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)
Let the words from the book of the law be always on your lips. Meditate on them day and night so that you may be careful to live by all that is written in it. If you do, as you make your way through this world, you will prosper and always find success.
– Joshua 1:8 (VOICE)
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
– Matthew 4:4 (NLT)
I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
– Psalm 119:11 (NLT)
In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.
– John 1:1 (AMP)
Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.
– Psalm 1:2,3 (MSG)
For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.
From the sky you are given a bird’s eye perspective,
an overall look
at each small slice
and circumstance
of life here
knowing this season
is woven with care
in the tapestry,
the landscape,
of your existence
Your hope
does not walk tired
And you may run
but it is not away from God
You run toward Him!
The Author and the Finisher
of your faith
The One who establishes
and solidifies
your hope
– Susie Stewart
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 40:28-31 (NIV)
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
– Hebrews 12;2 (KJV)
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
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.
– Colossians 3:15 (NLT)
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)
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
– Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
– Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and He’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
– James 4:7-9 (MSG)
They won’t be afraid of bad news; their hearts are steady because they trust the Lord.
– Psalm 112:7 (NCV)
I have pursued You with my whole heart; do not let me stray from Your commands.
– Psalm 119:10 (VOICE)
Don’t put on a show just because they are looking (as if you were a people pleaser); but as a slave of the Anointed, do the will of God from your heart.
– Ephesians 6:6 (VOICE)
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
– Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
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.
– Matthew 11:29 (NIV)
I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
– Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.
For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver… we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
– Psalm 66:10-12 (NIV)
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
– Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)
Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
– Revelation 22:1 (NLT)
There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up.
– Exodus 3:2 9NLT)
The Eternal went on ahead to guide them during the day in a cloud shaped like a pillar; at night He appeared to them in a fire shaped like a pillar to light their way. So they were able to travel by day and by night.
– Exodus 13:21 (VOICE)
The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, believers) say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take and drink the water of life without cost.
– Revelation 22:17 (AMP)
As evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.Then He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey Him!”
– Mark 4:35-41 (NLT)
Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and He won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God Himself is Fire!
– Hebrews 12:28,29 (MSG)
You make Your messengers like the winds; the breeze whispers Your words, Your servants are like the fire and flame.
– Psalm 104:4 (VOICE)
Does not my word burn like fire?” says the Lord. “Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?
– Jeremiah 23:29 (NLT)
With joy in each step, you will drink deeply from the springs of salvation.
– Isaiah 12:3 (VOICE)
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usualand commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace.The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego,and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”
They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”
He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God,come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire,and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent His angel and rescued His servants! They trusted in Him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
– Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go! This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who He is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us – an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with Him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with Him! -Romans 8:14-16 (MSG)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
– Romans 5:1,2 (NIV)
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
– Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body,and since we have a great priest over the house of God,let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
I had a feeling that was the diagnosis I would hear
Once again my husband and I held one another
and cried
and have stayed close to one another since the news came
Our children were told
and they were stunned,
sorrowful,
and older and braver than last time
My parents
supported with such love
and tenderness
and words deep
My brother and his wife
came right over
with food love
and flowers sweet
and listening ears
Phone calls were made
and friends were told
and they offered up unbelievable support and love
endless
And people wonder
how am I feeling?
I feel
sad
and I feel thankful
and I feel strong
in my sorrow
And I am keenly aware
once again
that all the people care,
but my deepest need
is for my Jesus
In all of this
I can’t get my mind off of the One
who is my Rock
my Comfort
my Everything
And it’s me
and it’s Him
eyes locked on one another
My good
and His glory
are
ALWAYS
His intent
And I walk forward
taking one day at a time
just like we all do
yet
with a sharper focus
on every
little
thing
I pray with all my might
that healing would be mine
and I know He’s heard every word
And the sentiments I penned
one day before diagnosis
are true in the valley of the shadow ~
“My relationship
with the Lord of the Universe
is new
freeing
and vibrant”
Cancer is ugly
God is my freedom
His unchanging character
did not flinch
when I was diagnosed with cancer
once again
and I can’t imagine
walking this road
without Him
My life is still
for HIM,
not for me
Not what He does
for me
This is such a broken world, friends
And you hear and experience bad news
every
single
day
The signs are pointing
to the earth groaning
in preparation
for Jesus’ return
Be ready
And don’t get hung up
on whether God is good or not
when bad things happen
tossed and turned in your faith
by bad news
God warned us
of trials
and tribulations
and pain
and attacks from our circling
and preying
and vicious enemy
Stay with God
and do not be swayed by your feelings
about why He lets certain things happen
What kind of God would He be
if He claimed to be Love
and claimed to be good
and claimed to be just
and claimed to be ALL the things He claimed to be
and then forfeited it all
by allowing trials in a Christ-Follower’s life?
It’s not possible
He is perfect
and His ways are right
And what a patient and amazing God
to reach into our broken world
and provide salvation from it?
I choose to rest in Him
in this cancer journey
And believe what you will,
but I have been singing His praises with joy
since I got up this morning
– Susie Stewart
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
– Romans 8:22, 23 (NIV)
Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever.
– Hebrews 13:8 (AMP)
But as for me, I will sing about Your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about Your unfailing love. For You have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
– 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor.
– Hebrews 12:2 (VOICE)
Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our Apostle and High Priest.
– Hebrews 3:1 (NIV)
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—He could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
– Hebrews 12:1-3 (MSG)
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!
– Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.
– Proverbs 4:23-27 (MSG)
Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light.But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!
I am confident in His perfection and goodness and love
in the brokenness of earthly life
– Susie Stewart
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
– John 16:33 (AMP)
…God has said, “I will never abandon you or leave you.”
– Hebrews 13:5 (GW)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give Him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under His loving correction. It’s the child He loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.
– Proverbs 3:5-12 (MSG)
My help and glory are in God —granite-strength and safe-harbor-God— So trust Him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for Him. God is a safe place to be.
– Psalm 62:7-8 (MSG)
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.
– Psalm 118:8 (NLT)
For the Eternal will be a shelter for those who know misery, a refuge during troubling times.
– Psalm 9:9 (VOICE)
Photo by Susie Stewart taken in the deserts of Israel
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.
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?
Susie Stewart 