Marvel...

Greetings, Dear Friends!

And to those visiting, I say welcome!

Susie Larson here...

I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Most of you know this already, but for our new visitors, I want you to know that each month I giveaway a gift card to someone who posts on my blog. This month someone will win a $25.00 gift card to Starbucks! So leave a post, share a story, and maybe you'll win a treat for you and your friends.

Now on to my topic.

Today...this week in fact, I ask you to pause and do a little marveling. Ponder right now, who God is and what He has done for you. Read this great excerpt from my 'Believer's Commentary':

"The converted person boasts in the Lord - not in his own character or achievements. When we understand the gospel of grace we realize that we did all the sinning and He did all the saving. So our boast must be in Him alone." (p.596)

We did all the sinning. He did all the saving. He is good to us every single day. Even when we don't notice it.

What does it mean to marvel?

To marvel means to: be amazed, be surprised, be astonished, be awed, stand in awe, wonder, stare, gape, be dumbfounded, be flabbergasted. 

Let's look at scene right out of the Word of God:

Jacob left Beersheba and went to Haran. He came to a certain place and camped for the night since the sun had set. He took one of the stones there, set it under his head and lay down to sleep.  And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground and it reached all the way to the sky; angels of God were going up and going down on it. Then God was right before him, saying, "I am God, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. I'm giving the ground on which you are sleeping to you and to your descendants. Your descendants will be as the dust of the Earth; they'll stretch from west to east and from north to south. All the families of the Earth will bless themselves in you and your descendants. Yes. I'll stay with you, I'll protect you wherever you go, and I'll bring you back to this very ground. I'll stick with you until I've done everything I promised you."

Jacob woke up from his sleep. He said, "God is in this place - truly. And I didn't even know it!" He was terrified. He whispered in awe, "Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God's House. This is the Gate of Heaven." (Genesis 28:10-17 NLT).

It's so easy get sucked into the rat race of life and completely miss the idea that there are angels all around us; encamping around those who fear the Lord; serving and assisting us; going with us on our journey through life. 

We are not alone. Not even a little bit. Far greater are those who are for us than those who are against us. May the eyes of our hearts open up this holiday season; may we be more keenly aware of God's divine presence all around us. May we understand on a deeper level the resources and assistance to which we have access. Imagine. God, there for you, pulling for you. The Son, interceding for you day and night! The Holy Spirit nudging you, correcting you, convicting you, assuring you - all for your benefit. The angels, assisting you, cheering for you, protecting you. You are someone important!

Yesterday I had a number of heavy things weighing on my heart, when all of the sudden Selah's Christmas song, "Joy!" came on the radio. Instantly my perspective lifted and my heart swelled with joy. I hopped out of my sink (oh, um, that's where I sit to do my makeup), and I started dancing around my bedroom. I was doing a happy dance. The Marvel Dance. 

Try it today. Put on a great song. Look up. Make yourself smile (I don't know why, but this does something for the soul), and do the Marvel dance.

In quieter moments, marvel with your heart's perspective. Be amazed; be astonished; wonder and stare at the story of the Christ-child and be in awe that He would hand Himself over in such a vulnerable way. For you.

Regardless of the state of things around you - marvel today because you are surrounded by a host of heavenly angels cheering you on; hear the noise in Heaven; they're all talking at the same time! But there's harmony because they all want the same thing for you: To live in the light of God's presence, and to walk out the divine, world-changing call on your life. Marvel at that thought of it.

Smile today. Keep Smiling. Dance today. Keep Dancing. Marvel today. Keep Marveling. 

Until next week~

PS - If you haven't signed up for my quarterly E-zine yet, you might want to. My next issue comes out on January 15th and I have a stack of fun books to give away! Here's the link:

Susie's Ezine...

Comfort and Joy...

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 gift card to someone who posts on my blog. In honor of our Savior's birth - and of your sweet friendship, this month I'm giving away a $25.00 gift card to Starbucks!

So leave a post, share a story, and maybe you'll win a nice treat for you and your friends!

Now on to my topic...

How is your holiday season going thus far? Are you running the rat race? Are you overwhelmed by your 'to-do' list? Or maybe you're so burdened by real life issues that you're having a difficult time entering into the festivities this year.

My prayer is that you'll find encouragement and comfort as you read today's post. 

Here's what the Word says:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I'll fear no evil; for Your rod and staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4)

You will increase my honor, and comfort me once again (Psalm 71:21).

In this world we have trials and tribulations, it's true. But the Christ-child who came to earth, who lived to die, who defeated death, well, He blessed us with the Holy Spirit - our Divine Comforter, to lead us, guide us, minister to us, and strengthen us.

We struggle, but we're not without comfort. We strain, but it doesn't mean we don't have access to peace. The Prince of Peace has an open door policy. We can approach Him anytime, anywhere. What a glorious gift He's given us, simply by allowing continual and constant access to Him. 

Furthermore, when we press through our pain to find peace and perspective; when we hang on to faith and find comfort in the Holy One, we then become comforters ourselves. That rigorous process of pushing past an earthly perspective to a Heavenly one, strengthens and refines us; it prepares us for service. 

Our trials are measured and though the Lord doesn't send us trials, He certainly uses them. He wastes nothing. Our divine training is very intentional on God's part.

When Jesus stepped away from His Heavenly throne, and wrapped Himself in skin and tendon and bone, and then handed Himself over to a world that would torture and execute Him - He came to earth, right in the midst of the struggles of mankind. That's why He came. We needed Him. The people in His day needed Him. 

Bypassing comfort (to say the least), He died, to save us, that we might be comforted. 

And then there's joy!

Here's what the Word says:

In Your presence, the fullness of joy is found (Psalm 16:11).

The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life (Psalm 19:8).

The joy of the Lord is my strength and yours!

To possess joy is to know a sense of triumph - that ultimate victory is YOURS. It's to embrace gladness of heart because of a right perspective. It's to refuse to allow your emotions to dictate your day, your direction, or your current state of mind. It's to KNOW and RELY on the Love God has for you. 

Joy has its deep roots in the soil of God's love and faithfulness. To the extent that we're convinced of these, will we know joy.

Jesus came - as you know - to bridge the gap, to save our souls, to comfort our spirits, and to make us whole. 

STOP...right now, and ponder afresh what the Almighty has done for you. Ponder what He offers you today. Don't give His gifts a passing glance. Pause. Ponder. Prepare room in your heart for Him. Prepare room in your day for Him. Make room in your home for Him.

You'll be richer for it.

Comfort and joy - what precious, priceless gifts. Ours for taking.

Blessings to you all~

Contrary to Nature...

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 gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So stop by, leave a post, share a story, and bless loads of people! 

It's time to award November's winner (and remember, you have to claim your prize by emailing me, I'm not able to chase you down. :) And the winner is...Jami! You posted on November 19th. Email me at: info@susielarson.com and we'll get you your gift card to Starbucks. Congratulations!

Now on to my topic...

We have a family tradition that I love. Every year - on the eve of Christmas Eve - we sit down to a candlelight dinner with our three sons. We turn off all of the lights save the Christmas lights. With a fire glowing in the fireplace and Christmas instrumental music on in the background, we gather around the table with great anticipation.

This is the time we lean in, enjoy our food, take our time, and share about our individual spiritual journey. First we each reflect on what God has taught us over the past year; we each discuss what faith lessons we'll be taking away from the past year's experiences. Then we move into thoughts of the upcoming year. We each share what we would like to learn from the Lord this next year. 

For instance, a number of years ago, Jake said the greatest thing: I want to learn - on a deeper level - just what I possess in Christ - and then I want to appropriate those riches in my life in a greater way.

I love that. I want that too.

Even though I'm surrounded by four strapping men, this dinner always proves to be an intimate and tender time. Of course, I cry through most of it, but that's okay, right? 

We'll this year, we wanted to add a new aspect to our eve-of-eve dinner. On Thanksgiving morning we had a family meeting via conference call. With Jake in Nashville and the other two here at home, we put the phone on speaker and gathered around the ottoman in the living room. We went around and shared about the blessings for which we were thankful. Then we said this to our guys, "You know, the economy is in rough shape right now; things are tough all over; but we live by God's economy; and His promises are as true now as they have ever been. We want to challenge you all to something. For the next 30 days, every day, ask God to bless you, to increase your territory and sphere of influence; ask that His mighty hand of power be at work in you and through you; ask Him to keep you from evil and temptation; ask Him to help you live in a noble, honorable way (this is the prayer of Jabez, as you probably recognize). And trust us in this: you will begin to see something miraculous happen. Like streams in the desert, God will make a way for you to serve Him more, to love Him more, and to be more for Him. We're going to add to our eve-of-eve dinner a time of testimony. We're going to share stories of how God moved in these past thirty days. Are you with us?"

Our guys jumped right on it! They've been praying and texting each other. In their excitement, they've called us to share some of the ways God is moving. 

We live in a struggling world, but we serve a powerful God. He is always on the move. Always working. Always looking to find faith on the earth.

I not only want to relentlessly look for that river in the desert, I want to jump into where the current is the strongest. 

When we engage our faith with God's very clear promises, we will see - before our eyes - a way where there was no way before. Contrary to nature. Different than we expected. Better even.

Read this powerful verse:

 I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel's Creator, your King." This is what the Lord says-- he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

If you've repented of your past sins, leave them there - in the past. Take with you only the spoils from your battle. Remember the ways God came through for you. Hang on to lessons learned.

And now - look ahead. In what ways do you suppose God wants to work in your circumstances and through you that are contrary to nature?

Imagine a peaceful stream in the middle of a dry and weary desert. That's for you. In your wilderness, He's provided still waters. Slow down and take a drink. 

Imagine a crashing wave of blessing where you've only experienced drought. That's for you too. God wants to pour out more of Himself on you! Take Him at His word. Expect Him to act! Do what He says! And humbly entrust your concerns to Him. 

God is not bound by our current economic downturn. He defies the rules of nature. But He is, though, bound by our unbelief. 

I know I say this often, and that's because it's true: without faith, it's impossible to please God.

Please Him today with your level of obedience, faith, and expectation.

Have a blessed and miracle-filled week!

*If you're not on my mailing list, be sure to go to my website and subscribe. We give away lots of great stuff in my quarterly Ezine (link to my website above).

The intimacy of Justice...

Greetings, my 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 gift card to someone who posts on this blog. So leave a comment, share a story, and just maybe you'll win a treat!

Now on to my topic...

First of all, thank you to so many of you who offered to pray for us while we were in Guatemala last week.

Let me tell you, it was a life-changing event. And I felt your prayers more than I can even explain.

Though there were countless opportunities for danger to present itself, God kept us hidden in the shadow of His wing. And yet, at the same time, He exposed us to the vast needs of humanity. We were with a team of donors and the IJM staff in Guatemala and we received an inside look at this heroic organization.  

Wet met with government officials and saw firsthand the mutual respect and cooperation between the Guatemalan government and the folks at IJM. Because of the tireless, consistent, heroic, and excellent work of investigators, lawyers, social workers, and interns, children have been rescued, families have been set on the path of recovery, and the societal structure has been strengthened as a result. In that meeting with high ranking officials, we saw the power of IJM's influence.

The next day we visited an incredible children's home which was tucked in the mountains where approximately 40 young girls live because they've been rescued from horrific situations. We watched as two of the IJM staffers put on a skit that included ten of the girls. The other 30 sat on the concrete ground and giggled and whispered to each other, much like you'd see on a playground at recess time. The IJM investigator joined us on our 'field trip.' This man risks his life on a regular basis. He is savvy in the habits of bullies and oppressors. And he is also a gentle man of God who loves his family. I watched him hand out Cinderella gift bags to this group of orphaned girls and smile at every one them. He understood there might be trust issues so he was notably careful, but abundantly kind. Watching this man, knowing how he puts his life on the line day after day, and then seeing him with these children, brought tears to my eyes. I just know that's what Jesus was like. That's what He is like. Tough against the ones who abuse their power, and tender with those who need an advocate.

Our day at the children's home connected us in a very deep way to the tender heart of God.We brought treats, played games, kissed the tops of their heads, and ran around with them. It was a glorious time. As we rode away on our little bus, my husband whispered to me, "Yesterday we saw IJM's influence at a very high level. Today we got to see their impact in a very tangible way." 

On our final day, we had breakfast at a client's house. The little girl who lived there had received justice through the work of IJM. Her perpetrator was sent to prison and her little family was beginning to heal. This was a poor family and we were so honored to be in her home. Through a translator, and through her tears, the mother thanked us profoundly for securing justice for her daughter because now she feels safe again. 

Forgive the alliteration please, but leaving this incredible home Kevin and I determined that we had just experienced the intimacy of justice. Though this family owned little, there was peace in the home. You could see the trust and the genuine affection between this family and the IJM social workers. Spending time in this tiny little home, playing with the children, praying for the family, witnessing the tears and gratitude, showed me once again, the incredible heart of God.

He reigns and works in the hearts of great leaders and governments. 

And He resides in the nooks and crannies of life. He knows where the poor live and He loves them. 

As Gary Haugen wrote in his book, Just Courage: 

"We have a God of moral clarity. God does not respond to injustice or abuse with mild interest." 

And Deitrich Boenhoeffer wrote this:

The Church is her true self only when she exists for humanity.

Just as the human body was made to engage in strenuous exercise to be made stronger and more efficient, the Believer is called to engage in work that calls her beyond the borders of what she naturally cares about, to tend to those who'd be much easier to ignore. 

It's easy not to exercise. Not very many people love the idea of getting in the car, getting to the health club, and pushing the heart rate up to the point of gasping for breath (okay, that means your heart rate is too high, but you get the point). Most people don't want to lift weights that make them strain and sweat and feel sore the next day. But millions engage their bodies in this way because they know they were made for it. And the fruit of the workout pays them back in dividends: higher energy, better outlook, stronger frame, less extra weight.

Well, as easy as it is to neglect our body's God-given assignment to engage itself in movement, it's easier still, in this abundantly wealthy country, not to engage in nor pay attention to the suffering world around us. But we must.

We have to make ourselves 'go there.' We have to carry a portion of God's burden in this world. Not the whole thing. That would crush us. But part of it. 

And this is not an 'ought to' or a 'should do', it's a 'get to.'

This past week I interviewed Sara Groves and Susan Andringa on Along the Way (a two hour talk radio show). Sara said something amazing, "Part of maturing is knowing the difference between guilt (which is not from God), and conviction. My journey is going to be different from yours. I'm just following the bread crumbs God gives me into this world of advocacy. You have to ask yourself, 'What is God asking me to do? And then do that. We must act on our own conviction." (*That's my paraphrase of what she said. If you'd like to listen to the interview, go to the following podcast link:)

 Along the Way, November 24th, Susan Andringa, Sara Groves

This may seem like an odd post for the day before Thanksgiving. I know things are crazy in our world right now, but God is still very much on His throne and He calls us to join Him in His work. We have our own needs, yes. But when we seek first, His Kingdom, He'll have our backs. He provide for our needs. And we'll have the honor and privilege of engaging in life - of being the hands and feet of Christ - and of seeing the fruit and a close up look at God's heart for justice. Now that's living.

A side note: Recently, IJM received a 'match' offer on any donations made before the first week of December; those monies will be doubled. More funds equals more rescues.

No pressure though. Give what God has determined in your heart that you should give. (follow IJM link above if interested).

Thanks again for praying and for asking about this trip. I hope you enjoyed the update. :)

Have a blessed and thank-filled Thanksgiving holiday!

Peace to you all~

The Right Way...

Greetings, Dear Friends!

And to those visiting, I say welcome!

Susie Larson here...

I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.

Each month I give away a $10.00 gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So leave a comment, share a story, and let's do this journey together!

Now on to my topic...

These are turbulent times, no?

Every which way we turn, we hear more bad news, bad numbers, and speculations about how much worse things might get.

Just how do we keep our peace and our focus amidst such trying times? 

My sister and I spent some time on the phone this morning. We discussed the over abundance of information out there, and how easy it is to get bogged down by it. 

It's important to be educated on what's happening in our world.

It's even more important to take a stand on issues of faith, morality, and integrity. It's essential that we walk closely with Jesus. 

We need His power to invade every nook and cranny of our lives!

God's power, not our ability to debate the issues, is what will change hearts, leaders, and ultimately nations. 

Read this great excerpt from a book I love, "God's Generals" by Roberts Liardon,

"...It seems that evangelicalism today has shifted from a spiritual to a political emphasis. While we still largely focus on the work of evangelism, we have laid aside the power of God for the more easily controlled power of a conservative voting block. We seem to have forgotten that it was revivalism that changed nations and righted social injustices during the past three centuries - not the power of democracy or the right to vote alone. it seems that evangelical Christianity has lost much of its relevance to societies because it tends to focus more on changing laws than changing hearts...I believe God is ready to anoint new revivalists. He only needs those who are willing to pick up the torch of these Generals (Finney, Wesleys, Booths, Graham, etc.) and pay the same price for the power of God that they did. His ways and blessings have not changed - Jesus Christ is still the 'same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)." (p. 483-5)

I understand the angst in many Believers today. I too am sickened by the number of babies aborted every year. Every day. I too think the Church needs to do more for the poor and the oppressed in our world. 

But, as my sister and I discussed, you can stand for what's right with a wrong heart. You can put your foot down on behalf of all that is right and good, but do so with anger, frustration, impatience and irritation, only discredits yourself and your message. 

If you read what I write or have heard me speak with any regularity, you've heard this story before, but it works here:

I always tell my sons that the Christian life is like a winding country road, with deep ditches on each side. One ditch represents your outright rebellion, the other ditch, your response to someone else's sin. The devil could care less which ditch he gets you into, he just wants you off the road.

If I stand for all that's right but with a wrong heart, my words sound like noise in the ears of a world in need. 

So what's our answer?

Well, I may sound like a broken record but it's Jesus. Time with Him. Walking with Him. Listening to Him. Doing what He says.

Guy King wrote this, "His love wants the best for us; His wisdom knows the best for us; and His power gets the best for us." 

Lately I've been praying a powerful passage from Scripture: Phillippians 1:9-10 (here's my paraphrased prayer from that passage)...

Dear Lord, 

Help me to abound in love more and more...

That I may increase in all knowledge and depth of insight...

That I may easily discern what's right and best in every situation...

That I may walk blamelessly and purely before You...

That my life will be filled with an abundance of the fruit of righteousness. 

Amen.

Is that not amazing when you think about it? 

I've been praying this prayer many times a day lately. I love it. :)

As the days grow evil, may your love grow stronger.

With an abundance of information at your fingertips, may you focus in on the Word of God and listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit within you.

With the call to be set apart, may you stand for what's right with a humble heart of love, that people may be won over more by what you do, than by what you say.

Have a blessed week~

PS - Please pray for me next week. I'll be in Guatemala. I return home late Thursday night and have a large speaking event the following night. I need divine protection, direction, and provision!

Peace to you all~