Eventually, the Light WILL Break Through...

 

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 Starbucks gift card winner for July. Drum roll please...

Christy Mitchell, congratulations! You are the winner of a Starbucks $10.00 gift card! Just email me at info@susielarson.com with your address (before I announce next month's winner) and I'll get your card in the mail. Thanks everyone for your posts!

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'll keep you posted. 

Last week my guest was Pam Pierce and we had a great conversation about her new book, "The Rewards of Simplicity." She says that living a simplified life has everything to do with our faith in God. I agree. Check out the podcast from that show. This Saturday, my guest is Christin Ditchfield and we'll talk about the power of our words and about her new book, "A Way With Words: What Women Should Know About the Power They Possess." Listen in on KTIS AM 900, or listen online at: www.faith900.com 

Now on to my topic...

I've observed something in the past year that has really captured my attention. I've noticed two distinct 'camps' among Christians (although, there are many more sub-groups among Christians than these). One on side you see unapologetic, sold-out, passionate followers of Christ who are sincerely concerned about the times, and, serious about their role in the Kingdom story. On the other hand, you also see a large contingency of Christians, totally consumed with their everyday life, totally oblivious to the urgency of the times and ignorant of their role in the events that are unfolding before our eyes.

These two distinctions are especially apparent among the young people in our day, but they exist in older more 'seasoned' Christians as well. 

Another thing I've noticed is how many of the sincere-sold-out Christians are in the fire right now; going through the battle of their lives; fighting for their homes, their marriages, and their sense of security. Godly people are learning to suffer well, and yet are desperate for their breakthroughs.

Though I'm not presently in the fire like some of my friends are, I've got a number of heavy burdens that I'm carrying close to my heart; things in which I've waited and longed for a breakthrough. And yet, I have seen little to no evidence that my prayers are working.

However, every time I'm tempted to view my prayers as inconsequential, or to pull back from my stubborn stance of faith, I remind myself of this truth (and I say it out loud so that my own ears can hear it):

The earnest prayer of a righteous man or woman accomplishes great and powerful things! (See James 5:16). 

The other day while biking the trails and praying about those things that weigh heavily upon me, God brought a wonderful revelation to my heart. I saw a picture in my mind of a brick wall. I was on one side (with all of the forces of heaven standing with me, agreeing with me; and with the Light of God's truth shining on me, and showing me how to pray). On the other side of the wall were those walking in darkness. They are blind to the ways the enemy has dulled their senses. 

Though they were on one side of what seemed like an impenetrable wall, and I on the other, all at once I began to see the impact of my prayers. Every prayer I prayed was like a wrecking ball to that thick brick wall, chipping away at the enemy's shrewdly constructed fortress. Eventually, the bricks crumbled and broke and the light broke through. 

The Bible says that when you pray God's will, you can KNOW that you have what you've asked for. Pray His Word, pray His will, and you will see the Kingdom of God advance through your prayers.

He desires that we walk in fullness and freedom with Him. He desires that we know and love Him for who He is (not for who the world has made Him out to be). He desires that those who walk in darkness would come into the light. He desires to comfort the suffering, refresh the weary, restore the broken, and provide for those in need. He is a good God; a powerful God; and He is on a rescue mission. He has determined to work through our prayers! 

Pray earnestly, with GREAT faith, my friend! Every prayer is like a wrecking ball to the enemy's plans. You may not see it, but God is at work in your midst. He moves on the prayers of His people. Most of our prayers - at first - initiate invisible changes. But suddenly - oh how I love that word! - yes, suddenly, the light will break through and things will start to change.

Do not look down. Do not give up. Look up. Stand strong. Know the power of His Word!

Blessings to you this week~

Susie 

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.

Taking Part in a Loaves & Fishes Miracle...

 

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 week left on this promotion!). Go to my Facebook page, click on the Free I-pod! tab for more information. My quarterly E-zine goes out on July 15th and I'll announce the winner at that time.

My new radio show, Live the Promise with Susie Larson launched several weeks ago (airs noon to 1:00 CST every Saturday)! My guest this Saturday is clinical social worker and author Leslie Vernick. We'll talk about her new book, "Lord, I Just Want to be Happy." Is happiness our right as Believers? You may be surprised by her answer. Be sure to listen in! For more information, go to: www.faith900.com 

Now, on to my topic...

This morning I re-read my blog post from last week simply because my thoughts continue to linger around the significance of Jesus' encounters with His disciples described in the Gospel of Mark. 

Let's take a look at the first several verses in chapter eight:

In those days, the multitude being very great and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and said to them, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their own houses, they will faint on the way; for some of them have come from afar.” 

First, we notice from this passage, that as serious Christ followers, Jesus will make us aware of the needs around us. He will draw us to Him to show us them. And that's where we must start when facing a loaves and fishes need. We must draw near to God - and He will draw near to us. 

I've never been one to think that the need dictates the call. We are surrounded by countless needs, and we have the capacity to burn ourselves out by running to and fro, trying to be the answer to everyone's problems. That's why drawing near is essential. We have to get our marching orders from Him.

Jesus had compassion on the multitudes who came out to meet Him. Out of His compassion, He brought the vast need of the people before His disciples. 

The disciples responded this way: “How can one
satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?”

Look closely at their question. In essence they are asking, "How can one, or even a few of us, satisfy (translation: fill up to overflowing) such a vast need when it's only us?"

When faced with a gigantic task or insurmountable problem, we do the same thing. We look at the mountain, and then, we look down at our little feet and wonder how in the world we'll ever pull this off. But I love Jesus' response to them. He simply asked them, "Well, what do you have?" In essence, He is saying here, "Let's start there. Give what you have." 

But the thing is, even though 'what we have' falls woefully short of the vast need before us, make no mistake about it - giving 'what we have' will cost us. A lot. He's not asking for our leftovers or that we skim off the top of our resources and hand those over. Have you noticed in these multiplication stories how much was given before the miracle came? All of it.

When we are faced with a vast need, though our offering may be small in proportion to the need, it's not an easy give. We still have to lay it all on the line, go out on a limb, and give of ourselves in ways that sometimes make us tired and self-aware.

Divine efficiency starts with small offerings, to be sure. But to be a part of a loaves and fishes - divine multiplication miracle - we need to be all in, fully present, willing to step up and take a risk with our offering.

Of course, we know how the story ends in Mark chapter eight. Thousands of people ate to fullness with baskets leftover. We serve a more-than-enough God.

Now let's go back to Mark 6 where Jesus had just multiplied the bread to feed - count 'em - five thousand men (not counting women and children!). Try to get your mind around that miracle. In the next scene the disciples were out in a boat when the storms hit. When Jesus walked out to them and calmed the storm, they were amazed. I would have been as well.

But 'amazement' wasn't what God was after. In fact, Scripture tells us that they were only amazed because their hearts were hardened, for they had not understood the significance of Christ's previous miracle.

Here's the crux of it all: it's not enough for us to vacillate back and forth between anxiety and awe as we walk with God. If we want to be mightily used of God, we cannot be like Dori in 'Finding Nemo' and constantly struggle with short-term-memory loss when it comes to the previous faithfulness of God. 

At some point, we have to acquire an inner knowing - a core understanding of what it means to be an heir of God - a joint heir with Christ. You know, our association with the Most High God is a really big deal. 

If we want to be part of the divine multiplication process that is consistently presented in Scripture, we need to be all in, ready to give what God asks of us, and then, be expectant that He'll take it from there, and do the impossible. And when it's all said and done, we'll look back, shake our heads, and know for sure - that we serve a God of Divine Efficiency.

Have a blessed week!

PS ~ I'll be away from my office next week (and out of cell phone range) so I'll look forward to connecting with you again on the 21st of July.

Have Faith...

 

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. This week I'm posting late Monday night because I'll be out of town for the next few days. 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! 

This month I promised to give away not only a Starbucks gift card but also, a copy of my book, "Balance That Works When Life Doesn't." 

And the winners are:

Lisa Wilson, you're the winner of a copy of my book, "Balance That Works When Life Doesn't"

Heather Holterman, you're the winner of the $10.00 Starbucks gift card

Congratulations, girls! Just email me your mailing address and I'll get your treats in the mail sometime in the next week (email me at: info@susielarson.com) Blessings!

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 launched several weeks ago (airs noon to 1:00 CST every Saturday)! My guest this Saturday is bestselling author and minister Larry Christenson. What a wise and godly man he is! We had a great conversation about his new book, "The Mantle of Esther"; we talked much about the power of prayer. Be sure to listen in! For more information, go to: www.Faith900.com 

Now, on to my topic...

I'm on the road right now, heading back home from a whirlwind trip in St. Louis. As I prayed about what to share today, this is what the Lord impressed upon my heart:

Remember the scene in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 8, when Jesus fed four thousand with seven loaves of bread? He had compassion on the crowd of people who forsook their physical hunger just to be with Him for three days. He miraculously multiplied the miniscule resources available to meet the vast need of hunger before Him. Verse eight says that after everyone ate and was satisfied there were seven basketfuls of broken pieces left over! Pause and think about that for a moment. 

Jesus and the disciples started with seven loaves. They fed a massive crowd by divine multiplication. And then ended up with seven basketfuls after it was all said and done. We serve a more-than-enough God. 

In the next scene the Pharisees meet up with Jesus and demand a sign from heaven to validate Jesus' claims that He is Lord. Jesus' response? He sighed deeply, confronted their motives, and refused to jump through their hoops. 

Then Jesus and the disciples got back into the boat and headed to their next destination.

While en route the disciples realized they had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them. 

They forgot the bread. They made a mistake. Oops.

During their trip, the disciples focused on one thing, Jesus on another. Jesus was still bothered by His encounter with the pharisees and therefore cautioned His disciples about becoming rigid and religious like the pharisees. He said, "Watch out for for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." Watch out! Jesus is saying. Do not let your faith walk stray from a living-breathing faith to one of demands, rules, and regulations. This was an important teaching moment.

And yet, the disciples were self aware at that moment. And so, their minds instantly connected Jesus' comment about the yeast to their mistake about forgetting the bread.

How quickly we do the same thing! 

Though our choices are significantly important, they are not everything. When we love and follow Jesus, He forgives our sins; He makes provision for our weaknesses and missteps. He wants us to focus more on His goodness than on our badness. He wants our faith to rise up because of His sufficiency. And yet, we so often lose faith because we are constantly aware of our own insufficiency. 

How did Jesus respond to the disciples' earth-bound thinking?

"Why are you talking about having no bread??? Do you STILL not see or understand? Are you hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"

"Twelve" they replied.

"And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" 

"Seven" they answered.

Then He asked, "Do you still not understand?" 

Now let's jump back a couple of chapters. Look at chapter 6 where Jesus feeds the five thousand (with 12 basketfuls left over). In the next scene the disciples are in the boat without Jesus and a storm hits. He walked out to them and the winds died down. The disciples were completely amazed by His power because they had not understood the significance of what He had just done with the miraculous feeding of the multitudes. In fact, verse 52 says, "For they had not understood about the loaves; for their hearts were hardened."

It wasn't enough for the disciples to be wowed by Jesus power. He wanted them to possess an inner knowing that they possessed everything they needed because they had Him.

Okay, I know I'm keeping you a bit too long today, but there's an important message here:

When faced with a storm in life. Have faith! We must discern God's ability to not only carry us through our current circumstances but to show Himself powerful on our behalves. And how do we do that? We consider the significance of what He's already done.

The disciples had too quickly passed over what Jesus had done in their midst. They should have pondered it; remembered it; considered its implications on a much deeper level in a way that altered their core beliefs. Jesus is our divine supply. He is our divine deliverer. He is not subject to the laws of nature; they are subject to Him. We follow the King of Kings. And He will intervene at just the right time with just the right solution. 

Jesus is not after a perfect performance in us, He is after our absolute faith and trust. 

He forgives our sins - thank the Lord!

He makes up where we lack - thank the Lord!

He knows where we are weak and forgetful - thank the Lord!

He cares when the winds threaten to overcome us - thank the Lord!

He is our God and we are His beloved ones. Thank and praise the Lord!

To stand strong in our current circumstances, we must remember the significance of what God has already done in our midst. He is faithful and He will be faithful again. We have suffered, and we will suffer again. But right in the midst of our heartache and trials, God's power will emerge, His promises will be our treasure, and His provision will more than deliver us.

Have faith, my friend. Our God - right in the midst of where we live - is mighty to save. 

~Until next week.

The Right Kind of Fatigue...

 

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. This week I'm posting late Monday night because I'll be out of town for the next few days. 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 launched a couple of weeks ago (Noon to 1:00 CST every Saturday)! My guest this Saturday is author and columnist Lee Grady. We will be talking about his book, "The Holy Spirit is Not For Sale" and, about the need for a great awakening in the coming days. We had a great, and thought-provoking conversation. Be sure to listen in! For more information, go to: www.Faith900.com 

Now, on to my topic...

Many years ago, I went through a burnout stage that was so bad, it actually scared me. I had been committed to so many good things, I - like many others - had lost sight of the BEST thing - to live and breathe in sync with God's heartbeat for me.

The Lord was gentle and wonderful during my recovery season. Step by step He led me through a time of soul-searching, rest, reflection, and repentance. I understood, on a deeper level, how much He loves me, how important my time is to Him, and how I only have this one life to offer HIM. And I can't give to Him something I've already given away to somebody else.

Out of that season I learned to 'put the big rocks in first' as some are known to say. Certain things in my life had to be immovable commitments if I ever hoped to bear the kind of fruit God had in mind for me from the beginning of time. And the same is true for you.

In the Gospel of John (chapter 15) Jesus tells us that we have a divine appointment to bear MUCH fruit, and that it's to His Father's great glory when we do. It blesses His heart so much when we live by faith, abide in the Vine, and live in response to His love. 

As Christians, we don't produce more by doing more; we produce more by being more with Christ.

But here's something very important about the fruit-bearing life: We are going to get downright exhausted sometimes, and that's okay.

In those early years after my burnout, when I would only take careful steps into commitment, and still have the occasional day of absolute exhaustion, that wretched enemy would come in like the bully he is and accuse me for being 'back in that place' of burn out; of never learning to say no, etc., etc. blah, blah, blah.

And I just took it because I agreed with him. But then, the Lord whispered to my heart and said, "You are most definitely NOT back in that place! You have a little fatigue today and you need some rest; tomorrow is a new day. When you were burned out, you were tired every day; you had lost your margin and your joy. That's not you now. You are in a NEW place and learning to work within the ebb and flow of life." That insight was a healing revelation to me.

I also read the work of pastors and ministers who do large-scale ministry, and every one of them admitted that although they KNEW they were walking in God's will for them, they still had days when they dropped in bed in exhaustion. It's simply true: walking out the things God has for us - though wonderful and exhilarating - can still make us tired from time to time.

Maybe this is obvious to everyone but me. But when I figured this out, the accuser slithered away. Now, instead of being tired for a month (something I'd never allow in my life again), I might be tired for a day or two. And as soon as I notice twinges of fatigue that carry over, I make some immediate changes.

What about you? 

Are you flirting with burnout? Have you been joyless and tired for a long time? Maybe you need a time of recovery and rest. I'd love to send one of you a free copy of my book, "Balance That Works When Life Doesn't." Leave a comment and I'll announce a winner next week along with Starbucks card winner.

Or maybe you're just a little tired and just need a little break. Give yourself one.

More than anything, I pray that if you're tired, it's from working through and walking out God's highest and best will for you. 

May the Lord fill you up and make you strong! May you hear His voice and follow His lead.

Blessings upon you this week~