Verse and Message (Tuesday, August 28, 2007) August 28, 2007

Kelli Ryan, a beautiful sister in Christ, sent me the most remarkable video and song. I was moved to share it with you all as my verse and message for the week.  I simply cannot add another thing to it….I hope you will enjoy this mid-week inspiration.  Please read the words to the song, before you click on the first link below……..and I have also included the link to view the words of Psalm 139 below the video link.  No matter where you are on your journey, do not forget that we are all precious to the GREAT “I AM!” God bless you all!

Smiles In Him,

Susie Mc
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nxCmTMXua68&mode=related&search

Based on Psalm 139

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20139&version=31

Pencil marks on a wall, I wasn’t always this tall
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed.
You watched my team win, You watched my team lose
You watched when my bicycle went down again.

And when I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name
And I said, Elbow Healer, Superhero, come if You can.
You said, I am.

Only sixteen, life is so mean
What kind of curfew is at 10 pm?
You saw my mistakes and watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I’d never love again

And when I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name
And I said, Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper, be my Best Friend
You said, I am.

You saw me wear white by pale candlelight
I said forever to what lies ahead
Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream
Too much it might seem when it is at 2 am.

And when I am weak, unable to speak, still I will call You by name
Oh, Shepherd, Savior, Pasture Maker, Hold on to my hand.
You say, I am.

The winds of change and circumstance
Blow in and all around us
So we find a foothold thats familiar
And bless the moments that we feel You nearer.

When life had begun, I was woven and spun
You let the angels dance around the throne.
And who can say when, but they’ll dance again
When I am free and finally headed home

I will be weak, unable to speak
Still I will call You by name
Creator, Maker, Life Sustainer
Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer
Lord and King, Beginning and the End

I am. Yes, I am.

Verse and Message (Thursday, August 23, 2007) August 23, 2007

Ephesians 5:1
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.

  

2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

 

One of my favorite elements of church is participating in the praise and worship experience that takes place at the beginning of each service.  I am a member of Church of the Highlands, and our praise and worship time is so appealing because of the undeniable ”life-giving” presence of the Holy Spirit that radiates, bathes, and permeates all of those participating.   

Last night I was specifically touched during the praise and worship time when I recognized a little boy (probably around three years old) imitating his father.  His dad was standing and holding his son while participating in the praise and worship. The father was lifting his “free” right hand in worship, and the child imitated his father with this precious expression of praise by lifting one of his hands Heavenward too.  Innocently,and without a concern of what others thought, the boy was following the lead of his father’s style of worship.   

If you have ever come to Church of the Highlands, you will be aware of many different styles of worship. The most important factor is that the Holy Spirit is present and alive in each of the unique styles of worship that you will witness.  It’s free, and it’s beautiful. Singing, clapping, raising of hands, dancing, smiling, rejoicing, and praying take place throughout this time of worship prior to the message Pastor Chris Hodges shares with the congregation. The initial time of praise and worship is an energy like no other…..hard to explain…..but refreshing and fun! It prepares our hearts for what God wants to reveal to us.

My point to this message is not necessarily to define praise and worship styles, but to highlight that our actions in any arena (at home, at work, daily activities, church, events, etc) are observed by the world around us. As a child imitates his father, we should also desire to imitate our Father. 

When we demonstrate Christ in our actions and words…….it’s a beautiful expression of worship, and those who do not know the Father will be drawn to know Him because of our day to day expressions. In other words, our worship and praise should not be excluded to a scheduled time on a given day in church. 

When the love of God shines through our expressions of ”everyday” worship (smiling, sharing a kind word, helping others, giving), it prepares the hearts of the lost and ultimately opens a door for them to possibly receive revelation and a word from the Lord. We cannot make a life decision for a lost individual, but God uses with our unique talents and daily expressions to share His love.  It’s exciting, because even though we are not responsible for salvation, God delights when His representatives plant seeds for the success of The Great Commission.

In summary, the most important purpose we have as Christians is to reflect the love of God to the lost.  Again, the best way to share the love of Christ is to live it out day by day.  As others see our joy, they will desire to obtain what what we have. Imitating Jesus is our daily expression of praise and worship to our King. We can preach to the lost until we are blue in the face……but until The Holy Scripture comes alive in us to the world around us, the words mean nothing to the recipients.

We must let our “life-song” sing to the world around us.  Our worship takes place seven days a week, not just on Wednesdays and /or Sundays.  When we praise and worship the King consistently with our actions……no one can ignore the Power and Love of the Holy Spirit within us!  And…. the Enemy won’t have a chance of thwarting our progress when we “consider it all JOY” and imitate Jesus consistently!

BE A BEAUTIFUL AMBASSADOR FOR THE ALMIGHTY!

  

IMITATE-IGNITE-INFLUENCE THE IMMEASURABLE LOVE OF GOD! 

  

PRAISE HIM AND SHARE THE PATH OF HIS POWERFUL PRESENCE!

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Tuesday, August 14, 2007) August 14, 2007

Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

  

Proverbs 21:5

Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind. 

  

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

My Dad tells me every so often that I need more “margin” in my life.  With a respectful response, I assure him that I am going to try to do better. In fact, my margin scale has been tested this week due to the “Take Our Highways Back” campaign, because I have to drive the speed limit on all roads….ha!  That’s right, I have to allow myself ample time between Point A and Point B throughout my day.  Do you understand what maintaining an ample “margin” means? 

I bought a book at Barnes & Noble at Patton Creek after dinner Friday night that helped me to put into words this difficult task of developing a proper margin. 

In A Minute of Margin written by Richard A. Swenson, M.D., I found the answers to why most of the stress and anxiety I experience takes place. 

  

Swenson describes “margin” as follows:

“Margin is like oxygen–everybody needs some.  If we have too little, we suffer from shortage.  If we have too much the excess will not benefit us additionally.  But having the right amount permits us to breathe freely.”

“Margin is a space, specifically the space between our load and our limits.  It is the space that enhances vitality and resilience.  It is the space that guarantees sustainability.  It is the space where healing occurs, where our batteries are recharged, where our relationships are nourished, and where wisdom is found.  Without margin, both rest and contemplation are but theoretical concepts, unaffordable, and unrealistic.”

“We do not follow two inches behind the next car on the interstate–that would leave no margin for error.  We do not allow only two minutes to change planes in Chicago–that would be foolish in the extreme.  We do not load boats until they are nearly submerged–that would invite disaster.  Why then do we insist on leaving no buffer, no space, no reserves in our day-to-day?”

If and when we lived this way…..hmmmm….we might find ourselves in a “marginless” lifestyle. 

For example….

“Marginless is being thirty minutes late to the doctor’s office because you were twenty minutes late getting out of the hair-stylist’s because you were ten minutes late dropping the children off at school because the car ran out of gas two blocks from the gas station–and you forgot your wallet.”

  

HELLO…the last two paragraphs sound like a day in the life of Susie Mc.  Yep, as precise as the airport in Chicago, this “marginless” lifestyle rings true.  One of the last times I was in the airport, I was preparing to fly to Universal Studios in Orlando with my son Connor over spring break.  I pushed my limit to the point I had just a small window of opportunity to make it to boarding a few minutes prior to my departure.  The unexpected occurred.  I had included in my on-board baggage my shampoo and make-up….In horror after my bag was scanned and rejected at the first security check, I was forced to return to baggage claim.  Racing at marathon speed with a forehead of sweat, and a child waiting anxiously in security, I promised myself I would never allow myself  such a “marginless” experience ever again while traveling.

Truly, I don’t believe I am the only person who lives beyond the threshold of human limits.  I push the envelope with my “Type A” personality and schedule….(some folks call me the cruise director)…and I find myself frantically living by a stopwatch of which I usually beat….. I am too stubborn to accept anything less than a perfectly timed schedule in this time-clock of life.  The result at times leaves me physically, emotionally, and spiritually depleted.  A night sleep of eight hours or more is a rarity in my life.  In fact, I am lucky to sleep a full six hours.  There’s just too much to do.  Agreeing with Swenson, “We have too much technology, complexity, traffic, information, possessions, debt, expectations, advertisements, and media.” 

The good news is that even though I have limits, my Father knows NO limits.  His most beautiful expressions are accomplished in the face of our mortal limits.  What a wonderful confirmation.  Yet, we continue to run this rat race as if our life depended on it.

It’s remarkable to me that the invention of brilliant time-saving devices that have been developed within previous years were designed to make life easier and more efficient.  The hurry and tension have only increased…….with no future confidence of diminishing. 

  

In this day of independence, many of us operate in this “out of control” frenzy to complete activities and commitments due to the overwhelming amount of choices and decisions that are at the forefront of each day. 

Honestly, there’s only one answer to this chaos.  My answer is time with the Savior….  Not just time, but quality time, and time that begins each day.  I find that when I carve a few minutes to talk and listen to Jesus at the beginning of each day….when I study the Word without speed-reading….when I take a minute to meditate….to listen….my day runs smoother than I could ever fathom on my own resources in this human tent. It never fails, when I put God off….I am stressed out.  Isn’t distraction the Enemy’s most crafty tool in this generation? 

Sure…we are all busy….BUT how many of us can be busy–a good busy–and still maintain the peace that transcends all understanding?  A peace that transcends all understanding is ours to claim in the presence of God……when we are fully aware of His Sovereign authority in not only the BIG decisions in our lives…but in the day to day choices.  Christ is the key to defending ourselves from the anxiety driven lifestyle that only becomes chaos when we give it the power to transform into such madness. The real POWER in Christ sets us free!  He is there to direct our every step.  And, when He’s in charge, we can have the confidence that all will be well. 

He not only wants to partner with us, He wants to carry us from deadline to deadline….because HE IS OUR LIFELINE!!  And, He is also our TIME SAVER SAVIOR, because supernaturally–the unorganized becomes beautifully ordered.  We can only stay organized, focused, and balanced in the midst of the supernatural force of the Holy Spirit.  I am convinced that no matter how many lists I create, no matter how much I think I have it together….it all falls apart without Him as the Manager of my business.  Otherwise, I am living in a negative margin…..which leaves me restless, stressed out, and simply miserable.

SLOW DOWN!

LET GOD SET YOUR MARGIN!

  

SEIZE THE DAY…

BY FIRST COMMUNING WITH THE MASTER MINUTE MANAGER!

  

RESULT ..YOU WILL LOVE LIFE!

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Thursday, August 9, 2007) August 9, 2007

Deuteronomy 28:2
All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.

John 1:16
From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.

Ephesians 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
   How many times in your life have you heard the beautiful words — “GOD BLESS YOU!” ?? Well, guess what?…..it’s not an option–it’s simply a fact.  God blessed us when He created the Heavens and the Earth. He blessed us when He created humanity in His image.  He blessed us BIG TIME at the Cross through His precious son JESUS CHRIST.  He’s been there and done that and continues to bless our socks off whether we recognize His gifts or not. However, it’s up to us to determine how much blessing and favor we receive…that’s right!  I received my monthly newsletter from Charles Stanley a few days ago.  I typically put it in a pile of papers to be studied when “I have time.”  Something moved me to open the envelope upon receipt.  WOW…what a blessing in the words I read.

Stanley shared in his August newsletter five ways that we can receive the full measure of God’s blessings in our lives.  So, if you want to get God’s attention, consider these steps.  I have added my own thoughts below each recommendation. 

1.  RECOGNIZE THAT GOD IS THE SOURCE OF EVERYTHING.

  

–I am a control freak, and I am extremely independent.  Therefore, God humbles me at times so that I will remember that I can do NOTHING without Him.  I am aware of this, however, I tend to grab the wheel and attempt to get my things or my answers my own way.  What I have come to realize is that so many blessings come from brokenness.  Recognition of His Sovereignty allows me to stay on the path of sanctification and purpose for His best for my life.–

2.  LISTEN TO GOD.

  

–When I constantly stay on the obsessive circuit of being busy and overwhelmed, I risk being deaf to God’s voice.  Satan is the master of manipulation and distractions.  The only way to hear God is simply to give Him our undivided time and attention in His Word and in prayer. Communication with our Father must be a priority, and it works best when He’s the first one we speak to each day! When we communicate with God on a consistent basis, we will hear Him….sometimes almost audibly.  On the other hand, when we ignore Him……He will get our attention as well…..but at this point in the game –His plan to “wake us up” is most likely not the way we desire.–

3.  NOT ONLY MUST YOU LISTEN, BUT YOU MUST OBEY.

  

–”Trust and obey, because there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus…but to trust and obey.”  That’s right, straight from the hymn book ingrained in my heart forever.  When we comprehend what He is telling us….we must react immediately.  Delayed reaction equals disobedience.  He will convict you, and you will be able to reach the conclusion of what you must do in any given situation. Remember if you have the attitude of “My way or the highway”…..you are on your way to the highway to …well….you know where.  Obey His commandments.  But, obey Him because you LOVE HIM.  Once you truly fall in love with the Savior……obedience is no sweat!–

4.  START EVERY DAY EXPECTING GOD’S BLESSING IN YOUR LIFE.

  

–Speak words of LIFE over yourself and others!  Express thanksgiving to Him for all you have and all you hope to have.  If you expect the worst….you will get just that.  If you expect the BEST, God will lead you to the BEST, even if it takes time to get there.  Keep your head up, and maintain a supernatural ATTITUDE in Christ.  Speaking of attitude….. 

Check out this writing by Chuck Swindoll on Attitude:

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.  Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.  It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.  It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company….a church….a home.  The remarkable think is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.  We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude….I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it.  And so it is with you….we are in charge of our attitudes.”

5.  THE MEASURE OF BLESSING YOU RECEIVE WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE MEASURE YOU GIVE TOWARD OTHERS.

  

Give it away.  Don’t resent it.  Without trying, it will boomerang back to you twenty-fold. In this world there are givers and there are takers.  Be intent to be a giver.  It is more blessed to give than receive……God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others.  Pray for ways that you may be a blessing to someone else. 

God is sooooooo good.  He loves to bless your socks off!  I hope this email brings a smile to your face.  It has made me smile.  You make me smile, and I am grateful for all of you.  And….one more thing…..CLAIM YOUR BLESSING TODAY!  His abundance is all around us.  Get a God-Perspective…..seek His face…..stop-look-listen….trust and obey…..expect blessings to abound……be a blessing to others……miracles will transform right before your eyes!

“When God speaks of blessing someone, He says, ‘I’m going to intervene, and act in such a way that My goodness is displayed in your life.’ (Charles Stanley)

DON’T BURY YOUR BLESSINGS….BRING IT ON!

MAINTAIN AN “A+” IN ATTITUDE!

  

OPERATE IN OBEDIENCE, AND EXPECT HIS BEST!

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Wednesday, August 1, 2007) August 1, 2007

    

The gift of discernment is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to distinguish between truth and error. www.cyberspaceministry.org The gift of discernment consists of the spiritual quality or skill of being able to see or understand, especially that which is hidden or obscure. www.lightplanet.com

A brother in Christ, David Carter, inspired me to share the following wisdom that one of his partners emailed him this week regarding discernment in the corporate world.  His company is V2R Group, Inc and “specializes in the commercialization of highly innovative technologies.”(www.V2R.com).  I was moved to relay this message, because we not only need discernment in business related decisions, but the gift of discernment should be active in our lives in our personal lives as well.  David Massias, Carter’s partner, suggests that their organization refrain from entering into business / investor relationships that would compromise the company’s God instilled values. It’s crucial to these gentlemen that they hold each other accountable to do things God’s way instead of the way of their human flesh. Revealing his thoughts to me, David Carter agreed that no matter how tough times get in the business world, we must never lower our standards and deal with people who (through discernment) God has not called us into relationship.  He stated that we will always be tested, and we must remain loyal to our beliefs and values.  In other words, we must not to settle for less than God’s best.  I am blessed to have met David Carter and I know that V2R Group will continued to be favored by our Heavenly CEO, because their priorities are in line with God’s agenda. 

  

Hence, vision statements, core values, guiding principles, and company policies mean nothing when God isn’t in charge.  Not only in business, but in all of our relationships – we must evaluate daily decisions based on prayerful priorities.  This selective discernment must not be limited to business transactions and dealings, but also includes relationships with co-workers, acquaintances through recreation, friends made through children’s activities, or even when searching for a mate.  The world’s way tempts us to succeed by looking out for #1 in this dog eat dog world.  In order to thwart the Devil’s schemes, we must position our Savior #1 making Him the Superintendent of all of our projects and relationships.  The only success one can gain without God is worldly success, which is temporary.  “Without God, we can do nothing that has Eternal Value.” (John Maxwell)

Now, check out the message below that David Carter sent me via David Massias of V2R Group, Inc:

  

Bad Alliances

by Os Hillman, July 30, 2007

“Woe to the obstinate children,” declares the Lord, “to those who carry out plans that are not Mine, forming an alliance, but not by My Spirit, heaping sin upon sin; who go down to Egypt without consulting Me; who look for help to Pharaoh’s protection, to Egypt’s shade for refuge.” – Isaiah 30:1-2

Have you ever entered a business relationship with someone you knew you were not supposed to? Throughout the history of Israel , the people were called to come out of an old way of life. Egypt represented that old way; when things got tough, the Israelites reverted to what was comfortable. They always knew they could take a trip to Egypt and find what they lacked. Perhaps this was their reasoning: “If we can’t get it accomplished under the new way, why not go back to the way we used to do it? At least we know we can get it there.”When God calls us into a walk of faith, we can expect to be tested in this walk. If we enter into alliances that God has not ordained, it will only bring heartache. Such was the case for Israel . ”But Pharaoh’s protection will be to your shame, Egypt ’s shade will bring you disgrace” (Is. 30:3).Beware what you perceive as an alliance that may advance your business. It may actually bring you great distress if God has not directed you to align it. Ask yourself what the motive is behind this possible alliance. Make sure that it is not based on fear or a quick fix. Get confirmation that God is leading you to make such an alliance. Then you will not end up in the way of Israel , experiencing shame and disgrace.

BRIGHT FUTURES BEGIN WITH THE SON!

  

PRAY WITH YOUR MANAGING PARTNER TODAY!

GENUINE SUCCESS IS SUPPLIED BY THE SAVIOR!

DIVINE DIRECTION WILL CLOSE THE DEAL!

SUSIE MC