On the way…

Sue’s Views

When Jesus preached ….. He used illustrations about everyday life. Things the common people and even children could understand. He talked about a farmer sowing seeds in different types of soil ….. a shepherd taking care of his flock and leaving 99 to rescue 1 who was lost ….. and how fruit can only be produced when it’s attached to the vine. Behind these pictures ….. were deep messages about how we are to live. The people following him could understand the deeper meaning just by looking around them. 

We make it so complicated ….. but the message of the Gospel is simple! Jesus is in every one of those stories. He is the Word (the seed) … He is the Good Shepherd ….. and He is the Vine. Our hearts are the different types of soil ….. we are the sheep ….. and we are the branches! If we receive His Word gladly ….. stay close to our Shepherd ….. and remain in the Vine ….. we will produce much fruit!

Sue’s Views

How do you know if you are on the right path? It would be nice if Google Maps could show you the path of life! You could type in where you are now ….. where you want to end up ….. and up would come a map of the whole journey with directions and alternative routes. But life’s not like that! We are only shown the next part of the journey. We don’t know the obstacles we’ll face until we reach them. But one thing we can be sure of is that ….. if our heart’s desire is to do what’s right ….. we can trust God to lead us every step of the way. The quickest and easiest isn’t always the best. He has things to show you ….. and lessons to learn along the way.

Sue’s Views

Walking with God means ….. blooming where you’re planted!  

Being and doing your best ….. no matter the circumstances! Maybe life isn’t working out how you’d hoped ….. people aren’t treating you the way you’d like them to ….. things aren’t changing as fast as you’d prayed. Don’t wait for things to change ….. give your best where you are right now ….. your attitude determines your altitude!

Sue’s Views

Our view of the world is very much defined by the culture we were raised in. What is normal to one culture may be offensive to another. However ‘TRUTH’ is truth no matter what culture we belong to. We can either adjust our beliefs to THE TRUTH ….. or else we will adapt the truth to our culture. Every culture is God given and must be founded on His Word which is TRUTH.

Sue’s Views

‘Is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy for when the way is rough ….. your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow ….. and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom ….. then you will be ready for anything ….. strong in character ….. full and complete.’ (James 1:2-4 TLB) I love how the Bible tells it like it is! Not always what we want to hear ….. but true none the less!

Sue’s Views

We should never judge people by our first impression. They may appear ‘prickly’ ….. but everyone has a story. Outwardly they may be saying ” stay away from me” but inwardly they are crying out for love and acceptance. We can reject them yet again ….. or help them and others see the beauty that lies within.

Sue’s Views

Do you have a dream that has faded in the light of reality? Maybe years have passed and you’ve resigned to thinking ‘that will never happen now.’ Maybe circumstances have put a barrier between you and the dream being fulfilled ….. or choices you’ve made have disqualified you from deserving it. Who gave you the dream? If it came from God ….. He will fulfil it! He’s the starter and the finisher. Yes it might take a little longer than He intended ….. and the route might be a little different ….. but hold on to those unfulfilled dreams. They are still on God’s to do list!

Sue’s Views

There are times in life when there is no visible path. Does it mean you are going the wrong way ….. or just that few have taken the journey before you? The clear, well beaten track is always the most popular. But ‘it’s the narrow path that leads to life and few find it.’ We are called to walk by faith and not by sight. The question is ….. did God initiate the journey? If so ….. you can move ahead with absolute assurance that He will lead you to your destination.

Sue’s Views

Today is Armistice Day. It marks the anniversary of an agreement to end World War I. It didn’t actually end the war but it stopped the fighting and began a series of discussions toward permanent peace. Unfortunately there have been many wars since then. Wars between nations ….. religious wars ….. family feuds ….. gang wars. Probably one of the most destructive is the war that goes on inside a person ….. the Battle of the Mind. The enemy is unseen ….. but powerful. He causes us to be so self focussed that we have no energy for anything or anyone else. He feeds us with lies that perpetuate the battle ….. and blind us to the truth. It’s time to call a truce! A truce requires a mediator who can bring the opposing sides together. Jesus Christ is our mediator! He is the Prince of Peace who defeated the foe by dying on a cross and rising again. Lay down your weapons of self protection and hatred ….. and put your trust in Him. He will fight your battles so you don’t have to. 

Sue’s Views

This cute little bird seems to know its value! Labels can have a huge impact on our lives. Words like ‘stupid’ ….. ‘ugly’ ….. ‘useless’ ….. can cause us to become those things. Jesus told a story about a merchant who sold all he had to purchase one pearl. He was talking about you! That’s how valuable you are to God! So if you need a label ….. make sure you pick the right one!