Category: gifts

While You Were Waiting…

Posted on by Susan Panzica

I’ve read it a hundred times. OK maybe not a hundred, but a lot.

The Book of Acts, one of my favorite books in the Bible, full of drama, history, theology.

Chapter 17, one of my favorite chapters, where Paul delivers a powerful message in Athens.

Our adult Sunday School class is studying it. Paul fled to Athens because those Thessalonian rabble-rousers started to agitate the Bereans. Silas and Timothy stayed behind in Berea until Paul’s other travelmates came back for them.

And there it was:
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. Acts 17:16-17

While Paul was waiting…. The 4 little words screamed for my attention.

How many times had I read the inspired sermon that follows these verses and missed the fact that Paul was alone as he wandered around the city, waiting for his fellow workers to join him to begin ministry in this new locale.

“God’s Waiting Room.” I’ve heard the term, even said the term myself. It’s that period of time spent waiting for our life to begin anew.

“When this happens, then I will…”
“When I get a job, get married, have a baby, then I will …”
“When the chemo is over, then I will…”
“When I discover my gifts, then I will…”

Years ago, I heard Elisabeth Elliot share, “We should wait on the Lord the way a waiter waits on tables.” How does a waiter wait? Serving. How may I help you? What can I do for you?

That’s what Paul did. “Paul was waiting . . . So he …” He was distressed with what he saw (idols everywhere) and “so he reasoned with” whoever was around. He didn’t lament that his companions weren’t with him. He didn’t wait until his team was in place. He saw and he served right where he was.

In my husband’s chiropractic office, we have what some call a Waiting Room. We don’t; we call it a Reception Area. There’s a tv monitor that has streams facts about our amazing bodies. The reading materials are about health or about the Lord. Our intention in that room is that while the patients are waiting, they are being prepared to meet the doctor or meet their Maker (not in the fatal sense of the phrase!)

The “waiting room” can be a place of worry or anxiety, a place of uncertainty not knowing what the future holds. It can be a place of preparation for that future. Or like Paul, it can be a place to (cliché alert) “bloom where you’re planted.”

In the allegory book, Hinds Feet On High Places, the character Much-Afraid is on a journey to her Shepherd. At a lonely severe rugged spot, she meets a tiny flower nestled among the rocks. It’s name: Acceptance-With-Joy. The Shepherd later tells her, “When you wear the weed of impatience in your heart instead of the flower Acceptance-With-Joy, you will always find your enemies get an advantage over you.” Her enemies are our enemies: Resentment, Craven Fear, Bitterness, Pride.

On Sunday, our dear friend Irene was in the Sunday School class. She spent most of last year alone in her apartment, exhausted from the chemo she regularly received. Now that her strength is slowly returning, she eagerly makes the long drive to church each Sunday. I asked her about her time spent waiting. Her answer: “It was so difficult, but I got so close to the Lord during that time, I wouldn’t change it for anything.” Irene faithfully leads our prayer ministry and fills the role of “prayer warrior” more than anyone I know, yet the Lord used that time of weakness and waiting to strengthen her in ways beyond her imagination.

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. (Is. 40:31 Amp V.)

Are you in “God’s Waiting Room?”

Do you wait as the Amplified Verse says – with expectation, looking for the Lord, hoping in Him? There lies the key to renewed strength and power, run and not being weary, walk and not becoming tired.

Dear Lord, I pray for those who are waiting. That they may sense Your indwelling power. That they will be strengthened to serve You right where they are. And that in the serving they would become more like You.

The Ultimate Gifts

Posted on by Susan Panzica
Since our family is observing the Advent Conspiracy, we’ve been thinking differently about gifts. I shared in my 11/29/2009 post that my children, my husband and I will not be buying gifts for each other this year (other than stocking stuffers). We will be buying “gifts” from World Vision, Samaritans Purse or Touch The World to benefit those in need. We will be contributing to provide clean water, livestock and food for villages, and helping women learn a trade to support their families ravaged by AIDS.


This week, my husband said that the magi gave gifts, but not to each other. The magi’s gifts were given to Jesus. (How did we get the idea that Christmas is about giving gifts to each other on Someone else’s birthday anyway?) Our family’s gifts this year will also be given to Jesus because He said that “whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for Me.” (Matt. 25:40)

What about the gifts that the magi gave? Gold, frankincense and myrrh… The magi didn’t stop in Target or Walmart for these items. It is said that these gifts were not randomly chosen. They each have spiritual meanings:

Gold represents royalty, a symbol of His kingship on earth.

Frankincense is a symbol of priestship. The priests burned incense representing the prayers of God’s people, and Jesus is the great high priest (Hebrews 4:14).


Myrrh is an embalming oil or spice, and as such, represents death. Even at His birth, the reality is that reason He came was to die.


He is the King of kings and most deserving of receiving gold. But we are His children, joint heirs with Christ, a royal priesthood. So what can these gifts represent to us?

If gold represents His and our royalty, what noble qualities is He developing in us? Do we live like paupers, bereft of the riches that He offers us as His children? Are we growing fruit of the Spirit? (Gal. 5:22-23) Do we exhibit the peace that passes understanding, the result of thinking noble thoughts (Phil. 4)? Are we storing up treasures on earth or in heaven? (Matt. 6:19)

The Book of Revelation refers to incense as being the prayers of God’s people ascending to heaven (Rev. 5:8 & 8:4). We are a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9) offering prayers on behalf of others and for ourselves. Our prayers can be hindered due to unconfessed sin or praying outside of His will. But sometimes, what seems like unanswered prayer is really an opportunity for His grace to be sufficient, for us to rely on Him instead of our own strength (2 Cor. 12:9). What about answered prayers? Can you testify about any prayers that God has answered in your life?

Anyone want some myrrh? Want to prepare for burial? The very thought is daunting I know, but there are things that we do need to die to: the deeds of the flesh, the attitudes of the heart, the things that Jesus came to give us victory over. These must be dealt the death blow.

May His gifts be yours this Christmas. May you experience His royal character. May your prayers ascend to heaven unhindered, a fragrant aroma to our King. May He reveal to you the those things that need to be addressed and confessed. And may the gifts that we will give be reflective of our royal relationship with the King.

Susan

Burnt Snowmen

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Many thanks to Susanne Scheppmann, from Proverbs 31 Ministry, who graciously agreed to be our guest blogger for today.


Burnt Snowmen


“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV)

The snowmen dressed in red mufflers and black stovepipe hats stood cheerily on the dining room table. Amidst all the Christmas decorations, their presence brought the most oohs and ahs. Everyone at the party asked my friend, “Where did you buy them?”

I smiled. I had bought the snowmen candles for my friend as her Christmas gift. I thought to myself, “You did well!”


A group of us chatted around the dining room table. We nibbled on sugar cookies. Holiday gaiety floated through the room. We laughed together until, all of sudden, I noticed smoke emitting from all three of the wax snowmen candles. Before I could speak, flames spewed up and out of the stovepipe hats. The candles burst into flames, spreading into the other table decorations. My friend shrieked for help. Her husband, a firefighter by profession, ran into the room and doused the candles with the bowl of fruit punch that sat on a side table.


We sat in shocked silence. Instead of feeling pride over my gift, I hung my head in embarrassment. Now everyone wanted to know where I had purchased the fire hazard, because they didn’t want to buy anything of the same nature.


Thankfully, God’s gifts to us are never a fire hazard, but Scripture does tell us to allow them to burn brightly. The apostle Paul instructs, “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you” . . . 2 Timothy 1:6 NIV). The Lord doesn’t want us to sit by quietly with unused abilities. He does not want us to be shy about His precious gifts. He wants us to use them to bless others.


We may think we do not have a gift. The truth of Scripture promises us, “But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that” (1 Corinthians 7:7 NIV). We can’t argue with that, can we?

So what spiritual gift do you have that Christ wants you to use this Christmas season? Consider Romans12:6-8, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully” (NIV).

Let’s start right now with encouragement. Let’s encourage each other to allow our spiritual gifts to burn brightly during the Advent Season. And, as we fan our gifts into flames, let’s pray that others will recognize the glory of the Most High God who slept in a cold dark manger.

Dear Lord, thank you for giving me my spiritual gifts. Teach me how to use them, so that others may see You and desire to know You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

© 2008 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.




It was Susanne who God used in my life to encourage me to use my spiritual gift. In her message at the She Speaks conference, Susanne spoke the words that God had secretly spoken to my heart the night before “Don’t bury your talent.” This is not talking about being talented. It’s saying that if I chose to bury rather than use the talent that He gave me, I’d be a “wicked and lazy servant.” When we invest the talents he gives us, we will hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.” [Matt. 25, Luke 19]

Dear Lord, Thank You for the gifts that You so generously give, for the Greatest Gift ever given and for the spiritual gifts you give to us. May we invest them for Your kingdom. May You alone be glorified as we serve You. May the gifts we give this Christmas reflect the Giver of “every good and perfect gift.” James 1:17.

Susan

The Right Gifts

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today, I am grateful to Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey for this excellent post. Sonya also writes parenting pointers for Titus 2 In Action. As you read this, you’ll see why. Be sure to visit her at  http://truth4thejourney.blogspot.com.



Only 18 days remain until Christmas! Have I bought the right gifts? Have I made my lists, and checked them twice? These are common thoughts for many of us right now. We need to make Christmas special and memorable, right?


Wait! Whose birthday is it, anyhow? Most likely it’s not someone in your family or circle of friends. It’s Jesus’ birthday. So where is He on your list? After all, it is His birthday. Shouldn’t He be on your list?


I know that in today’s society we are pressured to make a list of loved ones and to put down the perfect gift idea for each one. But what if we put the name Jesus first under each loved ones name. Next, pray and ask what God would want you to give that person. I’m not talking about material things here. No, I’m talking about relational gifts.



Here are a few examples:


Christmas List:

1) My husband
a. Jesus – Pack his lunch at least once per week with a love note.


2) My daughter (toddler)
a. Jesus – Plan a play date for just the two of you and play what she wants to play.

3) My daughter (teen)
a. Jesus – Go online together to find a child to sponsor (this was her desire for Christmas this year). Then take her shopping to buy gifts for that child.


4) My daughter (tween)
a. Jesus – Put a love note from God (He inspired me to write love notes based on scriptures. If you are interested in them you can contact me) under her pillow every Monday this month.

5) My son
a. Jesus – Spend the time to read the Bible with him two nights per week.

These are a few examples from my own Christmas list. As I study the Bible, I find that God is not interested in the material things that we can give as much as the relational things. He is all about relationships and we need to put those at the top of our lists.


I pray that God will lead you and guide you this holiday season as you remember that relationships are far more important than material things.
 
Dear Lord, I thank You and Sonya for this precious reminder to keep the Giver of all gifts at the forefront of our gift-giving. Help u’s to remember that it’s relationship that is most important – with You and with each other.
 
Susan

Leaf Me Alone!

Posted on by Susan Panzica
At this time of year, there is a whirring sound heard ‘round the neighborhood. Up and down the streets, neighbors are doing their fall leaf cleanups.

One side effect of being empty-nesters is that my son is not available to help my husband with the annual leaf cleanup. With our over-abundance of leaves, it is a huge undertaking. Without AJ, my husband turned to me…. Oh, joy! My husband wore the backpack blower while I loosened up the wet leaves underneath with the rake.

But with the beautiful weather, it wasn’t as bad as I expected. It was fun to work together and even provided a few spiritual insights!


First of all, we only have this responsibility because we are blessed to own a home. Renters do not have to rake leaves, but when you are a homeowner, it’s necessary. We must be good stewards of what God has entrusted us with. A home that is not maintained falls into disrepair and loses its value. Likewise, the spiritual gifts that we have been blessed with are not to be left undeveloped and unused. If we have the gift of teaching, we are to study to show ourselved approved. If we have the gift of helps, we ought to seek out those in need. Those who are gifted musically practice to keep their skills sharp. The servant who buried his talent was called “wicked and lazy,” but those who invested theirs were told “well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matt. 25:23, 26)


When I was trying alone to move the leaves with the rake, it was hard work. I was striving in my own strength when I sensed a strong wind behind me – the blower – and the leaves suddenly lifted easily. So it is with the Spirit = the pneuma = the wind! We can toil in our own strength and make a little progress. But when His power comes, we are lifted in the struggle. We no longer bear the burden alone. We can accomplish greater things with greater ease when it is in His power that we labor.

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

The blower, though, needed the assistance of the rake to loosen up the matted leaves that were wedged in corners or under bushes. Now God doesn’t need us to accomplish His purposes, but the Spirit can accomplish more in our lives when we partner with Him. He prompts us, reminds us, leads us, directs us, but it is when we respond in obedience that we can see change and victory.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt. 11:29-30

Our work for the day was finally done. My aching muscles were thankful I’m married to a chiropractor! But the full cleanup is not done. We tackled the front yard, but the sides and back may need professional help. Sometimes, we too need help from godly counselors who are trained to lead us through difficult times.

And when it was all done, I looked up toward the heavens thankful for the victory over the leaves – only to see the branches still had some more leaves that were sure to fall… aaarrgggghhhh! It’s NEVER over!!! Next year, the glorious herald of spring will carry the chore of the fall cleanup with it. And as long as we breathe, there will always be something that God will work in our lives. Paul was thankful that he had come so far in his walk with the Lord, but he also knew there was still far to go, more work to be done. Can this be discouraging sometimes? Sure, but only if we look at how far we still have to go without remembering how far we’ve come.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. …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. Phil. 3:12-14

Susan

Live Nativity

Posted on by Susan Panzica

In the past week, my son has participated in two Live Nativities. He portrayed Joseph in our church’s 2 outdoor presentations. (That’s him in the bottom photo.) Then the following Saturday, he was one of the 3 wise men in another local church where he attends youth group. Both told the same story, but in two very different ways.

Our church is a smaller church, and the presentation was very humble. We had a meager budget, but made the most of what we had. Nearly everyone was involved – from the prayer team to the production itself to the refreshments that followed. The local press showed up (here are 2 of the photos that were taken). It was outdoors and attracted many passers-by. The script was taken right from Scripture. The music was fantastic. The animals all behaved well!
I helped with costumes and was amazed at how terrific everyone looked (of course, it was dark!!) At Thursday’s dress rehearsal, we wondered how we’d pull this off. It seemed we were just a bunch of ragamuffins. The pouring rain forced us to practice indoors, and there were many children who needed the experience outside. But when the nights came – from setup to cleanup – the gospel was shared in a beautiful way.

Yesterday, I went to see the other presentation. It was magnificent! It was indoors, and the front of the church was completely transformed. The show was a multi-media extravaganza. They had a “TV station” (GNN – Good News Network) that reported the unusual events surrounding the birth of the babe in Bethlehem. There was music, videos, live animals, and a list of participants 3 columns long. It was most impressive. No ragamuffins here!

I reflected on how two shows could present the same story so beautifully, yet so differently. We have all been given individual gifts from God that are to be used for the “common good”. In other words, the gifts that God gives us are to be used for the benefit of others. If we neglect to share the gift we have been given, others will be affected. I have one gift, you have another. No gift is superior to any other. I greatly appreciated the extravagant presentation, but in truth I preferred our humble one. Perhaps it’s because I witnessed our weaknesses, I saw God greatly glorified. Maybe it was just the simple telling (and singing) of the greatest story ever told without embellishment. We often think we need more money or more talents, but really, it is the simplest that is the sweetest.

If you are like me, you have been shopping, searching to find the “perfect” gift for friends and loved ones. Some will be extravagant, others humble. But in the giving and receiving of gifts this Christmas, let us keep in the forefront of our minds, the greatest Gift ever given – which was both humble and extravagant. Let us remember with appreciation the gifts He has given us, and not leave them unwrapped and unused. Let us give glory to the Giver of the gifts!

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” James 1:17

Susan