Category: bride

The Profound Mystery

Posted on by Susan Panzica

“You’re Still The One” 2015
http://bit.ly/1x7iv9y

As the Scriptures say,

“A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife,

and the two are united into one.”

This is a great mystery,

but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

Eph 5:31-32

Paul paints a tangled web in Eph 5. Back and forth in the instructions Paul gives to husbands and wives, he describes the husband and wife relationship as a metaphor for the church and Jesus, the Bridegroom, calling marriage a great – or profound – mystery.

In the New Testament, the word “mystery” denotes, not the mysterious, but that which can be made known only by Divine revelation… In the ordinary sense, a mystery implies knowledge withheld; it’s Spiritual significance is truth revealed. (Vines)

The word “mystery” means something which is concealed, hidden, before unknown; something into which one must be instructed before he can understand it. It does not mean that it is “incomprehensible” when it is disclosed, but that previously it has been kept secret.

The idea of this being a mystery, is only a mystery to those who haven’t understood that this chapter is about Christ’s relationship to His Church.

“Jesus declares you are His bride. He chose the highest expression of commitment between two people to express His commitment to you. Your identity is wrapped up in the reality of your relationship with Christ.” Eric Geiger

Becoming a Christian is like being carried over the threshold into a sunny room. We leave behind darkness and fear and cross into the light. We enter in to a new relationship, a new lifestyle. We begin a new covenant relationship, sealed with blood.

Entering into covenant relationships with our earthly husband and with Jesus Christ are just the beginning of the profound mystery. Each day presents new challenges. Satan attacks marriages because they represent the Divine union. That’s why this past weekend, and once a year, my husband and I attend a marriage conference called “You’re Still The One.” We are now coaches helping other couples learn the skills and tools that have helped us so much. 

Just like these tools help my husband and I to communicate better resulting in a greater sense of oneness, we also need to maintain effective two-way communication with our spiritual Bridegroom to have a greater sense of oneness. Tools like prayer, fellowship, and reading the Bible are essential to maintain that oneness and allow God to reveal Himself to us in greater measure. 

We begin to understand that which was previously “incomprehensible” to us, and the profound mystery unfolds. But unlike an Agatha Christie novel, we will have full understanding only when we see Jesus face to face. “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Cor. 13:12

Until then, we heed Paul’s words in the tangled web of Eph. 5 that provides instructions for earthly and spiritual oneness:

21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Let Me Introduce You ~ and Blog Hop

Posted on by Susan Panzica
At last week’s writers conference, I had the pleasure of meeting Kathryn Ross who invited me to participate in my first ever “blog hop.” The rules are simple: I have to answer 4 questions and introduce you to 3 blogger friends. Kathryn is a dynamic writer, filled with joy and creativity. Although she is much more artistic – and Victorian – than I am, we were instantly kindred spirits who both write using everyday situations and occurrences to highlight eternal spiritual truths. 

So without further ado, here are the 4 questions:

1 – What am I writing or working on?
Right now, I’m working on various projects including articles and blogposts, but always in the mix is my book about our identity in Christ. At a recent writers conference, I received some great feedback and opportunities so my book project has moved to the forefront after several years of languishing.
2 – How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Like Kathryn and others, I bring an eternal perspective to earthly matters. Much like Jesus used lilies of the field, vines and fruit, sheep and goats, or types of soil, I use everyday observations and experiences highlight the divine in the ordinary, mundane things like frying pans and chipmunks. But I also try to challenge conventional thinking. For example, I don’t picture the Bride of Christ as a lovely lady in a frilly gown. I see a tough man who wears camel hair! After all, it was John the Baptist who first to referred to Jesus as the Bridegroom.   
3 – Why do I write what I write?
Short answer – God called me to. I feel compelled to share, much like Paul who said, “For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord…”   I’m relatively new to writing. Though I have been a speaker for many years, the concept for my book nudged me into new territory, and I find I’m loving it! My heart is to be an encourager, and writing gives me increasing opportunities to do that. 
4 – How does my writing process work?

With my work schedule (3  l-o-n-g  days a week), I dedicate my Tuesdays to writing, working on several projects including articles and blogposts, along with the book proposal and edits. Despite advice from accomplished writers to write at least a little every morning, I am just not a morning person and have no creativity at that time. Setting aside a block of time works better for me. As for the process itself, I keep a notebook by my bedside, in my handbag, in my car, and a note app on my phone, so whenever a thought or idea pops into my brain, I write it down. These become great fodder for illustrations or talking points in any piece of writing. 


Now to introduce my fellow bloggers. Please stop by and visit their blogs. All are great writers, and I’m thrilled to say that all three are dear friends! 


Elise Daly Parker writes at Our Stories, God’s Glory. She’s also the Executive Editor and co-founder of Circles of Faith, where I am a contributing writer. She is absolutely certain that we all have amazing God stories of transformation and redemption and is committed to helping people share their stories. She believes stories have power to enlighten and inform. Elise is a professional writer/editor for 30 years, a college essay coach, and a speaker and Mentor Mom for MOPS. 

Kimberly Amici, is the other co- founder of Circles of Faith, and its Managing Editor. She writes about life with children at her blog, Living In The Sweet Spot. Kimberly is a gifted designer and artist, known for her creativity, strong faith, and commitment to living life with purpose and passion. Kimberly is a writer and community builder whose desire is for hearts to be healed, minds to be renewed and women to be connected in fellowship just as God intended.


Ann Van Hine is a friend for over 30 years, but we recently reconnected thanks to our new love for writing. Ann’s passion is “telling the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of our Lord and Savior.” Ann is a widow of 9/11 firefighter Bruce, a volunteer docent at the 9/11 Tribute Center Memorial in NYC, head of children’s ministries for the NY District of the Nazarene Church, and a speaker across the US and the world. Ann blogs at Random Ramblings. 


So there you have it! Three more wonderful women to connect with thanks to modern technology! I hope you enjoy their writing as much as I do. 

You’re Invited!

Posted on by Susan Panzica
If you’re in the north Jersey area, please join me on Sunday morning 3/24/13 as I share the Word at High Mountain Church, in North Haledon.

Shhhh! Don’t tell your man the topic. I’m presenting a fresh new look at what it means to be the Bride. Hint: It has nothing to do with lace, giggles or hormones! I’ll just say this: it may not be pretty, but it is powerful, and it’s something both men and women need to know. Paul calls the relationship “A Profound Mystery.” We’ll unravel some clues of this mystery to walk  deeper and closer in the most important relationship we’ll ever have for all eternity.

Where:

     High Mountain Church
     681 High Mountain Rd.
     North Haledon, NJ

Time:
     10:30 am

Hope to see you! Be sure to say “hi!”

photo credit: www.sarahhalstead.com

A River Walk Talk

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today, my guest blogger is my friend Mina’s 14-year-old daughter, Ellen. She is sharing her testimony of what God spoke to her at Harvest Christian Fellowhship’s Women’s Retreat last month.

After the workshop at the HCF Women’s Retreat of 2010, I decided to take a walk because the message was very heavy. The subject was “Rejoicing in Trials,” and I had been having conflicting feelings about a crush on a boy at my school. So I put my coat and sneakers on, and left to walk along the river. The sky was completely blue, and there was no sound except the wind. I decided to put my iPod on and listen to a song that I call “Me and God’s song.” The song is Beloved by Tenth Avenue North. I was listening to the song and looking at the water, when all of a sudden, I heard a voice in my head, and it said “Look at the water.”


And I replied “Yeah?”


Then it said, “How is the water moving?”


I replied, “That way.” and I was pointing to the right, which was the way the water was flowing.


The voice in my head said, “No, I mean symmetrically.”


I replied, “As one.”


And what it said next brought me to tears.


“Exactly, and that is how I want to be with you, but you keep pushing me away.” This is when I began to cry, my heart broke to hear that. So, to my surprise the next thing he said was “Ellen, will you be my bride?”


And my response is what I will never forget. I said, “You will be my daddy, my husband, and my best friend.”


Since that point, I have realized that I have started becoming the woman that God wants me to be. I strayed away, but I realized that still, through everything I’ve done, God loves me so much. I will never forget that day.

And, Ellen, I will never forget your testimony. You have moved me to tears, and I pray that I too walk symmetrically as one with my Lord, my Abba daddy, by husband, my best friend.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea-billows roll—
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul. —Spafford

Susan

In The Middle

Posted on by Susan Panzica
Today we are in the middle.
Yesterday was Good Friday –
the pain of suffering,
despair, heartache,
the event that left us full of tears
Tomorrow is Easter –
the joy of new life,
resurrection,
rising from the ashes of pain
Today we are just in the middle-
the preparing for tomorrow’s feast,
tomorrow’s worship,
tomorrow’s new garments

Do you ever feel – in the middle? Having survived tragedy or loss, but still waiting for the future hope and peace that is promised? We must wait, but not as those with no hope. It was while Jesus was waiting that He set the captives free.

When I was in Israel, one of the most powerful moments for me was at the Garden Tomb. I entered the empty tomb, and after my eyes adjusted to the darkness saw the white garments folded on the stone bench. When I turned to exit the tomb and enter the light, there was a sign that read:

“He is not here;
he has risen,
just as he said.”
Matt. 28:6

Seeing those words in that place was a powerful reminder that He has risen – JUST AS HE SAID! What else did He say?

We have been healed:
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”-1 Peter 2:24

We have a future:
“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.” – Jeremiah 29:11

So we must:
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Titus 1:2
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3

Today, while still in the middle, this is my prayer for you:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

May you have a most blessed Resurrection Day! May you rejoice with Him who rose from the dead to give you eternal life, who endured the darkness to bring us with Him into the light. And may you be preparing for the ultimate feast, worship and garments yet to come!!

Susan

Fear Not!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

I recently joined an online writer’s group where the moderators ask a question, and members email their responses to each other. I read and I learn, but I don’t usually share anything because I am so new to this writing “gig” that I feel I don’t have something worthy to share. This week’s question, though, was one in which I (unfortunately) have a great deal of experience: “What are you afraid of?” The question, of course, related to the field of writing, but I felt led to share what I will now share with you as well.

Since I will be speaking at a Ladies Tea in June on the subject of fear, I have had this on my mind. If you are coming to the Tea and want to be surprised, stop reading here. But this is a preview of what I’ll be sharing.

****

Fear has been a constant companion all my life. One of my biggest fears has always been the fear of public speaking. I’ve heard that the fear of public speaking is the #1 fear in this country. The #2 fear is death. That means that at a funeral, the average person would rather be in the casket than delivering the eulogy! Jerry Seinfeld said that, and it’s the only punchline I can ever remember, probably because it hits so close to home.

Over the years, I’ve learned that there is only one fear we ought to have – the fear of the Lord. There is nothing else to fear. I’ve heard that “fear not” appears 365 times in the Word. This means that there is a “fear not” for every single day! Fear has served a purpose in my life. It keeps me on my knees. I know God can supernaturally remove it, and He has done so on occasion. But, if He doesn’t, I understand that it causes me to go to Him.

Despite my fears, I have been a speaker for years, but writing is a new endeavor for me. I struggle with whether I am good enough and how much there is to learn about this craft and this industry, but I do not want to be like the servant who buried his talent. We have to give an account someday of what we’ve been entrusted with, and I want to be found faithful.

To me, fear is like the threshold found in a doorway. It prevents me from going further. When I was little, I remember being afraid of participating in a pillow fight my dad was having with my sister. I stood silently at the entrance to the room, even after they invited me to join them. I still find that fear prevents me from moving forward. BUT, as the bride of Christ, I daily choose to allow my Bridegroom to carry me over that threshold, past that fear, leave it behind and enter into a place of peace, free of fear.

These verses have ministered greatly to me:
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” Psalm 56:4
Susan

Betrothed

Posted on by Susan Panzica

All over the country, men and women have just been elected to national, state, county and local government positions. However, none of these newly elected officials will take office for 2 – 3 months. They are legally committed to their new position, but are not officially serving in that office yet.

In the Bible, there was a betrothal period in which the bride and groom had made a binding legal commitment to each other, but were not officially married yet. This is why the Bible says that Joseph considered quietly “divorcing” Mary when she was found to be miraculously pregnant, even though the formal wedding had not yet occurred.

When we become Christians, we are in a betrothal period with our Bridegroom. We are committed to Him, bound to Him, serving Him until such time as our formal wedding to Him takes place. We represent Him here on earth. We are cared for by Him and are under His protection. One day, we will be completely united with Him in glory, but until that time we live this life with Him as our Bridegroom.

Let us keep Him in our thoughts throughout our day, each and every day. Let us experience Him beside us and inside us. Let us live with the joyous expectancy a bride feels as her wedding day approaches. It’s a time of preparation and work, but always keeping our focus on the joy set before us.


Susan