Susan's Blog: March 2011

Sunday, March 27, 2011

For Personal Thought

In my weekly Bible study class, there will be the occasional question marked “for personal thought.” The question from last week’s lesson really hit home.

We are studying the book of Revelation. In chapter 20, we are learning about Christ’s reign on the earth during the millennium. The saints will be serving during that time on the earth. The personal question was, “If your position of authority in Christ’s kingdom will be in proportion to your faithfulness in service today, how much responsibility will you have?”

I responded that honestly, I don’t know. I wasted too many years where my focus was outward and striving for the praises of men. I’ve been self focused and had tainted motives. Thankfully, the Lord is patient and helping me to grow. I love Him more and trust Him more and desire to obey Him more.

I don’t know what responsibilities the Lord will give me based on me being a faithful servant.

But I do know this, that I trust Him to judge rightly and reward me accordingly. I also know that He didn’t give me what I do deserve for my sin. Instead He laid the punishment for all my sin on Jesus Christ. Thank You Lord!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Houma, Louisiana Vacation - March 2011

Click the icon to show the slide show in full screen to see the majesty of God's handiwork in nature.

The slide show pictures were taken on our recent vacation to Houma, Louisiana. My sister-in-law Carol and her husband Ron took us to some of the most beautiful places near their home. We had a wonderful week and enjoyed our vacation immensely. Thank you Ron and Carol! We love you!

Some of the places we visited and recommend:

Oak Alley Plantation

Annie Miller's Son's Swamp & Marsh Tours

Avery Island, Louisiana - Home of Tabasco

LUMCON - Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Sin and Sanctification

I visited a friend this weekend and her son Joshua shared about a great message he heard from Pastor John Piper about sin and sanctification.

For me…it’s not the big outward sins that I struggle with, like murder or adultery. The sins that I struggle with and may even fail to recognize in myself are the sins of selfishness and pride. It starts there and if given free reign I go down a very ugly path.

Today I listened to John Piper’s message called, “I Act the Miracle.” It was powerful and convicting, but also helped me to see the victory that believers already have in Jesus Christ. If only we will start walking in that victory and fighting sin in us till the end.

You can download the message or listen on line. Be prepared to be challenged.

Thank you Pastor Piper for being open and transparent about sins people don’t like to admit to. Thank you Joshua for sharing!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Pray & Give

Feeling helpless and wondering what you can do? Pray and give

Salvation Army

World Vision

Red Cross

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Welcome Home Soldier - Surprise in a box

My Colors Will Be Clear

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight seeing, smooth knees, color-less dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, "chinchy" giving and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need position, promotions, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my destination is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few. My Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of the One that gave me life, drew the line in blood for me in the hour of my destiny.

I am one of Christ's remnant people. I belong to Him and none other. All I do to bring this life to another is done because of that blood covenant poured out for me.

I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. I must share will all that one more might hear and be drawn from the flaming darkness that longs to consume. Reach for another, touch but one more!

Until that moment...He will have no problem in recognizing me- my colors will be clear!!!

Not only are the words inspiring but so is the man behind them. The above letter was written by a Pastor in Africa who was undergoing severe persecution. On the eve of his execution he sat down and wrote the above note.