Author: Susan Panzica

2015 – Forget it! Or Remember?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

“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

Isaiah’s words from God seem 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??
Probably a little of both.
<<click to tweet>>


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.


The lyrics from one of my favorite bands Tenth Ave. North says:

You are more than the choices that you’ve made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You’ve been remade.

‘Cause this is not about what you’ve done,
But what’s been done for you.
This is not about where you’ve been,
But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.


So in 2015, what will you forget?
And what will you remember?

Chanukah Blessings!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

photo: Jonathan Cahn of Beth Israel, Wayne NJ


Today is the first day of Chanukah which officially began last night at sundown. Chanukah was one of my favorite times growing up.

  • Playing dreidel games!
  • Eating potato latkes! 
  • Eight nights of presents!
  • Lighting the Chanukah candles! 


As the eldest child in my family, I lit the menorah candles. First, we lit the tallest candle (the Shamash). Then the Shamash lit the other candles from right to left, lighting one the first night, two the next, and so on for eight nights. As I lit the candles, I said the following prayer:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melech ha’olam
asher, kidishanu b’mitz’votav, v’tzivanu
l’had’lik neir shel Chanukah. 

which means

Blessed are you, Lord our God, sovereign of the universe
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
to light the lights of Chanukah. 


Little did I know that the menorah and its candles were a beautiful reflection of the Light of the world that was to bring me from darkness to light.

Chanukah is often overshadowed by the many Christmas activities. It is not a particularly important Jewish festival, and not mentioned in the Old Testament. Chanukah, the Feast of Dedication is an eight day celebration commemorating the revolt and unlikely victory of the Jewish Maccabbees over the powerful Syrian Greeks who had invaded and oppressed Israel in 167 – 164 BC (the period of time between the Old and New Testaments).

Jesus observed Chanukah (John 10:20-30), and it was during this Feast the Jesus publicly declared Himself the Messiah by proclaiming “I and the Father are One.”

Celebrating Chanukah includes the telling of the story of how the Syrian ruler, Antiochus, brutally oppressed the Hebrews, forbidding the practice of Judiasm and desecrating the Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar. Mattathias and his 5 sons, including Judah (nicknamed Maccabbee, the Hammer), led a rag-tag army in guerilla warfare for 3 years, retreating to the hills after each battle.

Finally, the Jews defeated the mighty Syrian army and returned to Jerusalem to find the Temple all but destroyed and the oil for the lampstand gone, except for a tiny amount enough for one day. The eternal flame of the Temple Menorah, central to Israel’s worship, was extinguished. Although it would take eight days for the priests to consecrate more oil, by faith they lit the Menorah. Miraculously, the one day’s supply of oil lasted those eight days. Judah Maccabbee declared that these events would be commemorated annually at the Feast of Dedication, the Festival of Lights, Chanukah. A special menorah would be used that had nine candles, rather than the seven branched lampstand in the Temple, one for each of the eight days and one Shamash candle.

The lights of the menorah are symbolic of our relationship with Christ, the Light of the world. The tallest candle is called Shamash which means “Servant.” The Servant candle lights the other candles yet loses none of its own light. Likewise, Jesus who “came not to be served, but to serve” (Mk 10:45) imparts His light to us and loses none of His own. He is the Light of the word (Jn 8:12), but He says that WE are the light of the world (Mt. 5:4).

The Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, but God’s Word declares that WE are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19) and the light of the world. How is our oil burning? Sometimes an oil change is necessary. Or perhaps we are a quart low. Maybe we feel like all we have left is one day’s supply. Isn’t it reassuring to remember that the Bible teaches that more oil is always available when the undying flame has been ignited in our souls! 

When we spot a menorah, let’s remember that we have been illuminated by the Shamash, the Servant, and we have an eternal supply of oil to keep the Light of the world burning brightly in our hearts throughout the year. 


Thank you Jesus for imparting Your light to us. May we reflect You, bringing light to people still in darkness. Thank you for the miracles 2000 years ago, and the miracles today!! 

For more information from Chabad about the Jewish observance of Chanukah:
Printable Chanukah Guide

How Can This Be?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Has a phone call or conversation ever delivered incomprehensible news and you wondered, “How can this be?” You’re not alone…




A devout priest, Zechariah was a descendent of Aaron. When his priestly division was on duty at the Temple in Jerusalem, he was chosen to enter the Holy Place. A religious man, schooled in the Scriptures, he was in a religious place where one would expect to encounter God.

Yet, when the angel appeared to him, standing beside the altar of incense, Zechariah startled, gripped in fear. Gabriel comforted Zechariah, telling him not to be afraid and providing the reason for his visit. He was delivering good news. Zechariah’s elderly wife, Elizabeth, would bear them a son. Not just any son, but a son to be named John, who would be filled with the Holy Spirit and would prepare the people for the Messiah who was also coming to the world.

When Zechariah heard Gabriel’s words, he questioned him. “How can this be?” as he and his wife were well along in years and therefore could not bear a child. Gabriel, discerning that Zechariah didn’t believe, condemned him to silence until the baby’s birth when Zechariah demonstrated obedience by naming him John.

Mary also had a visit from the angel Gabriel. She wasn’t near the temple, but in a lowly village in Galilee, called Nazareth. She wasn’t schooled in the Scriptures. She was a simple devout young woman engaged to be married.

Gabriel greeted her, stating that she was highly favored and the Lord was with her. Troubled at his words (but not at the sight of him), he told her not to be afraid of what would happen to her, that she would miraculously bear a child. Hearing his words, Mary asked, “How can this be?” as a virgin cannot bear a child. Gabriel, discerning that she didn’t understand, explained to her about the Holy Spirit coming upon her, affirming that “nothing is impossible with God.” Mary responded in faith, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”

Two appearances of the angel Gabriel
-One is the place of highest esteem, the Temple
-One in the lowest of villages (Can anything good come out of Nazareth? John 1:46)

Two expressing the same question, “How can this be?”
-One an unbelieving, though devout, old man
-One a believing, devout young woman

Two different responses by the angel to that same question
-One was rendered speechless for at least 9 months
-One was provided an answer to her question

So what can we glean from this?

Just because we are in a religious place doesn’t make us holy. You may have heard the saying, “Just because you are in McDonalds doesn’t make you a cheeseburger.” Despite Zechariah’s expectation of meeting with God in the Holy Place, he was shocked and terrified at seeing the angel. Mary, however, fully experienced the presence of God in the humblest of locations. Unlike real estate, when it comes to experiencing God, physical location seems to be of little consequence.

What is of great consequence is the state of our heart. We can live a life as “devout and blameless” as Zechariah and still miss God. While it is fitting to “study to show ourselves approved,” it can’t be just head-knowledge. The simple faith of a young virgin must inspire our desire to know Him, and to be willing to serve Him in whatever way He leads.

Fortunately, Zechariah’s song (Luke 1:67-79) makes it clear that he now possessed great understanding and belief in how his child would fulfill the Messianic prophesies. This encourages me to realize that even when I stumble, there always remains hope in the future to make it right.

In her song (Luke 1:46-55), Mary doesn’t appear to have the depth of comprehension that Zechariah had regarding the coming of the Messiah. What she does have is the simple understanding that she is blessed because He was “mindful of her, His servant.”

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:45

Do you believe that He will accomplish what He said? Then you are blessed!

Do you question God? That’s ok. Both Zechariah and Mary did.

When you ask the Lord “How can this be?.” do you struggle to ask with the heart of Mary, believing and trusting? Let’s talk about it.

Call It What It Is

Posted on by Susan Panzica
Last week, my family and I toured the High Line in NYC. It’s an old dilapidated elevated train that was to be torn down until a community group came to its rescue. It’s now an exquisite park with gorgeous foliage and sweeping views of New York City.


DSC05095
The most recently completed section, the north end, is starkly different from the rest of the park in that its restoration intentionally left what the park architects call a “self-seeded landscape.”
 weeds
When my husband saw the unkempt disarray, he joked, “That’s what we’ll call our backyard weeds now – our ‘self-seeded landscape.’”
But no matter what you call it, you can’t change the truth, and the raw truth here is that the “self-seeded landscape” is really just a mass of weeds.   

We tend to do that with our spiritual weeds too – our sins. It’s part of our culture:
  • Politicians don’t lie – they “mis-speak.”  
  • Pastors don’t commit adultery – they “display a lapse in judgment.”  
  • People don’t steal from the government – they “fudge” their taxes.  
  • Professionals don’t stab co-workers in the back – they utilize “career strategy” to get ahead.
People may claim they made a mistake, but a mistake and a sin aren’t the same thing. A mistake is accidental. Sin is intentional. To call sin a mistake is to minimize our responsibility.
As wives and moms, our tongues and our tempers may cause us to sin. Losing these may seem more like a mistake than an intentional transgression, but self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and when we lose it, we need to address what we’ve done for what it is and take appropriate action.
Jesus didn’t die for our mistakes. He died for our sins. <<click to tweet>> A huge price was paid, and we mustn’t ever minimize our sins. Instead, we’re called to acknowledge our behavior with biblical accuracy. Take personal responsibility, confess and repent, and when necessary seek forgiveness.
Of course, it’s best if we can avoid spiritual “weeds” in the first place. But if one of those “weeds” sprouts up, don’t admire it. It’s destructive and deadly.

Call sin what it is, and eradicate it!  





My New Prayer Strategy

Posted on by Susan Panzica
How do you pray for a loved one that you wish was closer to God? This has been weighing on my heart lately, and God spoke clearly from His Word this week:

Jude 21-23
Live in such a way that God’s love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in His mercy is going to give you. Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful you aren’t contaminated by their sins.

Titus 1:13, 16
Rebuke them as sternly as necessary to make them strong in the faith…. Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live.

Philemon 15
Perhaps you could think of it this way: Onesimus ran away for a little while so you could have him back forever.

As I read these 3 books, exactly in the order above, I felt fears melt away and received a new strategy for prayer:
1. I will pray and commit to live in such a way that God’s love can bless me and those around me, and in so doing, set an example for those I love. And I will pray to show mercy while being careful not to compromise my faith. And so encourage my loved one to do the same.  
2. I will pray to speak the truth in love. With correction or rebuke, my intention must be to help my loved one grow strong in the faith. If I appear judgmental or disappointed, my words will be of less value than pearls before swine because not only will what I intend to communicate not be received, but the message that will be received will be one of condemnation rather than love.
3. I will pray with expectation that after searching for a little while, my loved one will return forever. As the prodigal son ran away but came to his senses, and as Onesimus ran away from Philemon but returned as his servant and fellow believer, I will stand firm in believing that the present does not predict the future. I don’t need to see the future or know all the answers. I just need to know and trust the One who does. <<click to tweet this>>
Beloved, do you have a loved one that you are praying for? Can we pray together?  

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. James 5:16


What if….

Posted on by Susan Panzica
Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Mark 10:21-22

“Follow Me.”

What if the rich young ruler made a different choice? What plans did Jesus have for him that he missed? 

Jesus offers us the same opportunity. 

To read more, join me over at Laced With Grace. 

Lessons From The Storm

Posted on by Susan Panzica


Matthew 14 opens with the horrific, senseless beheading of Jesus’s cousin, John the Baptist. In His grief, Jesus sought solitude and set out by boat to a remote, desolate place. But crowds of people, over 5000 men plus women and children followed Him along the shore. When Jesus landed at His destination, rather than criticize those who invaded His space, He had compassion on them. He saw their hunger and miraculously fed them multiplying a young boy’s lunch.
After this miracle, Jesus sent the disciples out in His boat while He went up the mountain to finally spend alone time with His Father. A furious storm arose, and the disciples struggled for hours until Jesus walked out to them on the water. Thinking He was a ghost, they were terrified, but Jesus encouraged them. Peter stepping out of the relative safety of the boat walked on the water toward Jesus, but seeing the wind, his faith faltered and he began to sink. Three words, “Lord, save me!” brought Peter into Jesus’s grip and back in the safety of the boat. And they marveled and worshipped Jesus.
Can this familiar story speak to us today? As I read and ponder this chapter, God has been revealing more and more to me. This Top Ten list barely scratches the surface:


10. Even after grief, miracles remain possible.

Jesus was filled with grief, but His compassion produced miracles.  If you have suffered grief, there is still hope. Jesus is in the miracle business.

9. Jesus, full of compassion, always has time for you.

He didn’t reject the 5000. He won’t reject you. He cares for you. He feeds, nourishes, and satisfies you.

8. When it seems there isn’t enough, there is.

He is the great multiplier. He is the bread – Broken for us, Given over & over. Whatever we’re lacking He’ll supply – at the right time.

7. Jesus sought solitude and time alone with the Father; shouldn’t we?

Spending time with God in prayer nurtures vital relationship with Him and equips us to meet life’s challenges.

6. Even if it seems He is absent, He isn’t.

The Lord neither slumbers nor sleeps. He was watching the disciples from up above ~ just like He watches us today. Why didn’t they recognize Him? They weren’t looking for Him. They jumped to the false conclusion that His appearance was that of a ghost. Fear and faith cannot live in the same heart, for fear frequently blinds the eyes to the presence of the Lord.

5. Contrary winds, though hard to face, develop character and add to the joy of reaching the harbor.      

There is a purpose in the pain. Paul tells us that our “light momentary affliction is producing an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison.” 2 Cor. 4:17 Contrary winds give us opportunities to get out of the boat and walk – 1 Peter 2:20-21.

4. What seems to be the end is only a new beginning.

The disciples thought Jesus was a ghost/spirit, but in fact, He was their salvation. At the crucial moment when all seemed lost, Peter cried out: ‘Lord, rescue me!’ The simplest of prayers, and one which Jesus loves to answer.   

3. When faith falters, it is not failure. 

We can start out with good intentions, but falter. If we reach out to Christ, we actually grow our faith. “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” Henry Ford

      2. Little faith in the right thing is far more important than huge faith in the wrong things.

 “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed,  you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matt. 17:20

1. Peace is not the absence of storms but the presence of God.

Jack Dawson’s painting, “Peace In The Midst Of The Storm” depicts a turbulent sea and a tiny bird happily building its nest in the shelter, security and safety of a rock, unfazed by the storm around it. No matter how stormy your seas, peace is in the shelter of the Rock.

I’ll be addressing each of these, plus several more, in the weeks to come. To watch videos on this topic, visit:

   

Where Feet May Fail

Posted on by Susan Panzica

.

The first of the sun’s rays had yet to break the long exhausting night. What should have been an hour boat ride now stretched into a 6 hour nightmare.

Jesus had instructed His disciples to board the boat and meet Him on the other side of the lake. All night, a strong wind blowing against them caused the delay. From the mountaintop, Jesus saw them straining at the oars and walked out on the water to them.
Thinking they were looking at a ghost added terror to their exhaustion. But Jesus comforted them immediately, “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”*
And impulsive Peter replied, “Lord, if it is really You, then call me to meet You on the water.”*
Why, I wonder, did Peter say this?

Why didn’t he say, like I would, “Lord, if it’s You, please come TO ME – here where I am – in the safety of the boat – in the midst of the storm. Come to me here, Lord.”
How often in difficult circumstances do I seek the Lord to meet me where I am, rather than risk stepping out in faith to where He’s calling me?
Why can’t I be like Peter and say instead, “Lord, bring me to where You are, where You want me to be.”
   
When we take the risk and step out in faith, we can do more than walk on water.
Last year, I took a risk and called a friend to see what small thing we might do to help victims of human trafficking. I had no idea that God had bigger things in mind. Justice Network is the product of two Jersey moms who took a step out of their boat.  
My daughter asked God where He wanted her to be, and she found herself studying dance ministry at Hillsong Intl. Leadership College in Sydney Australia. It was the experience of a lifetime for her. (Click here for a video of the dance she choreographed to Oceans by Hillsong.)
Stepping out of the safety of the boat doesn’t always mean big things are in your future. We don’t know what will happen.  And we don’t need to know. God knows.
We just need to take one step. 

Then follow that with one more step.
The Bible says that the Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It’s 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 takes hold of our hand providing peace and the strength to continue forward with trust that He knows the way, and someday we may know too.
How is God calling you to come to Him? Are you willing to take just one step of obedience? 



*Matt. 14:22-53, Mark 6:45-53, John 6:16-24

Be A Sheep!

Posted on by Susan Panzica
I was a sheep yesterday.
I didn’t plan to be a sheep. After a particularly long work day, I planned to put my feet up, zone out a little on Facebook, and maybe get to bed early in preparation for a big event the next night.
But a tiny sentence on Facebook set in motion other plans. A friend asking for prayer indicated she was down, at “rock bottom.” Struggles that had been increasing in the past year now threatened to sink her.

I called to see if she wanted company, and was honestly surprised that she did. So over I went. And in the end, I was never so glad to put aside my plans for His.
I didn’t do anything noteworthy. Just sat on the couch with her so she didn’t have to cry alone. No special skills needed.
So often, we think that to do God’s work, we need an exceptional anointing, a wealth of Bible knowledge, remarkable speaking or leadership abilities,when all God really wants is someone willing to set aside their own agenda for His. [Tweet this] 
Matthew 25 tells us that in the end, the King will separate the sheep from the goats. The distinction between them is who gave of themselves – who gave something to eat, drink, or wear, who welcomed a stranger or a prisoner into their company. The King says when we do that for the “least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.”
To serve the King, we don’t need special skills. We don’t need anything more than a willingness to be used by the King.
It’s such a simple message, but one I learned anew last night. Despite how tired I felt going to my friend’s home, I felt infinitely lighter, stronger, and renewed in spirit on the way home. To be used by God in a small matter is no small matter at all.. [Tweet this] 


What can you do today to be a sheep?

photo credit: Lightstock.com  



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.