Category: faith

One Word for 2017

Posted on by Susan Panzica

worship-2017

 

For the past few years, I’ve been part of a growing trend – to select one word for the year, rather than set a bunch of resolutions likely doomed to failure.

I thought the one word concept would work for me. And often throughout the year, it does. My word can serve as a little bird that flutters in my brain at the point of decision making, keeping me on track. Or it can serve as a sit-down-and-contemplate-for-a- while-experience. Previous one-words for me include:  Now, Faithfulness, Obey, Purpose.

To be honest, each year I fell short of my one little word. These words, all of them, were intended to spur me on to good works and help me stay on track of projects. They were to inspire my actions, to be purposeful, faithful, and obedient. Instead, too often I was distracted, disillusioned, or downright disobedient. At those times, I wavered between (1) berating myself for my lack of discipline and (2) remembering that in His grace, God still loves me, yet feeling like I disappointed Him.

I considered not choosing a word this year, right along with not making resolutions that I’d fail at anyway. But during this period of contemplation, I had a realization. It occurred to me that each of my words, strong and worthy as they were, focused on my efforts and achievement. They required the work of my will to be fullfilled.

I decided to change my focus. My word for this year is WORSHIP.

Rather than striving in my strength, I will seek the Lord on His holy hill. I will breathe in the Spirit. I will let Him guide me in these decisions. And all my actions will flow FROM His leading, rather than striving in my own strength and marginal wisdom.

Growing up, I attended Hebrew school and learned Jewish prayers that almost always start this way:

ברוך אתה ה’ אלהינו, מלך העולם…

Transliteration: Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha`olam…

Translation: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe…”

 

Before asking for anything, we worshipped God. I’ve now printed out these words and posted them by my desk so that I have the reminder to worship throughout the day.

I realize that I still need to be obedient to His calling, but if my focus is on Him, I anticipate He will direct me. Both the words “discipline” and “disciple” share the same root: learner. If I am a disciple, I will allow my Teacher to lead me, and the discipline will flow.

Ultimately, for me, my purpose is to bring an eternal perspective to everything here on earth. There is an overarching purpose for each of our lives, and the daily circumstances and roles we play are small ingredients in much larger divine recipe. As I learn to keep my focus on the eternal in worship, I trust that God will direct me in everything I do and in every relationship I have.

Do you have a word for the year? What is it? And why?

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To Provoke or Not To Provoke

Posted on by Susan Panzica

heb-10-24

 

Watching the political debates evokes the word “provoke.” Personal conversations and social media interactions are filled with words and emotions that “provoke” each other. In our church’s marriage group, we discussed how we might “provoke” our spouses. So I did a little research on this difficult word.

 

The dictionary defines provoking as:

  1. to anger, enrage, exasperate, or vex
  2. to stir up, arouse, or call forth
  3. to incite or provide the needed stimulus for action
  4. to give rise to, induce, or bring about

 

By this definition, provoking can be good or bad. It depends on who’s getting “vexed” or the action that is stimulated. To me, the word “provoke” always had a negative connotation. But looking at this list, I see that Jesus was a provoker in every category:

  1. He angered the religious leaders of the day, pointing out their folly.
  2. He aroused the crowds and called forth disciples.
  3. He stimulated people to action, leaving home and families to follow Him.
  4. He brought about a transformation that changed the course of history.

 

Here’s a few do’s and don’ts from the Word regarding provoking:

  1. Don’t provoke the Lord to jealousy. The Israelites did this repeatedly in the Old Testament, following after kings and other gods, losing sight of the One who deserved their love and full attention. Paul asked the believers, “Do you dare to provoke the Lord’s jealousy as Israel did? Do you think you are stronger than He is?”1 Cor. 10:22
  2. Don’t provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4) lest they be discouraged (Col. 3:21)
  3. DO provoke one another to love and good works! (Heb. 10:24) The NLT translates this verse: “Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.”I love that – outbursts of love!

 

So, let’s start provoking! Let us stir up love, encourage good works, speak up for those who cannot. What can 1 person do? Start with your family. Provoke those around you to love and good works. Start a transformation that can change the course of history!

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True Freedom

Posted on by Susan Panzica

John 8-36

 

On Independence Day, there’s a lot of talk about freedom and liberty. Thankfully, we do not live under the bondage that is found in some other countries. But all too often, we live in bondage to fear, pride, depression, anger. We may not have control over these areas of our lives. The answer is surrender.

In Bible times, slavery was common. Slaves had no freedom, but when offered freedom, some chose to live surrendered to their Master, for life with a kind Master was superior to freedom outside that home. These surrendered slaves were called “bond-slaves.” The Apostle Paul often referred to himself as a bond-slave of Jesus Christ.
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While unjustly imprisoned, Paul wrote the letter to the Philippian church. In it, he says that due to his being in chains, the gospel was shared with entire palace guard. He sees that his lack of freedom had a greater purpose. He was surrendered.
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From Paul’s letter to the Philippians we can discern his answers to the bondages I mentioned above:

You will not have to worry
Phil. 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

You will not feel the need to be in charge
Phil. 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

You will experience true joy
Phil. 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

You will be free from anger
Phil. 2:14-15 Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

The Christian life is a paradox in many ways-
-When we are weak, we are strong.
-The first shall be last.
-You must lose your life to find it.
-To live forever, you must die to yourself.

And…
-True freedom means surrender to the One who owns you.

May you experience true freedom in surrender to the King of Kings!

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8:36 NLT

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Lights In The Darkness

Posted on by Susan Panzica

 

Blue lights verse

Driving past the airport in the 4 am darkness, looking out the window, I saw acres of blue lights shining like glowing forget-me-nots on a black velvet carpet. From my ground level view, they looked totally random and downright messy.

But from above, these blue dots guide pilots to the correct destination avoiding total disaster. Each light is part of a complex pattern directing the plane to the proper runway to safely land from the sky, and then leading the pilot to the exact gate.

As the plane readied to take off, I noticed the control tower. In the midst of all the chaos, traffic controllers provided needed guidance and instruction. And when I landed, the ground crew further directed the pilot.

Just the perspective I needed that morning as I reflected on the random messes in my life. To me, these events and relationships are confusing and sometimes distressing. But to God, they’re part of an intricate pattern He designed to bring me to the destination He has in mind.

Both by His Spirit and through people on the ground, God provides the guidance and encouragement I need to continue on the journey He has set before me.

We often want our circumstances and our future to be clearly laid out before us. On this journey we’re traveling, God’s Word is a “lamp to our feet and a light to our paths.” (Ps. 139:105) It is not like a stadium floodlight that makes the night as bright as day. It’s more like a flashlight in the dark allowing us to see one step at a time. Perhaps if we could see more, we’d run the other way. But God leads us providing the peace and the strength to continue forward with trust that someday we will know. “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely” 1 Cor. 13:12

God is faithful. He will lead, and guide, and prompt us to follow. He wants us to do His will even more than we do. Too often, we seek a sign before we move. What He desires is for us to seek His way, to seek to be taught, to be sensitive to His leading and obedient to His call.

There are things that are crystal clear – activities and attitudes to avoid, and those to pursue. That’s where our focus should be. For what is not clear, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). We walk according to what is clear and trust Him to reveal the rest in His timing.

How to make it through the journey? Follow the directions for what you can see, and trust God for what you can’t see!

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. Heb. 11:1 (The Message)

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Can You Hear Me Now?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

sunrise in Cancun Mk 6-31

 

Last week, my husband and I redeemed some hotel points and flyer miles to steal away for a rare treat. Leaving behind a NJ ice storm, we enjoyed a few days in beautiful Cancun, Mexico. It was incredible in many unexpected ways, both large and small. From upgraded plane seats to hotel rooms to other unpaid benefits, we walked (or floated) along in God’s favor.

While we have no idea why God chose to bless us in this way at this time, we spent every minute in deep appreciation for our Lord, enjoying both His creation and His presence, seeing Him work in our lives and speak to our hearts in new and fresh ways.  For example:

When we opened the glass doors of our spacious “honeymoon suite” (yup, we were honeymooners after 28½ years of marriage!) to the ocean-front balcony, the roar of the surf, one of my favorite sounds on earth, instantly brought a huge smile to my face.

 

view from above

 

Yet later, when we sat at the water’s edge at the beach or by the pool, right next to the ocean, it wasn’t nearly as loud. The sounds of the surf seemed more like background “white noise.”

 

At waters edge

The difference: the competing sounds were louder too. With guests engaged in conversation, workers serving and building, birds calling to each other, and vendors hawking their wares, all the noises blended into one, including the ocean.

But when we were up several stories, away from the distractions, we could hear the sound of the surf distinctly.

It’s like that with the Lord.

When we are caught up in our busy lives, the gentle whisper of the Lord is drowned out. He and His voice haven’t changed. What changed is us – our position, our engagement with other activities, our distractions.

 

Martha was distracted with much serving. … 

But the Lord answered her,“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things.. 

But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:40-42

 

Susanna Wesley is known as the mother of John and Charles, who were powerful men of God, a preacher and a hymnwriter. Susanna had 19 children, only 10 of whom lived to adulthood. She experienced many difficulties in her life, but she was committed to prayer. Without much time to herself, she would bury her head in her apron, and her children knew not to disturb her – it was her prayer time, her time to be free of distraction.

We each need to find our own apron, our own “war room,” our own upper room (aka “honeymoon suite”) to escape the competing noise so that we can clearly hear His voice.

He said to them, “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

What is your best way to eliminate the distractions and “come away” into quiet time with the Lord?

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Forget it! Or remember?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

forget remember SAP

Happy New Year!

On Jan. 1st, I updated my facebook status to read:

“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?” Is. 43:18-19

Seemed like the perfect verse to usher in the new year along with Paul’s words from Phil 3:13-14 “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Seems like starting a new year gives us opportunity to do a lot of forgetting.

Yet I also recall verses that tell me to do just the opposite – remember!

Repeatedly in Scripture the Lord urges His people to remember – His covenants with them, what He has done for them (and us), what they (and we) had been, how they (and we) angered God, how He forgave.

In fact, Isaiah himself who wrote “forget the former things” also wrote:

“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9

So what’s a girl to do?

Forget or remember??

Well – a little of both.

Alas, I find myself remembering things that have little value, hurtful things, foolish things, things that should be long forgotten. These are the things that Isaiah says to forget – “do not dwell in the past.” In Paul’s description of the race of life, these things are weights that drag us down and keep us from pressing on toward the goal.

What we are to dwell on, to remember, is the God that is like no other. The One who redeemed us when we were unworthy, the One who sustained us when we couldn’t go on, the One who grants us peace beyond understanding, the One who helps us to love the unlovable and who loves us unconditionally, the One who made us and REmade us.

So in 2016, what will you remember? And what will you forget?

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He’s With Us!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Immanuel-

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel”

(which means “God with us”).

Matt. 1:22-23, Is. 7:14

 

My friend experienced a horrific family tragedy not long ago. Yet miraculously she glows with the grace of God. When I told her this, she simply shrugged and said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing. So I’m with Him.”

Another friend with ongoing family heartbreak told me about a sermon that spoke to her, and said, “There’s a miracle coming out of that mess!” That sermon’s title? “Emmanuel, God With Us.”

Mary of Nazareth, an unwed pregnant teenager. Her betrothed, Joseph was about to divorce her when an angel assured him that this miracle Child would fulfill the prophesy that the virgin’s child would be named Immanuel meaning “God would with us.”

Yes, He came to be our Savior, to redeem us.
Yes, He came to set an example.
Yes, He came to give us life, abundant life.

But, He also came simply to be with us.

To be with us in the tragedy, providing grace and peace through the storm.
To be with us in the joy, multiplying it and giving it meaning.
To experience life with us that we might experience life with Him. Glorious!

Are you with Him?
Because He said that if you’re not, then you’re against Him. Ouch!

So if you don’t sense that you are WITH Him – seek Him without delay.
Seek Him with your whole heart.

Repent of anything that would hinder His presence in your life.

He came to be with us.
Anything less is less than best.

From Jesus Calling ~ “When you sit quietly with Me, the process I went through is reversed in your experience. As you identify with Me, heaven’s vistas open up before you – granting you glimpses of My Glory.”

I pray your CHRISTmas is filled with His presence, the greatest present of all!

“He will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace….

Immanuel.“

Isaiah 9:6, 7:14

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A Dream Fulfilled

Posted on by Susan Panzica
And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:21


Jesus said these words to His followers, bringing their attention to the fulfillment of the vision, promise and prophecy of His coming. I share that verse now because yesterday a vision, promise, and prophecy about Lauren’s future was fulfilled in your hearing (or reading ;D). 

Yesterday the Greenhouse Arts Center opened its doors to cultivate the dreams of the next generation and encourage these little dreamers to make a difference in their world.

After returning from one her many mission trips several years ago, my daughter Lauren’s passion for dance and the arts began to develop into something more – a vision for a global arts community. Before going to Uganda, she had wondered what she could possibly bring to the people there that would impact their lives in a positive way. Upon her return, she realized that although she provided meals to those in need and helped to build the local Dream Center, it was when she led them in dance that she saw them experience joy. 

She saw a vision for a global community arts center, one where people in comfortable economic situations could support those around the world who wonder where their next meal is coming from. The arts allow people to express and experience their emotions, gifts and talents, and thus a joy that isn’t found in their daily sustenance. 

In the years that followed, she dedicated herself to learning her craft and the business of running a ministry. After graduating with her BA and BFA dance degrees from MSU, she spent a year and a half in Australia at Hillsong College learning and serving in dance ministry. Through the prophecy of leaders, God confirmed her vision revealing more and more layers and details daily. She saw it form in her mind, and yesterday she saw it in person. As did people from all across Harlem. 

So great was the outpouring of families and students to the grand opening of the Greenhouse Arts Center that they ran out of registration forms and had to add an extra class to accommodate the new students. Her staff of teachers and administrators mingled with the families sharing the love of Jesus through smiles and hugs. 

On what she calls her “golden birthday” weekend (turning 27 on the 27th), she saw what is both the fulfillment and the beginning of her dream. Twenty seven years ago, I held in my arms the most beautiful bundle of baby that the world has ever seen. I never imagined how amazing the journey that we’d experience together would be. 

And it just keeps getting better. 


How To Hear From God

Posted on by Susan Panzica


In his 2nd letter to the Thessalonians, Paul encouraged the church again to stand firm in the face of persecution. He urged them to “keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.” The Thessalonians heard from Paul both in person and by letter.
Supernaturally, by the Holy Spirit, we can experience the presence of God. We sense His leading. We feel His peace. We are strengthened by His power. We can hear from God in person.
We also hear from God through the Bible, His love letter to us, His children. The words in the Word are “living and active.” They are not merely ink on a page. They speak directly to our hearts in miraculous ways.
The danger is when our relationship with God is unbalanced, focused on one OR the other. 

I know some Christians who have an entirely experiential relationship with God. They rarely read the Bible. They don’t memorize Scripture. They attend Christian functions, listen to Christian radio and music, shoot off prayer requests, even serve in ministry. But they depend upon experiences alone to hear from God. Maybe a word from the pulpit or from another Christian hits a nerve. But without reading the Bible on their own, they are like a boat without an anchor. They drift along from experience to experience without any foundation. 

In the book of Acts, Luke tells us that the Bereans were considered more noble than those in Thessalonica because after they heard the word from Paul, they searched the Scriptures to see if what Paul was saying was true. The Bible calls itself our spiritual food (milk as babes, then meat), necessary to grow into mature Christians. When we speak we use words, when God speaks, He uses His Word. We need to keep a strong grip on His letters.
Then there are Christians who are scholars in the Word. They can cite verse and address and put myself and others to shame. But the danger here can be that it is just head knowledge. An old tract titled, “Missing Heaven By 18 Inches” teaches that 18 inches is the distance between our head and our heart. 

If we know all about God, but lack a heart relationship with Him, we will miss spending eternity with Him. If we store up much information in our brains, but lack love, we are just a resounding gong and will be lacking the other fruits of the Spirit – joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It’s not enough to know all about God. We need to know Him personally as a friend, husband, brother, and keep to the teaching we learn from Him.

Do you need to strengthen your knowledge of His Word or deepen your experiences with Him? Let’s talk about it. 

With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.  2 Thess. 2:15  



What Is Faith?

Posted on by Susan Panzica


So often we are living in the aftermath of an event that left us full of tears. Now we’re in a dark time, experiencing the pain of suffering, despair, heartache.

Much like the disciples must have felt on the Saturday after the crucifixion.
They waited in their despondency, unaware of what was to happen the next morning; the joy of new life, resurrection, rising from the ashes of pain.
And that’s where faith grows.

In the dark, when we can’t see. The very definition of faith is “…the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1



Faith isn’t wishful thinking, or hope without a solid foundation. It is comprised of two elements: truth and experience. And it must have both, or it isn’t true faith.
There are people who know  Scripture well, but have no experience or  relationship with its Author. Years ago, I worked with a brilliant guy, a certified Mensa genius. While he was in seminary, he memorized the entire Bible. Sadly, he also decided that he didn’t believe in God and so quit the seminary.
He had more knowledge of the truth than I ever hope to. Yet he had no experience or relationship with God, and so all his knowledge was in vain.
Then there are people who trust only in their experiences, but have no anchor of truth in the Word. Consequently they are tossed about with every wave of life. Their faith rests in their emotions and so they’re happy and trusting God when things are going well, but lose all hope when trouble strikes.
In the first episode of the TV series A.D., there is an excellent exchange between Mary, Jesus’ mother, and Mary Magdelene. After Mary tells Peter and the disciples, “Have you forgotten His prophecy? He promises to rise from death. Have you forgotten so quickly? CAN YOU NOT WAIT?,” she then left the room, and Mary Magdelene followed and asked her, “Are you sure He’s coming?”
“I know He is,” Mary replied.
“How can you be so sure?”
 “He raised others from death. This is what was prophesied, what He promised. Then why not Himself?”
Mary’s reply contains all the elements of faith:
Truth:  “what was prophesied, what He promised.”  
Experience: “He raised others from death.”
Faith: He’ll raise Himself.

Our faith grows and deepens in the dark when we stand on the truth of God’s Word lived out in our life experiences. 


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