grateful Kids' goes to: Nicole H.

Copy of 'Growing Grateful Kids' goes to Katherine Miller

Please email me with your mailing address and we'll get your gifts in the mail! (info@susielarson.com) 

One more fun piece of information:

Post a review of my new book, "Growing Grateful Kids" on Amazon and enter to win a 4GB I-Pod Shuffle! 

Now on to my topic...

This morning I posted these words on my Facebook page: 

Joy Stealer: Looking for man's approval when you already have God's abounding love and acceptance.

You'd think I would know by now not to allow myself any deep introspection on Mondays. Let me explain. During the fall and spring seasons I do a lot of speaking on the weekends. And really, I've learned - for the most part - not to look inward too much on Mondays. As I rule, I typically guard my thoughts, refuse to look over my shoulder, or obsess over what I could have done or said differently. And really, for the most part, that's just what I do. I look ahead. I work out. I catch up on things around the house and on my computer. And I thank God by faith for how He moved at the event. Then I go on to pray for the women I just spoke to. All of these things keep me focused forward on the things God has given me to do for that day.

But...every once in a while, someone says something that gets in or takes me by surprise, and like a little rat that wiggles its way through the smallest crack in the door, fear and self-awareness finds its way in where faith and God-awareness reigned. I hate it when that happens!

Thankfully, though, it doesn't take me as long to get myself back to the place of peace and assurance. Even so, that door should never be open. You know the door I'm talking about: the one that leads to your value and acceptance as someone who belongs to God. Yes, people will reject and betray us, but they still don't have the power to diminish or decide our value. Right?

Read this excerpt from my book, "The Uncommon Woman"

Giving people easy access to dethrone our identity and devastate us is not healthy. Deep in our souls there must be an inner chamber where only Jesus resides. It's  in that place where Jesus sits on the throne of our lives. By His very presence there, we are made, and continually made whole. He has already decided our worth, so it must never be up for grabs again. Since we belong to God, we can rule in the midst of our enemies (See Psalm 110:2). Some people are just plain mean; and others, misguided. We can be kind to these people but we don't have to let them (or their words) in. Others might be on to something when they point out our flaws, but if they possess no fear of God, we must confidently leave their presence and bring ourselves before the Lord. In that safe and holy place we confess our sin, admit our need for more of Him, and then throw ourselves on the mercy of heaven's court." (p. 111)

God knows our frame. He doesn't forget that we are human. But He loves us still. And His Son paid an exorbitant price to save us. Our worth is a settled issue.

It's just true. We all need to be reminded of this from time to time. We all have days when the cold winds blow that door open and leave us vulnerable to the lies of the enemy. But every day, may we identify ourselves with the Lord, as His very own. Every day, may we embrace His love as the defining factor of our lives. And every day, may we turn and love others in the way that He has loved us, because we can.

Until next week~