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Salvation Strength

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

Do you know

the strength of your salvation?

 

Do you know the power at work

in and through you?

 

You were saved for so much more

than you probably even realize

 

Jesus’ death and resurrection

broke the power of death over you

 

And you will live gloriously forever

because of the gift of your salvation

 

Your salvation brings you strong victory over sin

and you are no longer chained to it!

 

You have power in Christ

to overcome sin

to stomp on it

 

and before Christ

you were defenseless against it

 

Your salvation protects you

from the enemy who wants to take you down

 

He has no authority over you

so resist him

 

Your salvation brings you life-giving freedom

from your prison cell

 

and you have the power

to walk in that freedom

 

Your salvation brings you hope

in an uncertain world

and uncertain times

 

and this is a strong and enduring hope

 

Your salvation brings you peace

making you able to stand solid in chaos

 

Your salvation is strength

and defense

and endures forever

 

There is no need

to walk in defeat

 

– Susie Stewart

 

This includes you who were once far away from God. You were His enemies, separated from Him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now He has reconciled you to Himself through the death of Christ in His physical body. As a result, He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault.

But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News….

– Colossians 1:21-23 (NLT)

 

I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

– Romans 8:38, 39 (MSG)

 

“It’s urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put Me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living.

– John 5:24 (MSG)

 

With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

– Romans 8:1, 2 (MSG)

 

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

– 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT)

 

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

– John 8:36 (NLT)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

Embraced

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

You

are wrapped in Light

 

You who trust God

 

He promises

to surround you

with Himself

 

And if you could but see

 

the Lord

with His arms wrapped

lovingly

 

around you

 

fear would be dispelled

and loneliness would fade

 

Trust Him

 

and know that His angels

also encamp about you

 

Know the enveloping

of True Love

 

Know your protection

in Him

 

Know your position of embrace,

beloved child of perfect God

 

KNOW

you are surrounded

by Him

 

– Susie Stewart

 

 

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.

– Psalm 34:7 (NIV)

 

You have surrounded me on every side, behind me and before me, and You have placed Your hand gently on my shoulder.

– Psalm 139:5 (VOICE)

 

In a desert land He found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of His eye,

– Deuteronomy 32:10 (NIV)

 

You are my hiding place. You will keep me out of trouble and envelop me with songs that remind me I am free. 

– Psalm 32:7 (VOICE)

 

Just as the mountains around Jerusalem embrace her, the Eternal, too, wraps around those who belong to Him— for this moment and for every moment to come.

– Psalm 125:2 (VOICE)

 

For the Eternal One says, “Instead of a wall of stone, I will be a wall of fire protecting her all around, and I will be the shining glory within her.”

– Zechariah 2:5 (VOICE)

 

For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with Your shield of love.

– Psalm 5:12 (NLT)

 

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, But he who trusts in and relies on the Lord shall be surrounded with compassion and lovingkindness.

– Psalm 32:10 (AMP)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

 

Haven

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

I desire, Lord,
for our home
to be a haven

For Your sweet love
humor
peace
grace
joy
and forgiveness
to fill its walls

I stand in defiance
with You, Lord,
against enemies
who would seek to destroy
to corrupt
to sever

And I know this is Your desire, God,
for it is Your Spirit
that bonds
the lives within these walls
together

Imperfect humans
clinging to our perfect King

serving
one another
in love

Our home haven
is also
a battleground
and worth fighting for
these precious ones
and
these sacred loves

on my knees

– Susie Stewart

 

And the Spirit makes it possible to submit humbly to one another out of respect for the Anointed.
– Ephesians 5:21 (VOICE)

 

If anyone fails to provide for his relatives, and especially for those of his own family, he has disowned the faith [by failing to accompany it with fruits] and is worse than an unbeliever [who performs his obligation in these matters].
– 1 Timothy 5:8 (AMP)

 

“And I will be for you as a father, and you will be for Me as sons and daughters,” Says the Lord Almighty!
– 2 Corinthians 16:8 (VOICE)

 

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.
– Colossians 3:12-16 (NLT)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

Swift

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

Your forgiveness

Lord

is swift

 

You take no time

to debate in your mind

whether we are worthy

 

You offer open hands

and warm embrace

without reservation

 

And I think about

how we often

are not quick to forgive

 

 

We make a choice

 

to mull over offenses

and severity

and deservedness

 

And sometimes

we never get to the forgiving part….

 

And the longer we wait

the more hardened we become

 

Instead of swift

we are feet dragging in dirt

 

getting scuffed up

in the process

 

What if

our forgiveness

was swift

 

like Yours God?

 

– Susie Stewart

 

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.

– Mark 11:25 (NLT)

 

Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.

– Ephesians 4:32 (AMP)

 

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].

– 1 John 1:9 (AMP)

 

Love….keeps no record of wrongs.

– 1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

Conscience

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

 

A conscience clear

is sign of hope

 

in the One

 

who makes all things new

and can keep us from willful sin

 

A clear conscience shows

that life renewed

and actions redeemed

 

are all the heart of a Savior

 

Who provides new

and do-overs

and mercy

 

We make amends

and we mend brokenness

 

because of hope

 

We ask for forgiveness

and we offer it

 

because of hope

 

We keep short accounts

on account

of hope

 

And we choose right over wrong

because we have every reason to

 

God is our reason

 

His reverence

love for Him

respect for Him

 

And if there were no Divine reason

for a clear conscience

 

all would be hopeless

 

We would do our worst

and sink deep

 

All would weigh heavy

and overwhelming

 

So, keep your slate clean

and clear things up where needed

 

and do it because of hope

 

and for the love of your Savior

 

You know the Truth

Now walk in it

 

conscience clear

and hopeful

 

unencumbered

and free

 

– Susie Stewart

 

 

Because of this hope, I always do my best to live with a clear conscience toward God and all people.

– Acts 24:16 (VOICE)

 

“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of Him will keep you from sinning!”

– Exodus 20:20 (NLT)

 

Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

– Romans 5:5 (AMP)

 

And see to it that your conscience is entirely clear, so that every time you are slandered or falsely accused, those who attack or disparage your good behavior in Christ will be shamed [by their own words].

– 1 Peter 3:16 (AMP)

 

Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.

– 1 Timothy 1:19 (NLT)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

 

Taken For Granted

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

Sometimes we need

a wake up call

 

to what we have in Jesus

 

Blessed are we who

treasure

the Word of God

 

who long to learn

and hear

and see

and understand

 

His words to us

 

So many from history

and even the present-day persecuted

 

would have given anything

to have the Bible lying open before them

 

and to read

and absorb

freely

 

the Feast of Divine communication

 

We can take this for granted

 

We forget

that life is found in these words

 

Busyness is an excuse

for letting it collect dust

 

Supposed-tos

rob us of the joy of a heart connect

 

Procrastination steals

each day of refreshment and Truth

 

And we go without

 

life-giving words

reviving

and bringing understanding

and revealing

 

who YOU are God

 

May we long for You

with genuine hearts

 

May we desire

spiritual sustenance

 

May we bask

in Your words

 

which are

our privilege

to read

 

– Susie Stewart

 

Jesus said —

For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

– Matthew 13:17 (NIV)

 

But you have God-blessed eyes—eyes that see! And God-blessed ears—ears that hear! A lot of people, prophets and humble believers among them, would have given anything to see what you are seeing, to hear what you are hearing, but never had the chance.

– Matthew 13:17 (MSG)

 

To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables,

For they look, but they don’t really see.
They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.

This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says,

“When you hear what I say,
you will not understand.
When you see what I do,
you will not comprehend.
For the hearts of these people are hardened,
and their ears cannot hear,
and they have closed their eyes—
so their eyes cannot see,
and their ears cannot hear,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and let Me heal them.”

But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 

– Matthew 13:12-16 (NLT)

 

The amount of desire for God’s Words

is in direct proportion

to how deeply we know of their power.

– Susie Stewart

 

There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

– 2 Timothy 3:16,17 (MSG)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

 

Wandering Sheep

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

The sheep

sometimes wander

 

and instead of following

the Shepherd’s leading

 

they follow nothing

in particular

 

wandering here

and wandering there

 

The sheep know the Shepherd,

they’re within the flock

 

but with choices poor

they meander aimlessly

 

And it may be so subtle

that the sheep doesn’t even realize

 

but then finds himself

in unfamiliar territory

 

lost

and alone

 

But the Shepherd knows

 

and searches for this

lost one

 

enfolding brokenness

with love

 

carrying

and caring

 

back close

to His heart

 

You know Jesus, friend,

and you have been acting

like you don’t

 

He sees you

and wants to bring you back

 

Find safety

in His will for you

 

find security

in Truth and boundaries

 

Stay close

to your Shepherd

 

You are forever His

 

– Susie Stewart

 

For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.

– Ezekiel 34:11 (NIV)

 

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.

– Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)

 

…should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me! I’ll recognize the sound of Your voice.

– Psalm 119:176 (MSG)

 

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from Me.

– John 10:27,28 (NLT)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

Critical

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

If you have a critical spirit

your joy will be swept away

 

plain

and simple

 

You will spend your time thinking

about the flaws of another

 

instead of on the sweetness

and beauty

and loveliness

of life

 

and of God

 

If you find yourself

criticizing

this person

and that person

 

outwardly

or in your thoughts

 

Stop

 

Just stop

 

And send your thoughts

into the realm of joy

 

Your world is small

if all you do is think critical thoughts

of people

 

Expand your heart

to joy

and thankfulness

 

And watch those words

 

Build others up

 

You know that you don’t appreciate

someone being critical

of you

 

Find joy

in focused attention

on goodness

and Light

 

and always be

thankful

 

– Susie Stewart

 

Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, “Let me wash your face for you,” when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

– Matthew 7:2-5 (MSG)

 

For to him who has shown no mercy the judgment [will be] merciless, but mercy [full of glad confidence] exults victoriously over judgment.

– James 2:13 (AMP)

 

Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive His approval.

– Romans 14:4 (NLT)

 

Do you judge others? Is it easy for you to find fault with those around you? Then beware: Your spiritual life is in danger.

A critical attitude can hinder your walk with God and distract you from God’s purposes for your life.

We judge because of our own selfish interests. For example, we sometimes become critical when comparing ourselves to those around us. We try to find fault in others to prove that we are smarter, better looking, happier or wealthier. But these are selfish reasons. We simply want to feel better about ourselves. We also get critical when others fail to do what we ask, or do not do what we think is right. Often, it is a family member, friend or co-worker who fails to meet our expectations. Our expectations lead to a judgmental attitude.

Even our own frustrations can lead to a critical attitude. If life is not turning out the way we desire, we hide our own frustrations by finding fault with others…

Remember, it’s easy to be critical. The faults of others are often very obvious to us. During these times we need to make sure we give grace instead. Thank God for those people and ask the Lord to bless them and reveal His will to them.

It’s really quite simple: God has granted you mercy. He has paid the debt for your sins. Now, the only debt you owe is to offer His love and mercy to others, for “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13; NASB).

– CBN.com

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

See the Glory

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

You’re glory

is everywhere, God!

 

in the midst of a sin-tainted world

 

light in darkness

beauty in ugliness

revelation in confusion

 

And some remain asleep

to that glory

 

and look to shallow

and frivolous

and breakable

 

ascribing worth

to worthless

 

I glorify You, God!

 

I recognize

and see

and hear

YOU God

 

here

 

Everywhere

 

I make much of You!

 

For You

are ALL

 

and worthy

worthy

worthy

 

of my attention

and adoration

and love

 

Glory

glory

glory

 

to my God!

 

Always sufficient

Always perfect

Always just

Always loving

 

Always deserving of glory

 

I look in Your eyes,

Jesus

 

I believe

and I see Your glory!

 

– Susie Stewart

 

Jesus looked her in the eye. “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

John 11:40 (MSG)

 

Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out. Is there anyone around who can explain God? Anyone smart enough to tell Him what to do? Anyone who has done Him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice? Everything comes from Him; Everything happens through Him; Everything ends up in Him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes.

– Romans 11:35-36 (MSG)

 

Then Moses said, “Please, show me Your glory!”

– Exodus 33:18 (AMP)

 

But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of His divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat Him like God, refusing to worship Him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.

– Romans 1:19-23 (MSG)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

 

 

I Am Yours

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

Whomever You have created,

God,

has had a choice

 

To Follow You

or to turn away from You

 

Even the angels

 

For Lucifer

a beautiful angel in Your courts

 

Chose to despise You

instead of love You

 

And he took with him

others of beauty who made the choice

 

And all is death

and downhill

without You

 

I, God,

choose You

 

I will forever

be Yours

 

Your created

loves her Creator

 

and I’m so glad

for the choice

 

I

choose

You

 

I am Yours

 

– Susie Stewart

 

Today I have given you a choice between life and death, success and disaster.

– Deuteronomy 30:15 (ERV)

 

But maybe you don’t want to serve the Lord. You must choose for yourselves today. Today you must decide who you will serve. Will you serve the gods that your ancestors worshiped when they lived on the other side of the Euphrates River? Or will you serve the gods of the Amorites who lived in this land? You must choose for yourselves. But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.

-Joshua 24:15 (ERV)

 

I have decided to take the path of faith; I have focused my eyes on Your regulations.

– Psalm 119:30 (VOICE)

 

 

I love those who love Me, and those who look for Me will find Me.

-Proverbs 8:17 (ERV)

 

Photo by Kitty Keefer