Living in Response to God...

 

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! 

As most of you know, I have a new radio show, Live the Promise with Susie Larson. The program airs every Saturday morning from noon to 1:00 CST. And guess what? We are going live on weekdays too, starting Monday, September 20th (from 2:30-3:00 CST). Tell your friends and listen in! I'll be doing giveaways on the air every week. 

I have a great line up next week! Dr. Jack Hayford, Gary Thomas, and Leigh Ann Tuohy (Blindside) are some of my guests. Be sure to tune in.

And, a quick note about this week's show! My guest this week is my friend and fellow author Grace Fox. We'll be talking about her book, "Moving From Fear to Freedom." Far too often we are bullied by our fears! But we will never experience all God has for us unless we are willing to put those fears under our feet. This was a powerful show. Be sure to listen in on KTIS AM 900, or listen online at: www.faith900.com 

Now on to my topic...

After taking a brisk walk with my daughter-in-law tonight, I sat down to write this week's blog. I had some ideas about what to write, but then my son Luke called and I spent the next hour on the phone with him. And what a rich time it was! 

Luke struggles with some chronic fatigue. He doesn't sleep well at night (I struggle at times with sleeplessness, so I know what a drain this battle can be). And yet, he loves Jesus and he loves his wife. He rises every morning and works two jobs (bank teller on weekdays, worship pastor on weekends). And right now, amidst all he is carrying, he is pressing in to know God more. I absolutely love his heart and am so very proud of him. :)

I'm going to share one of the many observations he shared with me tonight.

You remember the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector, recorded in Luke 19, right? He was a rich little man who swindled his neighbors by taking more 'taxes' than were due. When Jesus called him from his perch, he became a different man altogether. 

Referring to Zacchaeus, Luke said, "I've thought, and thought about this story. And I suppose I could give up our apartment, and give away my possessions, and go empty handed because it seems like the right thing to do to follow Christ. But when I looked deeper into this story, I realized that 'I' am not the point here, nor is my 'doing' the point. The whole essence of this story is that whatever He calls me to give or give up, I'll do it. Why? Because Jesus is worth it. Whatever He asks of us is small in comparison to what we gain in Him. When the focus is on our obligation, we somehow miss the living relationship that Jesus wants with us. But when our focus shifts to all that Christ is, and how worth it He is, we can give up all to follow Him. And the 'all' looks different on each one of us because we're all at different places in our walks of faith."

Isn't that profound?

Right away I thought of that passage from 1 Corinthians 13 that says, "If I give away all I have to the poor and throw my body into the flames...but have not love, I am nothing." Again, one could read this with the perspective that this is yet another 'should do' or 'ought to' that we had better be applying to our lives - but then we're left with the idea that it's all up to us. And yet, the Bible says that apart from Christ, we-can-do-nothing.

Ephesians 3:19 compels us to 'know this love (His Love) THAT WE MAY BE FILLED with the fullness of God.' When we are filled up with God's love, we spill it out to the world in need. We respond to God's love by giving more of ourselves back to Him. 

Love called Zacchaeus down from that tree. Love compelled him to do a 180, and turn his life around. His choices were in response to Christ's love for him, not in reaction to what he thought might be the right thing to do at the moment.

How does our faith-walk become so rote, so boring, and so life-less? It's from saying yes out of obligation when we should have said no because Jesus was not calling us at that particular moment. It's from growing apathetic in our pursuit of God because of our pursuit of things has left us bored. If we dared to press in and to wait on God, and if we were quiet and still long enough to listen for His voice, we would surely hear Him call us up, call us out, and ask us for special gifts that only we can give. And our response to Him would be the most super-natural thing in the world. 

Jesus doesn't want our obligatory efforts, He wants our hearts, our minds, our souls, and our talents. He wants everything from us, but not because we ought to, but because we get to. And you know what? It'll be our honor because we will know intimately, the One who calls us; we will know His love; and with everything in us, we will know that no gift we can bring is too much, because He is worth it. 

Need a fresh touch from the Lord?

With all your heart, ask Him, 'Draw me, Lord! Awaken my heart! Increase my thirst! Stir up my faith! I want more of You in my life! I can do nothing apart from You! My soul waits upon the Lord. In His Word I do hope!'

~Until next week... 

A Place of Safety & Significance...

 

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 the month of August. Drum roll, please...

Kelly Black, you've won a $10.00 gift card from Starbucks! Email me at: info@susielarson.com with your mailing address and we'll get the card out within 1-2 weeks. (PS - you must claim your prize before I announce next month's winner). Blessings one and all!

As most of you know, I have a new radio show, Live the Promise with Susie Larson. The program airs every Saturday morning from noon to 1:00 CST. And guess what? We are going live on weekdays starting in October! More details to follow...

And, a quick note about this week's show! You won't want to miss my interview with Lisa Cherry and her daughter Kalyn as they talk about how a family friend from church, who was three times Kayln's age, lured her into a phone-sex relationship that almost destroyed her life. Kalyn's mom is a popular speaker with Acquire the Fire and this was a powerful interview about protecting your family. Listen in on KTIS AM 900, or listen online at: www.faith900.com 

Now on to my topic...

Okay, I'm going to get this out of the way at the outset: what I'm about to share may or may not make sense to you, but this is what God has been speaking to me these days, and it's what I feel I'm supposed to share with you. So here goes...

I've just come through a transitional season of life. And I learned that with such a season, comes the temptation to wonder too much; to worry too much; and to grab for a quick solution rather than wait for God's best solution. During times of transition when things don't exactly feel predictable, it's easy to look to your right and to your left, and to commit the sin of comparison.

One morning while praying my way through my process, the Lord spoke this to my heart, "Your place during this season is to stay especially close to Me. Your posture is to be that of a 'Grateful Slave.' 

I loved how Jude introduced himself at the beginning of the book of Jude. He identified himself as follows: A bondservant of the Most High God and the brother of James. 

We are too quick to lay claim to our successes and also, too quick to bear the shame of our past sins. And yet, under the new covenant, we can claim neither of those as our own. We are made new and hidden in Christ. 

I am a grateful bondservant of the Most High God; so thankful to even be linked in fellowship with Him. I refuse to look to the right or to the left, or to compare myself with those who are more or less successful than I am. (I've said this here before, but...) Those comparisons bear rotten fruit: either pride or despair. 

As I keep my face in His hands I remember who I am to Him and who He is to me. 

The Bible says that God actually has to humble Himself to behold the things of Heaven! Imagine that! He is so awesome and mighty, He has to stoop down to look upon heaven and earth (Psalm 113). This is the God I serve.

When I narrow the distance between us, and I take my rightful place as a humble servant of the Most High God, there is no room for stomping feet and shaking fists, because I have no entitlement, no claim to anything except His love - which is everything. When I narrow the distance between us, I have no room in my life for fear, doubt, worry, or insecurity because I am beloved of the One who is higher than the Heavens. 

When you take your position as a Grateful Slave - He gets the credit, He gets the glory. There's no room for comparison, competition, or jealousy. This is HIS Kingdom we serve, His Kingdom we are building; we are miraculously blessed to be a part. Only what is done for Christ will last. We are blessed to be a blessing. 

We get out of sync with our 'rights and our purposes' when we get out of step with His love and His greatness. We are everything to Him, but nothing without Him.

Our safest place, our most significant place is that of a Grateful Slave; bound to Him in love, connected to Him by faith; kept by His grace, established in His purposes.

The amazing thing is, when we humble ourselves before Him, He sets us in high places, with the princes of His people (Psalm 113). When we take our rightful place before Him, He lifts us up to places we have no business being if not for His endorsement and favor. But first and foremost, every day, and always, we are humbly His. He gets to decide how we serve, where we serve, and when we serve. 

I'd rather scrub floors in the house of my God, than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin. All sunshine and sovereign is God; generous in gifts and glory (Psalm 84:10 MSG).

~Until next week

Hope is Your Rope...

 

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! 

As most of you know, I have a new radio show, Live the Promise with Susie Larson. The program airs every Saturday morning from noon to 1:00 CST. And guess what? We may be going live-daily in the fall! I have a special prayer request for you: Will you stand with me in believing God for a sponsor for the show? I'll keep you posted. Thank you so much!

Last week my guest was Christin Ditchfield and we had an engaging conversation about the power of our words. We talked about her new book, "A Way With Words: What Women Should Know About the Power They Possess." Check out the podcast from that show. 

And, I am REALLY excited about this week's show! Listen in as my guest is Chrissy Toledo (daughter of author and Pastor Jim Cymbala - Brooklyn Tabernacle and Carol Cymbala, director of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir) shares about her prodigal journey away from God's heart, and how she found her way home again. Listen in on KTIS AM 900, or listen online at: www.faith900.com 

Now on to my topic...

We recently bought a six-month-old rescue puppy from the Humane Society. He is a strong-muscle-bound dog. When we go for a walk, I have a firm grip on the leash.

My daily walks with him have compelled me to see one of my memory verses in a whole new light.

First let's take a look at the verse:

Hebrews 6:19 ~ This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, leading us past the outer curtain and in to the inner sanctuary. 

Our hope is in the Lord. Our salvation in Him gives us access to Him. 

The other day I read Hebrews 6:19 in several different translations, a number of which provided a more vivid picture for me. This hope we have anchors us to the inner sanctuary. 

Think about it, just as I had a firm hold on my puppy's leash - God has a firm hold on us. We are tethered to the inner courts. The anchor for our soul holds fast and secure. The very fact that we have access, we have God's attention, and we have His involvement - allows us to live with great hope.

Scripture reminds us that our hope in HIM purifies us (See 1 John 3:3). 

We are so quick to look at our circumstances and to become hopeless, or to look at our superior efforts, and become prideful. But the One who put the stars in place holds everything important in His hand. It's in His hand to make great, to establish, and to bring the break through at the right time.

If, while at the bottom of our pit of despair, we let go of hope, we let go of the rope - of the anticipation and expectation that our God has us and will come through for us. The thing is, we can walk away from our end of the rope, but He never will. 

Read this wonderful passage from the Message paraphrase:

The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope (Colossians 1:5). 

You are tethered to the inner courts of God, held fast by your loving Savior. NEVER give up hope! Never quit! Though everything around you screams hopelessness - you have a living hope and His name is Jesus. 

He will make a way where there seems to be no way.

You are precious to Him and He has His eye on you. Be of good cheer and hope in the Lord. You have absolute access to the inner courts. You have His ear. You have His heart. He loves you so very much.

~Blessings to you! Until next week...

There's Power & Safety in Honoring God...

 

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! 

Now on to my topic...

Over the past several weeks, I've mentioned my new radio show, Live the Promise with Susie Larson which launched in June (airs noon to 1:00 CST every Saturday). My guest last Saturday was author, speaker, and mighty man of God, R.T. Kendall. We had a powerful conversation about the things of God, and we talked about his new book, "The Lord's Prayer" ((For more information on my show, go to: www.faith900.com )) To listen to my interview with R.T., go to: R.T. Kendall Interview...

Prior to recording each show, I ask my guests to send me a verse that is especially close to their hearts. R.T. Kendall chose the following verse:

No wonder you can't believe! For you gladly honor each other but you don't care about the honor that comes from the One who alone is God (John 5:44). 

In other words, how can you possibly have a right perspective of God when you have such a wrong perspective of others' opinions? How can you have faith in an Almighty God when you put more stock in the praises of men? As long as you live for the applause and accolades of this world, you will miss out on what it means to participate in the divine nature of Christ (See 2 Peter 1:4 and Romans 1:20). 

If we want our lives to really count, really make an impact, our egos and constant need for approval must die.

I love this verse: I've been crucified with Christ and it's no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20). That says it all, don't you think?

During the interview, R.T. Kendall shared how this verse put the fear of God in him. He determined, for the rest of his life, not to play to the praises of men. R.T. is after the blessing and honor that comes from God alone. He doesn't want anything to stand in the way of God's highest and best plan for him. He truly believes that by caring too much about the opinions of man, he will diminish God's influence in his life. And He is absolutely right. 

I often reference this passage from Proverbs 29:25...

The fear of MAN is a snare (or a trap), but the fear of God brings safety (or freedom).

Scripture says that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (see Psalm 111:10). To fear God is just to begin to understand how big He really is.

Scripture says that when we humble ourselves under the power of the Most High God, He will lift us up and honor us in due time (see 1 Peter 5:6). Imagine.

Everywhere you look in Scripture, you find that our greatest place is to live humbly before the Lord. It's in that place where we find safety, freedom, provision, and even honor and strength. Be encouraged as you read the Word, God loves us so much; He even wants to honor us! Imagine that! But His glory must be safe with us.

Read this wonderful quote from the devotional, "Streams in the Desert"

There's no limit to what God can do through you provided you do not seek your own glory."

And this is from the devotional "God Calling"

I will set you on high because you have known My Name, but it must be a purified you to be so exalted." 

Take a step back this week from the need to be noticed, recognized, or acknowledged by man. Don't be too quick to eat up the praises of men, and don't be too quick to be defeated by their criticisms. God is present in the company of the righteous. He is with you. Care about what He thinks. Honor Him above all else. Humble yourself before Him and in due time, you will see Him do great things in and through you.

Have a blessed, humble, powerful week.

Rise Up and Stand Strong!

 

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! 

Two quick announcements:

In celebration of my newest release, Growing Grateful Kids, I'm giving away a 4G-I-pod Shuffle to someone who posts a book review on Amazon (only one month left on this promotion!). Go to my Facebook page, click on the Free I-pod! tab for more information. 

My new radio show, Live the Promise with Susie Larson launches this Saturday (Noon to 1:00 CST)! My guest is national recording artist, Sara Groves. We'll be talking about what it means to be so in tune with Jesus, that He uses us to be the answer to someone's prayers. For more information, go to: www.Faith900.com 

Now, on to my topic...

I don't know about you, but everywhere I turn, I see people enduring incredibly difficult times. And yet, amidst those difficult times, God is doing some amazing things. Even in our own family, we've had some significant crises. 

Recently, my brother in law and nephew were anchored in a bay fishing when they were hit by a speeding boat. The boat actually hit my brother in law as he was trying to jump out of his boat. He has a long road of recovery ahead of him. My mom was rushed to the hospital with chest pains and ended up needing a couple of stints to open up the vessels around her heart. My youngest son, who was miraculously healed two years ago from a serious back injury, woke up yesterday morning and could barely walk. He did nothing to injure his back. And yet, the doc says he has a new herniated disc. Crazy times. And yet, God is on the move all around us. Every where I turn, I see glimpses of His glory, evidences of His love.

A fellow author friend, Leslie Vernick, says that in life, we often experience those 'yea' moments right alongside the 'ugh' moments. How true. 

As I have prayed earnestly for friends and family members who are fighting some intense battles, I get the feeling that this is how it is going to be in the days to come, and yet with an even greater intensity. We will experience increasingly powerful yea moments right alongside the gut-wrenching ugh moments.

The Bible says that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord raises up a standard against him! No attack launched by the enemy will go unanswered. We are in a war and our battle is not against flesh and blood, or even the people who seem to have it out for us. Read what the Scriptures say:

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities in the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). 

There is a very real spiritual war going on, and if our earthly pursuit is for a comfortable, pain-free life, we will be sorely disappointed, and even worse yet, taken by surprise. 

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting, you'll still be on your feet (Ephesians 6:13).

I believe that we are entering times where we will see God do some amazing things! People you never thought would surrender to Christ, will bend their knee to Him and surrender their lives. Circumstances in which you never thought you'd see break through, will suddenly break through. Children you never thought would come home to their faith, will come running. I believe it! 

But, at the same time, the devil fights dirty. He will not give up his stolen territory without a fight. So, we have a choice here. We can sit and feel sorry for ourselves, and allow ourselves to become totally disillusioned by the arrows that zing past our head, or we can raise up our shield and sword, stand on the Word of truth, and see ourselves as the over-comers we are!

In Christ, we HAVE the victory! Overwhelming victory is ours. We are more than conquerors because Jesus has made it so. 

Read this great quote:

If a person allows it, he can find something at every turn of the road that will rob him of his victory and his peace of mind. Satan is far from retiring from his work of attempting to deceive and destroy God's children...(BUT)...faith can change any situation, no matter how dark or difficult. Lifting your heart to God in a moment of genuine faith in Him can quickly alter your circumstances. God is still on His throne, and He can turn defeat into victory in a split second, if we will only trust Him. --Marshal Ferdinand Foch

It's all about our focus and perspective. If we dwell on the TRUTH and fix our eyes on Jesus, the final victory is sure. 

Rise up and stand strong. All of heaven is on your side!

Blessings to you this week. 

~Until next week.