Susan Panzica, Author at Susan Panzica

In The Middle – the dark place between sorrow and joy

Posted on March 26, 2016March 31, 2018 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 experienced tragedy or loss, but 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. Turning to exit the tomb and enter the light, I saw a rough, wooden 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. The full verse includes the words JUST AS HE SAID! So 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

My heart is grieving for a family that suffered a tragic loss. They are in the dark Saturday tomb and have lost hope for the future. They aren’t preparing for a glorious tomorrow. They are clinging to the pain of today. Perhaps you are in that place too or know someone stuck in their dark night of the soul, a place we are meant to transverse, not dwell.

The angels at the tomb asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee…” Lk. 24:5-6

Oh that we could stop looking among the dead, in the dark, but remember and cling to what He told us, the hope for the future.

Today let us pray together that you and they and we all may remember the truth He told us and catch of glimmer of the glorious hope to come.

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!!

The Passover Question About Good Friday

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Susan Panzica

Part of the Passover Seder is the reading of the Four Questions. Usually this is done by the youngest boy, but when I was a child, my siblings were too young, so it was my job to recite – in Hebrew – the Four Questions. It is actually one question with four answers.

Ma nishtanah halailah hazeh mikol haleilos?

Why is this night different from all other nights?

The answers:

On all other nights we eat leavened products and matzah,

and on this night only matzah.

On all other nights we eat all vegetables,

and on this night only bitter herbs.

On all other nights, we don’t dip our food even once,

and on this night we dip twice.

On all other nights we eat sitting or reclining,

and on this night we only recline.

When I saw the movie, “The Passion of the Christ” several years ago, I was struck by one scene in particular, an ordinary scene that would not stand out to most of the viewers. In her home, Mary, the mother of Jesus, conversationally asked, “Ma nishtanah halailah hazeh mikol haleilos?” The subtitles displayed the familiar words I already understood, “Why is this night different from all other nights?”

It was a lightbulb moment for me. I had known the question in the context of the Passover Seder, the Exodus, the familiar story from from childhood. Now I heard it in the context of the imminent betrayal of my Messiah.

This night was different from all other nights because the sacrifice would be made for the sins of the world, past, present and future.

This night was different because Scripture’s prophesies were about to be fulfilled.

This night was different because the world would be forever changed. <<click to tweet>>

That’s why we call it Good Friday. It is a night different from all other nights. It was the night that we were redeemed.

Tonight, if you attend a Good Friday service, remember the question “Why is this night different from all other nights.” More importantly, remember the answer!

Who’s calling you?

Posted on March 11, 2016March 10, 2016 by Susan Panzica

“AJ, COME HERE!!”

My son AJ turned and put down the rake. Sweaty and tired from his backyard landscaping project, the last thing he expected was to hear our beloved neighbor across the street calling him so harshly. “There must be something wrong,” he thought. And there it was again.

“AJ, COME HERE NOW!!!”

Bewildered, AJ sauntered across the street and saw Kim in her front yard, hands cupped aside her mouth, bellowing, “AJ, COME HERE!”

“Kim, is something wrong?”

Her eyes landed on AJ, and when she saw the expression on his face, Kim broke out in hysterical laughter, hands on knees, almost rolling over into the driveway. It was several minutes before she was able to compose herself enough to squeak out the story. She was dog-sitting, and AJ-the dog had run away down the street.

AJ-the son, greatly relieved that she was calling AJ-the dog, ran off to retrieve the missing pet.

There’s an important lesson we can glean from this light-hearted case of mistaken identity.

Often, we hear someone calling our name. We hear a familiar “voice” speaking harshly to us.

We “hear” that we’re not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough. The voice tells us we’re too fat, too skinny, too tall, too short. We hear that no one cares about us, or that we totally messed up, or that it’s just too hard, so give up.

And we entertain that voice, letting it entangle in our brains or pierce our hearts, mulling over these accusations as if they were true – but they’re not.

Referring to the devil, Jesus said, “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

When we hear these words of condemnation and criticism, we need to quickly recognize that they are not the voice of God who calls us with conviction and compassion. And then we need to combat them with truths of God’s Word – where He calls us His beloved, precious, chosen, child, friend, the apple of His eye!

When you hear those lies and accusations, won’t you choose to listen to the voice of truth? Philippians 4:8 says

^“Finally, … sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

This is an instruction = “Think on these things” – not a suggestion or a wishful thinking = not “try to think…”

God would not instruct us to do something that is impossible. When you catch yourself drifting into false thoughts, lasso those thoughts – “take every thought captive.”

And the result of applying this Scripture to your thought life?

The verses before and after Phil. 4:8 tell us the peace of God will guard your heart and mind (v.7) and the God of peace will be with you(v.9). Your thoughts are surrounded by the bookends of peace!

” You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in You,
all whose thoughts are fixed on You!”

Isaiah 26:3

Can You Hear Me Now?

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Susan Panzica

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.

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.”

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?

On Purpose for 2016!

Posted on January 20, 2016January 19, 2016 by Susan Panzica

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.

The one word concept works for me. Throughout the year, my word often serves as a little bird that flutters in my brain at the point of decision making, keeping me on track. Sometimes it serves as a sit-down-and-contemplate-for-a- while-experience. Previous one-words for me include: Now, Faithfulness, Obey.

Those previous one-words were chosen after meditation and consideration, but this year, the word came to me like a bullet. I heard it in a moment and grabbed it for the year with an assurance that this word would serve me well.

My word for 2016 is Purpose. Or more specifically: Purposed.

As in “But Daniel purposed in his heart…” Dan. 1:8

Fifteen times, the word “purposed” appears in Scripture. In all but four verses, the word refers to God purposing to do something. Only Daniel, David, and Paul were people that purposed to do something. One purposed in his spirit (Paul), one in his heart (Daniel), and one in his mouth (David).

The Dictionary tells us that purpose can be a noun or a verb:

Purpose is what motivates us in life, what moves us forward. Without a purpose, we’re left to wander and to wonder why we’re doing anything, why we’re even here. But God created each of us with a purpose. And by discovering our purpose and working all we do within that purpose, we can accomplish God’s purposes and experience fulfillment in life.

So this year, I am purposing in my heart, spirit, and mouth to walk and talk in God’s purposes for me.

At each point of life’s decisions, whether large or small, the little word “purpose” flutters across my brain and begs me to ask the question, “Is this opportunity within God’s purpose for me?” If not, I have the freedom to gracefully decline without feeling guilty. If yes, I experience the confidence to move forward boldly.

God’s purposes aren’t always plans or definitive actions. His purposes include growing in the fruits of the Spirit, developing Christ-likeness, resting in His presence.

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.

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

For more on the “One Word” perspective, check out One Word 365.

Forget it! Or remember?

Posted on January 8, 2016January 8, 2016 by Susan Panzica

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?

He’s With Us!

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Susan Panzica

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

Bring Deeper Meaning to the Holidays

Posted on December 16, 2015December 16, 2015 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. To purchase the book, visit Amazon or these local bookstores: The Well Read Bookstore in Hawthorne, NJ, or Sisters Uptown Bookstore in Harlem, NYC.

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

True Thanksgiving

Posted on November 25, 2015November 25, 2015 by Susan Panzica

Every year come November, the turkeys start their frenzied twittering. A level of anxiety invades their farm. And in many homes across the United States, moms start their frenzied cleaning, shopping, polishing, all in preparation for the least commercial holiday on the calendar – Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I relish in the preparations, knowing that all the extended family will descend on my home, each year making new memories. It’s been our tradition for as many years as I can remember.

Because my mother-in-law’s birthday often fell on the day of or near Thanksgiving, and because my in-laws would unhappily choose to go out to a restaurant rather than face the daunting task of preparing a variety of food to be ready simultaneously, I was by default the host. Which I never, ever objected to! And my side of the family, in the spirit of cooperation and being together, always came. It was a big loud extravaganza of food and laughter.

Secretly, my kids and I prefer my cooking, as well as our added elements that in turn became traditions, like our cornucopia fashioned and baked out of bread, a delicious centerpiece.

When my brother asked to host Thanksgiving this year at his college freshman daughter’s request, I had mixed feelings. On reading his email, the disappointment I initially felt was palpable. But this autumn had been the busiest season of my life, and having to just prepare and bring a side dish to their home had tremendous benefits.

If I could only deal with life’s other disappointments so easily.

Too often, I ruminate on what could have been instead of seeing the benefits in the alternative plan God has for me. I fuss over my own desires instead of yielding to God’s desires.

If I could change my focus from the earthly to the eternal, I could not only grasp a clearer picture of God’s perspective, but I could be free from the inner turmoil that results from holding on to the good things when God’s best is what will truly bring peace.

Corrie ten Boom said , “Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.” If she, who lost so much, could focus on God’s plan in the midst of a Holocaust concentration camp, why do I resist to letting go of my desires?

Psalm 37:4 reads, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” This doesn’t mean God will grant you what you wish for like a genie in a bottle. It means He will place His desires for you into your heart when you delight yourself in Him.

O to delight in the Lord and simply leave it at that. Then allow Him to change my heart to align with His.

And to enjoy Thanksgiving with simply expressing thanks!

I wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving tomorrow – and every day!

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:18

Which way is your ship going?

Posted on October 12, 2015November 2, 2015 by Susan Panzica

In Fourteen Hundred and Ninety Two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

Today, we recognize that achievement. For most people, it’s an opportunity for a day off work or school, or a day they wish they had off. But five hundred years ago, it was pretty remarkable that Columbus and other explorers took off on the open seas in search of lands yet unexplored.

Two thousand years ago, another ship set sail, this one bound for Rome. On board was a prisoner, Paul of Tarsus, a Jew and a Roman citizen en route to Rome for trial. He wanted to his testimony to be heard by the highest government. And despite storm, shipwreck, and snake bite, he was supremely confident that he was going end up in Rome. He was so confident he assured the seasoned sailors to stick with him because God said he was going to Rome and as long as they stayed with him, they’d make it (Acts 27:24). This was pretty remarkable too.

Several years before that, Paul wanted to go to Asia. But he was stopped twice by the Lord (Acts 16:6-7). After having a vision of a man in Macedonia urging him to go there, Paul did a 180^o and headed to Europe instead of Asia.

The question for us is: How did Paul know on the one hand, to turn tracks and head in a different direction, while later on, he persevered through many circumstances that would deter even the most stalwart believer.

The answer lies in not in his brilliance in the moment of decision, but in his daily relationship with the Lord. If we wait until the times of trial to engage deeply with God, asking for wisdom and direction, it’s less likely that we will discern His voice than if we have an ongoing conversation with God in the mundane, ordinary days.

Paul didn’t make these decisions according to the emotions he felt on any given day.

He didn’t make a list of pros and cons reasoning out the best plan to follow.

He based his decisions on a lifelong sensitivity to God’s leading.

In prison, he worshipped and prayed. He didn’t decide to develop a prayer life when hardship hit. This godly wisdom in tough times came from a life of prayer and worship in the ordinary times. <<Click To Tweet>>

Want to know God’s will in the difficult times? Get to know His will each day, whether there are big decisions to make or not. Spending time with Him in prayer and praise will increase sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading. There’s simply no shortcut or substitute.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:12

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2