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You’ve Been Played

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

I say to you

and I say to myself

 

Don’t get played

 

Don’t walk into the trap

the enemy has set for you

 

He is slick

and he is sneaky

 

He doesn’t play fair

 

And before you know it

you’re caught up in the same old stuff

 

You can’t get over

how clueless the people around you are

 

You grab hold

of those old vices

those addictions

those escapes

 

You stray from truth

and become complacent

 

You forget the now

and that being offended is a choice

 

You forget that grace should reign

in you

and through you

 

And you’ve been played

 

By the one who seeks to divide

who seeks to destroy

who wants you bitter

who desires your downfall

 

And when you realize you’ve been played

you don’t hesitate

 

You run back

to Solid

to Grace

to Authentic

to Alert

to Unity

to Love

 

You embrace your Father

and thank Him

 

for opening your eyes once again

 

to the true enemy

 

– Susie Stewart

 

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

– John 10:10 (AMP)

 

When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit,  so that satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

– 2 Corinthians 2:9-11 (NLT)

 

He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

– John 8:44 (NLT)

 

Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.

– Hebrews 2:14 (NLT)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

 

 

Bold

/ Susie Stewart / 2 Comments

Whisper not

the name of God

Speak it boldly

for He is all

Hide not

your inner Light

for it is exactly

what they need

Tame not

your worship of the King

for your audience

is Him alone

Hide not

your story of saving grace

for it is precious

and important

Stand confidently

worshipper and witness

in the strength and power and goodness

of your great God

– Susie Stewart

I have seen You in Your sanctuary
    and gazed upon Your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
    how I praise You!
I will praise You as long as I live,
    lifting up my hands to You in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
    I will praise You with songs of joy.

I lie awake thinking of You,
    meditating on You through the night.
Because You are my helper,
    I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.
I cling to You;
    Your strong right hand holds me securely.

– Psalm 63:2-8 (NLT)

It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts Him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting Him really lives.”

– Romans 1:16-17 (MSG)

Paul lived for two years in his rented house. He welcomed everyone who came to visit. He urgently presented all matters of the kingdom of God. He explained everything about Jesus Christ. His door was always open.

– Acts 28:30, 31 (MSG)

Photo by Susie Stewart

Saved For More

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

Your soul has been saved

by Jesus

 

Saved from eternal condemnation

and suffering

 

But do you think about how far

that salvation goes?

 

When Jesus died for you

and was resurrected

 

and you accepted that

beautiful gift

 

He not only saved you from hell

but redeemed your life in the here and now!

 

His salvation in your life

is far-reaching

 

It saves you from

a pointless existence

sin’s grip

a futile focus

slavery’s hold

meaninglessness

fear of death

people dependence

darkness rule

hopelessness

being alone

conjured joy

the enemy’s grasp

man-made religion

blind living

 

…from yourself

 

The moment you accepted Christ

you were made new

 

and your salvation travels with you

into each day

 

Don’t forget

all that He has saved you from

 

and walk in confidence

of the Light He placed in you

 

-Susie Stewart

 

 

…I’ll give you a long life,
    give you a long drink of salvation!

– Psalm 91:16 (MSG)

 

No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you… I will not fail you or abandon you.

– Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

 

…He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

– Titus 3:5 (NIV)

 

There is no one else who can rescue us, and there is no other name under heaven given to any human by whom we may be rescued.

– Acts 4:12 (VOICE)

 

Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew He was going to do this for you. It’s because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.

– 1 Peter 1:18-21 (MSG)

 

Sin ruled by means of death. But God’s kindness now rules, and God has accepted us because of Jesus Christ our Lord. This means that we will have eternal life.

– Romans 5:21 (AMP)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

Bully

/ Susie Stewart / 5 Comments

There’s this bird,

I call him Eustace

 

And he spends a lot of time

in our backyard

 

When he’s here

he consistently plays the part of the bully

 

He chases away all other birds

with rude squawks and aggression

 

But the strangest thing about Eustace

is this

 

He bullies our cat Rodney

 

Little Eustace taunts Big Rodney

as if roles were reversed

 

We’ve seen Rodney running from Eustace across the yard

as if his life depended on it

 

And when Rodney perches atop the platform on our porch

Eustace flies at him, squawking protests loudly

 

But the truth is, this is Rodney’s territory,

he belongs here

 

Eustace is an outsider

 

And all of this got me to thinking

about Christ Followers

 

We are often bullied

by our spiritual enemy

 

He loves to make us think

he is larger than he really is

 

The reality though

is that God is infinitely bigger and more powerful

than the devil

 

So, friend, know your identity

as a child of God!

 

When the enemy squawks and bullys

stand firm, resist and tell him how powerful your Protector is

 

And let him know

this is not his territory

 

Don’t cower before this snake

KNOW the power that resides in you

 

Get lost, Eustace

 

– Susie Stewart

 

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 (NLT)

 

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

– Ephesians 1:19,20 (NLT)

 

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

– Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

Same Heart, Different Methods

/ Susie Stewart / 2 Comments

All of us who believe in God

hope to please Him

 

We know when we don’t measure up

 

But, friend, the difference between you and me

is complete dependence on grace

 

We both want the same thing —

rightness before our Creator

 

but you, friend, you chant

and you go through rituals

and you light candles

and you deify humans

and make confessions to them ….

 

relying on what you can do

to earn God’s favor

 

You have faith

but you also are working SO hard

to earn approval

to assuage your guilt

to make amends

 

And it would appear that’s the way

it should be

 

But it’s not

 

Grace is not cheap

and it came with a high price

 

God’s life

 

Chanting

Repeated bowing

Rituals

Religion

 

will never get any of us

closer to heaven

 

Dive deep into inherent Scripture

and find…

 

We can do nothing

to earn His nod

 

But if we humble ourselves

under His mighty hand

 

and accept grace and mercy

bought high-priced

 

we will find freedom

from man-made rules and rituals

 

and just find our Father,

arms open,

complete in love for us

 

And doing right

will come out of love for God,

moved by His great kindness

 

– Susie Stewart

 

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,

– 1 Peter 5:6 (AMP)

 

…but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.

– 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 (AMP)

 

But if it is by grace [God’s unmerited favor], it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace [it would not be a gift but a reward for works].

– Romans 11:6 (AMP)

 

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

– Hebrews 4:14-16 (AMP)

 

Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

– Romans 2:4 (NIV)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

Enraptured

/ Susie Stewart / 3 Comments

Jesus, show me

how to be

more satisfied with You

 

by letting go

of my dissatisfaction

with people

 

Help me to be so enraptured by You

that offenses

do not offend

 

And, Jesus, show me how to be content

with myself

 

but always growing and learning,

ever pliable

 

Your grace, Jesus,

makes all of this possible

 

How sweet You are,

how satisfying

 

when my heart is enraptured

with You

 

– Susie Stewart

 

But as for me, my contentment is not in wealth but in seeing You and knowing all is well between us. And when I awake in heaven, I will be fully satisfied, for I will see You face-to-face.

– Psalm 17:15 (TLB)

 

I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

– Philippians 4:11,12 (MSG)

 

Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.
– Matthew 5:6 (AMP)
Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
-Psalm 90:14 (NLT)
Photo by Susie Stewart

New Day

/ Susie Stewart / 1 Comment

Yesterday was hard

and I was losing hope

 

but this morning

You were there, Lord

 

You awakened me with Your love

and the encouragement

 

of a fresh, new day

 

Your mercies rose

with the sun on the horizon

 

I am being made new

over and over

 

And it’s a good thing

for the hard press of this world

 

leaves me low sometimes

 

But each dawn

there You are

 

I wake up to YOU

 

Waiting to instill new hope

and renewed purpose

 

Thank You, Jesus

 

– Susie Stewart

 

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

– Romans 15:13 (NLT)

 

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness;
    His mercies begin afresh each morning.

– Lamentations 3:22,23 (NLT)

 

And now, God, do it again— bring rains to our drought-stricken lives So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.

– Psalm 126:5,6 (MSG)

 

Photo by Victoria Stewart

 

God Doesn’t Need You

/ Susie Stewart / Leave a comment

God doesn’t need you,

you know

 

But He’s

desperate

for you

 

He longs deeply

with a Father’s heart

 

God is fulfilled in Himself,

gloriously satisfied

 

but He would go to great lengths

just for you

 

He was willing to give Himself,

to give His Son

 

He gave up Heaven position

in perfection

 

to enter our broken world,

to walk with imperfect

 

He was willing to spend years

in dust and dirt and filth

 

like us

 

And He didn’t have to

 

Love

compels

the heart of God

 

and pure love made Him so desperate for YOU

that He allowed His own torture

 

and murder

 

He didn’t need to!

and He didn’t need you!

 

But

He was

desperate

for you

 

So

when you reject that gift,

that Deity sacrifice

 

you couldn’t turn from a greater treasure

 

It’s absurd

 

– Susie Stewart

 

 

This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending His Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in Him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust Him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to Him.

– John 3:16-18 (MSG)

 

The Lord appeared to me in a faraway place and said, “I love you with an everlasting love. So I will continue to show you my kindness.”

– Jeremiah 31:3 (GW)

 

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

– John 15:13 (NLT)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

I Wish…

/ Susie Stewart / 2 Comments

I wish

I could sit at Your feet, Jesus

 

look into Your eyes

and hear Your beautiful voice

 

I wish

I could pour out expensive perfume

over You

in adoration

 

crying tears of gratitude

and wiping them with my hair

 

I wish

I could touch the hem of Your robe

 

crowd not distracting

my attention on You

 

I wish I could follow You

from town to town

taking in Your brilliance

 

gleaning wisdom

from Your deep words

 

I wish

I could see Your lovely face

and just be with You

 

but You have chosen me

for this time and place

 

for a reason

 

And in my mind and heart

I will seek Your face

I will look into Your heart

I will listen for Your voice

and I will be sitting at Your feet

 

pouring out my best

for You

 

– Susie Stewart

 

Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While He was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over His head.

Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.

But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to Me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have Me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

– Mark 14:3-9 (NLT)

 

As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed Him and made Him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word He said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t You care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.”

The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”

– Luke 10:38-42 (MSG)

 

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took His twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and His disciples.

– Luke 8:1-3 (NLT)

 

And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind Him and touched the edge of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

“Who touched Me?” Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against You.”

But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me; I know that power has gone out from Me.”

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at His feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched Him and how she had been instantly healed. Then He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

– Luke 8:43-48 (NIV)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart

Drowning In It

/ Susie Stewart / 1 Comment

I choose this day

to drown in Your love, God

 

instead of drown in my problems

and sorrows

 

I stand waiting

for Your showers of grace

to cover my whole self

 

You pour out Your liquid love

as if there were no water restrictions

 

and in turn

 

I will pour into those who know not

limitless love

 

– Susie Stewart

 

 

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.

– Romans 5:5

 

There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

– Romans 5:3-5 (MSG)

 

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

– 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart