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 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~