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.