Category: growth

Satan-proofing

Posted on by Susan Panzica

After writing about responding well to irritations, don’t you just know that I spent too much time yesterday feeling quite irritated and responding poorly!! Oh Lord, help me to apply what I know to be true! Help me to see people and situations with Your eyes! Help these irritations to smooth away whatever in me doesn’t look like you. James says, “Consider it joy when you suffer trials…” The Phillips translation of this verse says, “Welcome your trials as friends…” Wow! That’s a challenge, but I can welcome trials if I recognize that God is using them to produce Christ-likeness in me. Please, oh please, help me to be swift to respond as You would have me.

I received this email from Ron Hutchcraft ministries. It is so worth sharing! Enjoy!

Whenever we’ve had a young grandchild come over to our house, it was almost all good news. The reason I say almost is because of the preparations we have to fly into to get ready for the arrival of like a two-year old. Yes, I said two-year old. That’s two as in “super inquisitive.” See, our little grandchildren have had a way of exploring, experimenting with every object within their reach. There are two kinds of things that need to quickly disappear before a young grandchild starts his little adventure at Grandma and Granddad’s house. Things that can damage either the child or that he could damage. So as we joyfully anticipate a little one being with us, we also fly into a frenzied little exercise called baby-proofing our house.

I’m Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Satan-Proofing.”

It’s a good idea to remove anything that our grandson can make a mess with. It’s a whole lot better than cleaning up the mess or repairing the damage.

There’s someone who pays regular visits to your life and mine who is not an angel like our grandson. It’s your enemy, the devil himself. He can do a lot of damage unless you anticipate his coming, look around your life, and remove the things that he could use to mess things up. It is called Satan-proofing your life.

In our word for today from the Word of God, Paul talks about playing defense against our enemy’s attempts to bring us down. In 2 Corinthians 2:11, he says we take precautions “in order that Satan might not outwit us, for we are not unaware of his schemes.” Okay, eyes wide open, looking around our lives for what our enemy might use to sink us, and getting it out of the way – Satan-proofing your day.

In the instance Paul is talking about here in this verse, there is an issue of a man who did a lot of damage in the church; a man Paul says they need to be sure that they have forgiven. Why? Because a grudge, un-forgiveness toward someone is something the devil will grab at his first opportunity and he will use it to poison you and everyone around you. But Paul identifies the area that needs to be dealt with “in order that Satan might not outwit us.”

Here’s a sentence for you to complete. It will help you defend yourself against the tactics that Satan’s used over and over to bring you down. Finish this: “The devil brings me down whenever I ___________.” What goes in that blank is what needs to go. In a sense, you’re analyzing your past defeats so you can remove what your enemy has used to beat you in the past.

So, Satan-proofing your life today might mean praying for someone you’ve had hard feelings toward, asking God to remove your bitterness and replace it with His love. It might mean staying away from negative people who make you negative, from friends who lead you where you should never go, or staying away from the music, or the Internet garbage, or the TV shows that wear you down morally, or turning your fears, or your worries totally over to God so the devil can’t use them again to discourage or depress you.

When a baby’s coming, you baby-proof to avoid damage. When Satan’s coming, and he will, you Satan-proof to avoid the damage he wants to do to your life. There have been enough times you’ve left out the very things that he’s used over and over to bring you down. You’re not “unaware of his schemes.” So start fighting back so that when the devil comes prowling around your life today, he will find that what he usually uses to make a mess, you have put way out of his reach, because you’ve given it to Jesus.

Susan

The Princess and The Pea

Posted on by Susan Panzica
It was there. I knew it. I just couldn’t find it.

Every step I took told me there was something sharp under my foot. I took off my slipper. I took off my sock. I shook them out. I put on my sock. I put on my slipper. I took a step. Arrrgh! Still there! Over and over, I repeated this on-off-on procedure until I discovered a tiny,but sharp pebble deeply embedded in the fleecy fur of the slipper. I felt like the storybook princess who felt a tiny pea buried under her many mattresses. Something so small disturbed her terribly.

This tiny stone irritated my foot and annoyed me greatly. How about when a piece of sand gets in your eye? It rubs and scratches and grates against the delicate tissue causing redness, tears and ultimately destruction if it is not removed.

A few (quite a few!) years ago, I was on a retreat with several friends. Nancy, Neil and I were walking, and I had trouble with the stairs due to an old injury to my right knee. At 16 years old, I had surgery on the knee after a bad fall that chipped part of the back of the kneecap (among other things). The surgery removed the chips and repaired the ligaments & tendons, but the surgeon did not smooth the back of the kneecap, as he should have. Consequently, the knee was (and is – despite 2 additional surgeries) a “constant source of irritation”. When I explained my knee trouble to Nancy & Neil, I mentioned those words “constant source of irritation”. Immediately, Nancy turned to Neil with a smile (or should I say smirk) and said, “Neil, you are a constant source of irritation!”
We have laughed about this for years since. But if you have someone, or something, in your life that is a constant source of irritation, it usually is not a laughing matter. Just the sight of that person can raise all sorts of emotions. Just the reminder of that situation can cause physical responses such as tightening of the muscles, headaches… do I need to go on?

But take that very same grain of sand, that source of irritation to the eye, place it in an oyster, and something magical happens. When that irritant is caught inside the oyster’s shell, the oyster starts to secrete a substance called nacre. This substance coats the irritant and encapsulates it. According to Wikipedia, “Nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is strong, resilient, and iridescent. This substance is called “mother of pearl” because it is literally the “mother”, or creator, of true pearls.” What begins as an irritating annoyance is transformed. The insignificant grain of sand has become a valuable pearl.
What is important to note is the fact that the irritant in the eye is exactly the same as the one in the oyster. What is different is the response! Scripture is clear that God allows tribulations in our lives (John 16:33). Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The phrase, “you will have trouble” is sandwiched between “you may have peace” and “take heart. I have overcome the world!”.

Whatever is your “constant source of irritation” can be transformed into a valuable pearl if you respond as the oyster. Won’t you be “strong, resilient and iridescent” (reflecting the light!)? Would you receive your irritation as the beginning of a beautiful transformation in your life? Will you recognize that God allowed this person or situation to be close to you for your benefit, so that you can be transformed? And take note – there would be no valuable pearl without that annoying irritant!

In the fable, the princess was troubled by a small matter. In real life, you are a princess (1 Peter 2:9) You are a daughter of the King. Do not let yourself be troubled by what really is a small matter compared to our kingdom, our eternity! Allow that nuisance to bring about transformation – Christlikeness – the most precious, priceless, valuable quality you could ever possess.

Susan

Having a Bad Day? Check this out!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

If you think you’re having a bad day, please take inspiration from this man. Sometimes, God doesn’t give us what we think we need because we would never become what He wants us to be if we had those things

I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:11-13

Super Fan or Super Fanatic?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Well, unless you’re living in a cave, you’ve heard that the Super Bowl is this Sunday. Whether you love football or not, chances are you are aware that this is the biggest one-day sporting event of the year. I just saw a news clip that reporters from around the globe will be at the Super Bowl broadcasting in 34 languages! The word “touchdown” is said “touchdown” in every language! Across the country, even the world, people will gather for Super Bowl parties. They’ll eat, cheer, scream, cry, laugh. (By the way, do you know that more avocados are sold at this time than any other time of the year? Guacamole Time!!) Even if you normally don’t follow either team in the game, a ticket to this event is in high demand, despite its extremely high price.

People proudly bear the “badge of honor” – FAN. Recently, my son has complimented me on my “fanhood”! Is that even a word? Ok, I admit it – I am a football fan. And this year, I’m rooting for the underdog Cardinals. If you haven’t heard of quarterback Kurt Warner, you must check out his testimony even if you don’t know the difference between football and cricket (that’s a trick question – in England, football is cricket, and soccer is football. Go figure!) Click here to read about Kurt’s testimony.

People who are fans are followers of various things – sports, celebrities, authors, movies, tv shows, hobbies, etc. Fans know information and statistics about the object of their choice. They spend significant amounts of time engaged in activities relating to these interests.

As a Christian, I am follower of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, a “fan” of the Lord Most High! Some might (and do) say a “fanatic”. So why is it okay to be a “fan” of earthly activities, yet followers of Jesus are considered “fanatics”? But, that’s besides the point. My point is this – as a Christian, we ought to be engaged in activities that draw us closer to Him with the same (or greater) zeal that fans show to their earthly interests.

In a book I was reading, Henry Blackaby says, “The result of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples was earthshaking. No, it extended much further than that – these Spirit-filled believers literally shook the gates of hell. So dramatic was the Spirit’s coming upon them that onlookers could not help but be in awe: ‘They were all amazed and marveled’; ‘they were all amazed and perplexed’; ‘they were filled with wonder and amazement’; ‘they marveled’. (Acts 2:7, 12, 3:10, 4:13) Does the world marvel at the church today? Unfortunately, much of what happens in the contemporary church is little more than a reflection of the values and the reasoning of the surrounding culture, instead of a clear demonstration of God’s power.”
He says that we must stop asking, “What can I do for God?” which is self-centered. Rather ask, “What does God want to do through me?” Making that subtle shift in thinking will have dramatic results in your life, for what you’ll witness will be God’s power to transform lives, not just your own ability to help people in need. … You’ll discover that merely watching the activity of God from a distance could never compare with the thrill of being fully involved in the Spirit’s active work.”

I love that last sentence – instead of being a fan on the sidelines, get in the game!! Be a part of the greatest show on earth, so to speak. Partner with God to participate in securing victory for His kingdom! Huddle with God to get His game plan, then go defeat the enemy in His strength!

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. Rom.1:16

I am suffering, yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Tim. 1:12

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

May you truly have a super Sunday as you worship the Lord Almighty!
Susan

Miracle Worker

Posted on by Susan Panzica

I received this in an email (thanks Kim!).
This image put a lump in my throat.
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Let’s be sure to thank God the for miracles, big and small, that He does every day.
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Today, my daughter had a pressure-cooker day. In the “hi!” message she left on my home machine, her voice wavered, a sign of the stress she was feeling. When I arrived home and checked the mailbox, I sent her a text message that the schoolbooks she ordered had come. Later she called and said with a laugh, “God cracks me up!” She shared part of what her struggles had been that day, and at the very moment she was lamenting to herself that she really needed those books for her class, she received my text message that they had arrived. It was like releasing the lid of the pressure-cooker. God’s fingerprints were all over the timing in that small matter.
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I sometimes have trouble grasping the fact that the God of the universe, who sets planets in orbit and galaxies in motion, is just as concerned about our individual trials and tribulations. They are not small matters to Him. And I think that is what is so astounding to me! I could possibly grasp that He is the Creator of this vast universe. Or I could possibly grasp that He is my Friend or that He loves me as His precious child. But to be both just boggles my mind! You may have heard it said: He is so big the universe cannot contain Him, yet He is so small He fits inside our hearts. Close your eyes and imagine the far reaches of the universe. He is there. Close your eyes and take a slow deep breath – inhaling the very Spirit of God. He is there. What an awesome, unfathomable, loving, caring God we serve!! Won’t you ask Him to reveal Himself to you more, show you something new today?
Susan

Great Expectations … NOT

Posted on by Susan Panzica

If you know me, you know I’m mourning the playoff loss Sunday by my beloved NY Giants. Sniff, sniff. And, of course, I’m not alone. The Giants entered the season as the reigning Super Bowl champs, and had the best record in team history (11-1) before they lost the next 4 out of 5 games, and the playoff game. You might call it a GIANT disappointment! Why? Because there were high expectations for this team that were not met.

Like so many others, my husband has been trying to figure out what’s going on with the stock market. And like so many others, he’s completely baffled. But there is one occurrence that is particularly astonishing to him: A report is published showing that the company performed better than the previous quarter, yet that stock value goes down! Why? Because the financial community expected an even higher gain than the actual gain. So here is a company doing well, making a profit in tough times, and because some financial fortune-teller predicted an even larger profit, the stock in that fine company dips. To avoid this, some companies are intentionally leaking fake poor reports. The problem – unrealistic expectations.

This is a problem for us, too. Disappointment is due to our expectations not being met. Our expectations often are too high or unrealistic. We hope, hope, hope for different circumstances or relationships, failing to recognize the blessings that we already have.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t be hopeful. Not at all. Hope is one of 3 things that Scripture says will endure forever – “Three things will last forever: faith, hope, and love…” 1 Cor. 13:13. Hope is a necessary part of our faith – “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for ….” Heb. 11:1. Hope is what keeps us going during difficult times and are part of God’s plan – “‘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.’” Jer. 29:11 I have a lot more to say about hope, but will save that for a future post.

What is on my heart is this – sometimes we place expectations on someone else’s performance that are just unrealistic, and our disappointment stems from our error, not theirs. We expect those who serve in ministry to be perfect, yet they are as human as we are. We expect our loved ones to behave in the way that we want them to, sometimes even completely contrary to their nature. We want our husbands to purchase the perfect Christmas gift by reading our minds, supernaturally knowing our secret wish. Or perhaps we want him to say just the right thing, or pick up a dishtowel or put the kids to bed. That list goes on and on (by the way – is there anything sexier than a husband vacuuming? Oops – I digress.) We want our children to never embarrass us by saying or doing the “wrong” thing. We want our relatives to gather together as warmly as an idyllic Hallmark Christmas special. Frankly, we want people to remove the speck in their eye, while totally ignoring the beam in our eye. We want people to satisfy our needs in a way that only a perfect God can. Ouch. I’m sorry, I don’t want to be a finger pointer – I am speaking to myself first here. And I absolutely don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. What I do want is to spare you the disappointment that is sure to come if you place an expectation on someone that they cannot possibly live up to.

So…
Let us look for and list the positive qualities in people, rather than focus on the negatives, especially with family members. Oh, why is it so easy to let those irritations be our focus?
Let us try to see people as God sees them, and extend grace to them as He does to us.

Let us count our blessings instead of our disappointments. Or better yet, turn a disappointment into an appointment to meet with God. Share your frustration with without becoming a gripe session, and ask to view the situation through His eyes.

Here’s an excerpt from an email I received a while back, that puts a new perspective on some old annoyances:

Be Thankful
I AM THANKFUL:
FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT’S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED .
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY (you mean me??)
BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.
Susan

My Girls

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Fifteen years ago, when my children were just 5 & 3 years old, my friends and I began a women’s neighborhood Bible study. Over the years, we have had many women share our Tuesday mornings, most for years, some for months, all for different seasons of our lives. We have laughed, cried and prayed together, sharing each other’s joys and sorrows. We have broken bread and studied the Word together. We know that this group provides a safe haven to share our burdens. Our children have grown from babes to young adults, have grown mighty in the Lord and have struggled with the forces of evil. Through it all, we have seen God work His wonders in and through us. I am so thankful for my partner Lisa, for these wonderful women and for the God that brought us together.
At our Christmas brunch, we all raved about Annie’s recipe, and she graciously shared it:
AVOCADO and TOMATO SALAD
2 or 3 firm Haas Avocados
2 16oz pkgs. Grape Tomatoes sliced in two
2 16oz pkgs. Mozzarella Cheese cut up in 1 in pieces
2 whole sections of Scallion chopped small
1 handful of chopped Dill
1 large clove of Garlic minced
2 Tbls. Extra virgin oil
White pepper to taste – it is not sharp like black pepper

Mix the tomatoes, cheese, scallions, dill, garlic, oil and pepper in a large bowl. Keep refrigerated.

The avocado needs to be firm, but not hard as a rock. Usually if you keep it one day after you buy it, that’s about right. Peel them last so they don’t get soft.

Cut into decent sized pieces. If you make them too small, they will get mushy. Add the avocado last. Toss with the rest of the ingredients and store in the refrigerator in a 2qt covered container.

If you try fresh mozzarella, remember that it is not as firm as regular packaged cheese. You can experiment by adding other ingredients to this salad. It’s great to add other ingredients also, like parcooked asparagus.
– Nusia Dubas

Bon Appetit!!

Susan

New Year’s Post and Post-Its!

Posted on by Susan Panzica


When I went to pick up my daughter (and the tons of stuff from her dorm) for semester break, I noticed a wall of post-it notes beside the sink of the tiny wash area near the bathroom.

Lauren (left) & Cassie

Lauren and her roommate, Cassie, love quotes. They wisely decided to use this space that they see every morning to provide a positive start and end to their day.

It reminded me of my friend, Cathy, who had written the following words above her closet:
“Put on the full armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”. (Eph. 6)
Every day as she donned her clothes, she simulated putting on the armor of God, spiritually preparing herself for the day ahead.

Following her example, on my closet, I had posted:
“Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Col. 3:12

These reminders each morning set the tone for the day.

So I thought, if they can set the tone for the day, maybe they can set the tone for the year as well. As we begin 2009, consider a Scripture verse or quote that would be appropriate for you for the year to come. Then post it as a reminder. Perhaps in your closet, in your Bible, by your kitchen sink or in your car. Commit it to memory.

In the books of Psalms, Nehemiah and Isaiah, we see that the nation of Israel posted watchmen as guards protecting them from their enemies. When we post Scripture verses, they will serve as guards to our minds protecting us from our enemy and the temptations he sends our way.

May your new year be filled with God’s grace and blessings.
May you begin each day thinking of God and end each day thanking Him.


Susan

I feel pretty, oh so pretty!!

Posted on by Susan Panzica
Well, now I know that my readers are the funniest, most encouraging girls I know!! After last week’s post about being referred to as “elderly”, you all came to my defense!! I got such funny and warm encouragement from all your comments – verbal, posted and emails!! One of the funniest was this email:

Subject: Age is in the Eye of the Beholder
I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new dentist. I noticed his DDS diploma, which bore his full name. Suddenly, I rememered a tall, handsome dark-haired boy with the same name had been in my high school class some 30-odd years ago. Could he be the same guy that I had a serious crush on, way back then? Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought. This balding gray-haired man with the deeply lined face was way too old to have been my classmate. After he examined my teeth, I asked him if he had attended my high school. “Yes, Yes I did. I’m a Mustang!” He gleamed with pride. “When did you graduate?” I asked. He answered, “In 1975. Why do you ask?” “You were in my class!” I exclaimed.

He looked at me closely.

Then that

ugly,

old,

bald,

wrinkled,

gray-haired,

decrepit

**** (oops, can’t say that!)

asked –

“What did you teach?”

Ha Ha!!! Isn’t it true that others (especially kids) age, but we don’t!

I just wanted to add one thing that has been on my mind this past week, with all the comments and jokes. Our patient, who uttered that “elderly” comment really is a very nice man. In fact, every year, he brings a gorgeous poinsetta to our office. For no reason at all, just to be nice.
He just happened to say something the wrong way, and it caused a reaction in me (and in many of you, too!!).
I started thinking about the times that I have said something the wrong way: too short-temptered, too sarcastic, too harsh (especially to my family who deserves the best I can give). Too honest – when it’s better to just say nothing at all. Too quick – better think before speaking (as James says). While sometimes I wish that I had spoken up about something, I find that I have more regrets over things I have said than over things I have left unsaid.
I always told my kids that God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak. Proverbs says that “Even a fool when he keeps silent is considered wise.” The modern version: “Better to be quiet and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!” When we do speak, may it be “seasoned with grace”.
For to be beautiful at any age, it’s what we say and how we say it that really matters.
Susan

A Million and ONE reasons to believe

Posted on by Susan Panzica

My last post used Macy’s slogan to draw attention to the million reasons to believe. Not just the myriad of things He has done in our lives personally, but also the “cloud of witnesses” He provided – believers past and present – to encourage us, support us and reveal Himself through them to us.

That, too, got me thinking –

I want to be part of that “cloud”. I want to be added to the millions before me who were used by God to minister to others. I want to be a light in the darkness, to be a support to those who are faltering, to be an encourager to those who are discouraged, to be a friend, a servant, an instrument. Do you want to be part of that cloud, too?

Too often I hear people say that they are not confident that God could use a sinner like them. That is completely false!! Look at who is in that “cloud of witnesses” in Scripture that God used in mighty ways. Not a perfect believer in the bunch. God used Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, Paul and so many others who were liars, cowards, even murderers.

God does not use us because of our wonderful qualities. Rather, He uses us in spite of our weaknesses. He looks not at our ability, but at our avail-ability. Are you willing to be used? Then come before Him, confess your sins and weaknesses, await His forgiveness and fasten your seatbelt, for He will surely use you!!

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9