Susan Panzica, Author at Susan Panzica

Famous Last Words – Part 2

Posted on April 3, 2019 by Susan Panzica

In Famous Last Words -Part 1, I shared about one of Jesus’s last statements, “Father forgive them”. Today, I share another insight from these same three words.

Christ died for us while we were still sinners, long before we ever repented or asked for forgiveness. He died for those still screaming, “Crucify him!” and He prayed:

“Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”

But it seems to me that they did know what they were doing, didn’t they? They were calling for His death. What they did not know was WHO they were doing it to, and WHAT His death would accomplish for them.

Is there someone in your life causing you pain? They may not be calling for your execution, but they are hurtful nevertheless. Consider this – that person is giving you an opportunity to develop Christ-likeness that you would not have otherwise.

If we can see the offensive person in our life as Jesus does, and if we can forgive them as He did, we will be freed from the bondage of resentment and bitterness and will become a little more like Jesus. Picture this: that painful person is giving us an incredible, life-changing, eternal opportunity!

I had such a person in my life. For years, this person repeatedly caused me untold anguish and grief. My hurt turned bitterness, and like an invisible tether, I was in bondage to the one who hurt me. It took a long time, but when I began to see that this person was actually a gift from God, my heart began to change. I was freed from the bondage of bitterness. I was able to see that person as God did, to pray unhindered by my resentment. I learned that I could forgive because “they did not know what they were doing.” That person gave me the gift of developing Christ-likeness.

Peter says, “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps… When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:20-23)

Years before Jesus hung on that cross and prayed for his persecutors, He said to the crowd at the Mount of Beatitudes, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.“ (Matt. 5:44) Did He know when He spoke those words that years later, with His dying breath, He would become that example, that He would demonstrate exactly what He was calling us to do?

But how is it possible in our human fraility and sinfulness, can we even begin to see our “enemies” as Jesus does?

The key is to shift perspective, to see the bigger picture. As Paul said, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:17-18)

I pray that if you have a difficult person, you may begin to see them as Jesus does. And in so doing, you will be able to forgive, whether or not they have asked. And you will be able to look in the mirror and see a reflection of the One who made you.

Famous Last Words – Part 1

Posted on March 20, 2019April 3, 2019 by Susan Panzica

On Sunday morning, my friend Andy shared a simple yet profound message based on three words.

“Father, forgive them…”

In noting these words Jesus spoke while on the cross, Andy described this prayer, encouraging us to pray the same. This prayer was:

Persevering prayer –We need to continue and not grow weary. 1 Thess. 5:17
Trusting prayer –During our “losses and crosses,” we need to trust the One we pray to. Rom. 8:15
Loving prayer – Our prayers must be focused on THEM. We need to pray for our enemies as well our dearest ones. Matt. 5:44
Forgiving prayer –Jesus prayed for His tormentors IN the pain. He didn’t wait until He rose, until He ascended, OR until they asked for His forgiveness! Eph 4:32
Victory prayer – It is finished! John 19:30

In life and in death, even in suffering, Jesus set an example for us to follow in His steps. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

I was reminded of an event that happened when Tony, my fiancé, and I were engaged. I woke up in the dead of the night. I’m not sure if it was a dream, or just a sense of urgency. But a Scripture verse was lodged firmly in my mind. “This kind can only come out by prayer.”

Now I knew the context. The disciples couldn’t cast out a demon, and in this verse, Jesus told them why. But the message for me related to my dad and his lack of faith. I felt that God was saying that my dad’s unbelief could only “come out” by prayer. It was an urgent call from God to pray for my dad.

These were the days long before cell phones, but there were answering machines.

I was terrified that I’d fall back asleep and forget the message. So I called Tony’s office number and left a message there. That way I wouldn’t wake anyone, but I was able to tell someone.

The next day, I got a call from Tony.

Every morning, he read his Bible and daily devotion. And that day, his devotion focused on Mark 9:29 which says,

“… This kind can come out only by prayer.”

An hour later, Tony went into the office and heard my message!

Well, after that experience, I prayed fervently and frequently for my dad’s salvation. I knew that God had spoken, and I needed to be faithful and persevere in prayer.

And then, weeks went by. And months. And I became less fervent. Until I’d remembered His message. Then I’d pray again with fervency. Only to fade out again and again.

God did answer my prayer.

Twenty-five years later!

I’m so thankful that God perseveres even when I miserably fail. But I’m encouraged, and I hope you are too, that God works in and through us. And when we fail, it’s only ever one step back to the right path, to renewed passion.

His final prayer was persevering, trusting, loving, forgiving, and victorious. And He invites us to follow His example.

Keep looking up!

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Susan Panzica

My daughter found this old family photo recently and shared it on social media with her thoughts – which I am totally and unashamedly stealing for the powerful life lessons it contains for all of us!

In her words:

A photo so classic fantastic that it must be documented on the internet. But the more I looked at it, the more I realized how accurate this is a picture of my life right now – and how important it is for us to continually have this childlike faith perspective of looking up with smiles, with hope and patience that whatever we are trying to fly in life can and will be all that it can be. Even when life comes to crossroads and tough decisions, knowing God is the wind, I can smile and LOOK UP with confidence knowing He’s got it even if I don’t understand it. I’ve got my dad holding me so I’m planted firmly. And He does the SAME thing in my life!! I’ve got my brother beside me encouraging me and my cousin behind me representing ALL the people that I know are with me. My mom is probably taking the photo, behind the camera making sure I stay FOCUSED. I could go on but for now will stop my rant to encourage you as I encourage myself with Mary Poppins quotes from both movies “let’s go fly a kite” and “there’s nowhere to go but UP”

“…the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matt. 18:2-5

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:12-13

God To Go!

Posted on March 6, 2019March 15, 2019 by Susan Panzica

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40 period leading up to Resurrection Sunday.

Throughout history, God has used 40-day periods to accomplish His purposes.

It rained for 40 daysdelivering Noah, his family and the animals from destruction.
For 40 days, Moses was on Mount Sinai, face to face with God, receiving the Ten Commandments.
The spies of the nation of Israel surveyed the promised land for40 days.
Jonah, in obedience, went to Ninevah proclaiming destruction in 40 days and inspired a revival in the sinful city.
Jesus spent 40 daysin the wilderness overcoming temptation before beginning His earthly ministry.
For 40 days, Jesus walked the earth after His resurrection, giving many “convincing proofs”, speaking of the kingdom of God, and birthing the early church.
Even in this century, Pastor Rick Warren influenced millions of people with his 40 dayplan in his bestseller book, The Purpose Driven Life.

For the past few days, I heard people mentioning what they would sacrifice during this 40 day period. No longer limited to fasting food, people are giving up social media or activities. Some friends aren’t giving up anything, but are adding specific acts of generosity and kindness to their 40 days.

And then there are those who are too busy to stop on one day to receive ashes, and for them, there’s:

Ashes-to-Go!

Yup, this morning, I heard that advertised on the radio. No need to stop by a house of worship. Just grab some ashes as you’re at your local coffee shop, train station, or street corner.

To be honest, my judgmental attitude got all up in the face of what I considered to be just short of an abomination.

It seemed to me that the purpose of Ash Wednesday for those who observe it is to stop, to rest, to contemplate, to step aside from the busyness.

My husband often remarks about the long lines at the Starbucks drive-thru’s. He says that the whole concept of Starbucks is to experience an atmosphere where people can gather and sip. The drive-thru’s are just short of an abomination.

But the Ashes-to-Go folks had this to say:

“Ashes to Go” is about bringing spirit, belief, and belonging out from behind church doors, and into the places where we go every day. It’s a simple event with deep meaning, drawing on centuries of tradition and worship to provide a contemporary moment of grace.

We take ashes to the street corner because that reminder of need, humility, and healing shouldn’t be confined to a church building. We probably need it more when we are in the middle of our daily business! The ashes we receive are to remind us throughout the day of our need for God, and of God’s call to us.

Now, I don’t want to get into denominations, traditions, liturgy, or any other church practice. I understand that for some getting ashes on a street corner may just be a habit without meaning, a going through the motions without emotion or depth of conviction. But for some, it provides an opportunity to connect with God right where they are.

Jesus didn’t camp out in pews. He went where the people were. And bringing Jesus out of the church and into the community is an idea I totally support.

It’s not my job to judge. I’ll leave that for God to sort out.

And that’s was my Ash Wednesday lesson today.

What do you think?

Leaving the Safety of the Boat

Posted on February 5, 2019February 20, 2019 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.

Five years ago, 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, and now she leads the dance worship team at Hillsong NYC. (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?

Do a Little Good – and help end human trafficking!

Posted on January 16, 2019February 20, 2019 by Susan Panzica

Forgive me for sharing a slightly edited version of a post I published last year, but this month is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and we can all use a reminder!

Most people think (if they stop to think about it) that slavery ended in 1865. Sadly, that is false. Human trafficking (aka modern day slavery) is the second largest and fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. In 2014, by Presidential Proclamation, January was declared National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. By definition:

Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery involving the use of force, fraud and/or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor.
Human trafficking does not require movement of people across borders.
Human trafficking can be forced labor, sexual exploitation, or in the case of minors, sexual exploitation without the use of force, fraud, or coercion.

Most people think (if they stop to think about it) that human trafficking occurs out of sight and/or in faraway places. Sadly, that is also false. It happens around the world, but it also happens in our backyards, our schools, our malls, our families. No one is exempt from risk.

And most people think (if they stop to think about it) that there is nothing they can do to stem the tide of human trafficking. This too is false.

As believers, we are mandated to seek justice for all.

… what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice,

and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8

Of the things that God requires , “doing justice” is in the top three! The Hebrew word here for “justice” is “mishpat.” Mishpat refers to restorative justice – actually seeking out vulnerable people who are being taken advantage of and helping them. And more –taking steps to advocate for the vulnerable and changing social structures to prevent injustice.

Five years ago, I was just starting to learn what human trafficking is. From my story, Somebody’s Daughter, which tells of my journey into abolition work:

I knew so little about an issue that was so big. I was afraid and wondered what we could do. After all, there were just two of us. That phrase “just two of us” reminded me of a Bible story where the prophet Elisha and his servant were facing an army of evil-doers. The servant feared that there were just two of them, but the prophet answered, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16) I realized that even though there are 29.8 million caught in slavery, there are over 7 BILLION people in the world. And most of those people would be opposed to slavery. IF they knew about it. And if they knew what to do about it.

Since our humble beginning, we at Justice Network have our mandate: to raise awareness, work for prevention, support survivors, AND mostly – to let people know that they too can do something about it!

For example, coffee and chocolate are two industries that are notorious for using slave labor. If everyone bought fair trade or slave free coffee/chocolate, the industry would only make slavery-free products. Look for the logo or visit our website that provides lists of all kinds of items that are produced slavery-free.

Of all people on earth, we the church should be the most proactive in spreading the word. Human trafficking is an abomination to the God who came to set the captives free.

Encourage your pastor to speak about trafficking this month. There is a wealth of information online including sample sermons and other resources. Visit global organizations like IJM or A21. Or seek out local resources like Justice Network or the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking in New Jersey.

Edmund Burke who famously said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing” also said, “Nobody makes a greater mistake than he would did nothing because he could only do a little.”

Do a little, my friends. Feel free to contact me for information. You can be the difference in someone’s life!

My word for 2019 – and beyond!

Posted on January 2, 2019January 3, 2019 by Susan Panzica

Do you follow the One Word trend? I did for several years, but skipped last year. And I wasn’t planning to select a word this year either. And then, my word found me.

On Sunday morning. Fixing my hair while getting ready for church. Just an “ordinary” day. And a word pierced my consciousness.

DISCIPLINE.

But not with a sense of punishment or penalty or will-power. No this time, it was coupled with the word:

DISCIPLE.

Disciple as in “follower of Jesus.” I meditated on that for a while and did a bit of research.

According to Webster’s: “the root and meanings of discipline comes from discipulus, the Latin word for pupil, which also provided the source of the word disciple (albeit by way of a Late Latin sense-shift to ‘a follower of Jesus Christ in his lifetime’).”

DISCIPLINE and DISCIPLE come from the same root word – meaning pupil, learner, follower.

I tend to meander through life like a tumbleweed. So easily distracted, often letting circumstances and surroundings dictate my choices and actions. I know I need discipline, but trying in my own strength is (and has been) a sure prescription for failure.

However, being a follower of Christ, His pupil, letting Him lead and guide me into discipline rather than operating in my flesh’s will power – now that spoke to me in my deepest being.

Wikipedia may not be the most reliable sources, but I found this interesting – and true: “In Christianity, disciple primarily refers to a dedicated follower of Jesus. This term is found in the New Testament only in the Gospels and Acts. In the ancient world, a disciple is a follower or adherent of a teacher. It is not the same as being a student in the modern sense. A disciple in the ancient biblical world actively imitated both the life and teaching of the master. It was a deliberate apprenticeship which made the fully formed disciple a living copy of the master.” (emphasis mine)

Oh to be a fully formed disciple, a living copy of Jesus!

I don’t expect an overnight change. But I learned to be consistent when disciplining my young children, and so I trust that as I consistently heed Jesus throughout my day, day after day, His likeness will grow in me.

^“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:15

^“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Do you have a word for the year? Let’s talk about it! Leave your word in the comments.

ps – Previous one-words for me include: Now, Faithfulness, Obey, Purpose., Worship.

Light makes all the difference

Posted on December 19, 2018December 19, 2018 by Susan Panzica

The tree looked pretty adorned from top to bottom with family heirlooms. Every year, it takes me hours to unwrap and hang the ornaments, loving the trip down memory lane. But there’s always something missing until I plug the strand of lights into the wall. Then, the lights make all the difference.

Their glow casts out the darkness from within the tree and around the room. Their reflection highlights the ornaments, making the tree and room shine. What once looked ordinary now beams extraordinary. The lights made all the difference.

Jesus said that HE is the light of the world (John 8:12).

But He also said that WE are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16).

He AND we are light. And we can make all the difference!

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Eph. 5:8-10

Paul tells us to “live as children of light… and find out what pleases the Lord.”

If ever there was a time that we need to shine, it’s now. The world around us is getting darker and darker. We can’t blame the darkness – it’s just doing what darkness does. The only antidote to darkness is light. Jesus’ opening statement as He began His earthly ministry was, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light has dawned” (Matt. 4:16).

According to Henry Blackaby, “There was no ignoring Jesus’ arrival upon earth! Darkness was dispelled! Everywhere Jesus went, God’s truth was boldly proclaimed, people were healed, hypocrisy was exposed, and sinners found forgiveness. The world was never the same once the Father introduced His light through His Son. Can that be said of you as well? Do your coworkers recognize the light that is within you? Does the presence of Christ radiate from your home into your community? When God’s light is allowed to shine unhindered through your life, the darkness around you will be dispelled.”

As you are going about your day, you are sure to see lights all around you – in houses, on houses, at the mall, traffic lights, all around you. Let each one remind you: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matt 5:14-16

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4

Make Christmas More Meaningful with Mary had a little Lamb

Posted on December 6, 2018December 11, 2020 by Susan Panzica

With Christmas just days away, the pressure mounts. Today’s society dictates our home decor as well as our activities – trees, wreaths, Christmas cards, numerous gatherings of friends, family, coworkers, church members.

Most of it has nothing to do with the truth of Christmas.

Biblically, the birth of Christ is barely given notice. Only two of the Gospel writers mention it. And in each of their two chapters, they record completely different things. Compare that with Jesus’ death and resurrection, addressed by all four Gospel writers, spanning 31 chapters, more than a third of the Gospel writings. The records show the place, day and hour of Jesus’ death, but the date and place of His birth are unknown.

If we take the Bible as our guide on spiritual matters, clearly in today’s culture, we give undo attention to Jesus’ supremely humble birth.

With the holiday hurricane of activity in schools, marketplaces, and media, it takes vigilance to “choose what is better” as Jesus instructed Martha, and us too! (Luke 10:42) When my children were in grade school, I wrote a poem out of my desire for them to have a fuller picture of what Christmas is really about – the whole life of Jesus and the reason He came to us. I wanted them to move beyond thinking of this as a sweet story about the “baby Jesus,” but know it as a part of Scripture. I wanted them to know that every bit of The Word is as significant as the rest, bringing essential life messages. I wanted my children to understand, most importantly, that God is real and speaks to us and to children today.

Fast forward twenty years, and the poem I wrote to my children is now a book, Mary had a little Lamb.

The story begins not in a manger, but in heaven, for Jesus existed before time began. From its opening stanza, through the stories of shepherds, angels, wise men, as well as Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we get not just a fuller picture of the real “reason for the season” but important life lessons as well. And the conclusion teaches children that they too can be shepherds, wise men, and hear from God like Mary and Joseph did.

The book has turned out to be more than a way for Christian families to bring meaning to their celebrations. It has become an opportunity for them to gently share the Gospel. People are more receptive to the truths of Scripture when blanketed within the Christmas story.

Our challenge is to set aside the familiar and look with a fresh perspective on these biblical truths. This book is a tool that does just that. In addition to the Christmas story, the book contains a parent guide with talking points to engage children in a deeper understanding and some surprising “mythbusters” to separate Christmas fact from fiction. For more free resources to bring deeper meaning to your holiday, please visit the book’s webpage. Click here to purchase the book on Amazon.

Let’s talk! What are ways that you make your Christmas more significant for yourself and/or your family?

You Never Know

Posted on November 21, 2018January 8, 2019 by Susan Panzica

“You changed my life.”

Stunned, I wanted to scream, “Why didn’t you ever tell me?” But I snapped my jaw back into place, smiled, and asked, “What do you mean?”

It was last Friday night, and we were halfway through our annual Justice Rocks event which raises awareness about human trafficking. The young lady before me had heard me speak before. In particular, she heard the story about my daughter who lived in Australia. And because of my testimony, she began to research the issue and now lives in Thailand working for an anti-trafficking organization there. She was in the USA for just two weeks and came with friends to our event.

I don’t share this to humble-brag. Not at all!! I’ve had more than my share of mess-ups and mistakes. I share this because YOU might have changed someone’s life and not know it.

Perhaps one day, you sat and prayed with a friend in despair. Or you brought food to a family in need. Maybe you offered a ride, or held open a door, or smiled at stranger who was having a terrible day, but your gesture lifted their spirits just enough to keep going.

Mother Teresa wisely said,

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”

Words have great power – and the power of kind words and deeds can echo long into eternity.

Dr. BJ Palmer said,

“You never know how far reaching something you may think, say, or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow.”

How has someone’s encouraging words impacted your life? Have you told them?

Our friend, Iris of Laced with Grace, once posted a CL Lewis quote on Facebook that I keep on my desk: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

I see that quote daily, and it has inspired me in recent years to get my motorcycle license, to lead an abolitionist group, and to keep on writing and speaking.

Keep on, my dear friend. Your words and actions have more impact than you may ever know this side of eternity. And be assured – God knows. And He’s smiling.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58