An Unexpected Surprise
In many German restaurants you can find what may look like an
unusual item on the menu: Spaghettini.
Chefs create it to look like a plate of spaghetti, but it’s actually
an ice-cream delicacy.
Vanilla ice-cream is served in thin strands that resemble
spaghetti noodles, and strawberry puree is poured on top that looks
like marinara sauce. You’ll even find coconut flakes on top to mimic
parmesan cheese!
May I state the obvious?
Although it looks like one thing on the outside, it’s completely
different once you taste it.
The same is often true of us, isn’t it?
We profess Christ on the outside.
We easily lift our hands in praise on Sunday mornings.
But when someone cuts in front of us on the road . . . do our
insides match our outsides?
Aren’t you grateful that God is patient with us?
Each one of us is still a work in progress.
Ephesians 5:1 tells us to copycat our heavenly Father:
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do. . . .” (NLT)
Let’s continue to allow God to break us and reshape us in His
holy image as we walk with Him.
Thoughts?
I just returned from speaking to pastors and wives at a state-
wide ministers retreat in Alaska. God was faithful and blessed in
wonderful ways. I’m excited about speaking in Alaska again June 1-8,
2019 on the Susie Shellenberger Ministries cruise. I’d LOVE for you
to join me! This will be an amazing spiritual retreat complete with the
adventure and wonder of Alaska’s beauty! If you’d like more
information, please send me an email (not on this website, but
through my email address): susieshell@comcast.net
Behind the Scenes
Back story: Before Elijah defeated the 450 false prophets of the
false god of Baal, he told wicked King Ahab that God would withhold
rain from the land. God made good on His Word, and the result was a
severe famine.
King Ahab summoned Obadiah (who was in charge of his
palace (and also a devout believer in Jehovah God).
Ahab had said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the
springs and valleys. Maybe we can find some grass to keep the
horses and mules alive so we will not have to kill any of our animals”
(1 Kings 18:5 NIV).
They split up, and King Ahab went one way while Obadiah
headed the other direction. Meanwhile, evil Queen Jezebel was busy
killing God’s prophets.
Elijah is thinking he’s the only Jehovah-follower left. The Queen
had already killed so many godly people. The country was in horrible
shape due to the famine, and Elijah knew he’d have to face King
Ahab and take on the 450 prophets of Baal.
But as Obadiah was searching for grass to feed the king’s
animals, Elijah crossed paths with him. Imagine Elijah’s surprise to
discover that while Jezebel was killing off God’s prophets, Obadiah
had taken 100 godly prophets and hidden them in two caves—50 in
each cave. Obadiah had kept them safe and provided them with food
and water in the middle of the famine!
When things looked like they couldn’t get any worse, God was
working quietly behind the scenes.
You may remember the godly priest Eli of Israel. He was the
one who mentored Samuel. Eli had two wicked sons: Hophni and
Phinehas. These two men were serving as temple priests but they
didn’t have a relationship with God. They took advantage of the
people who brought sacrifices, became sexually involved with women
around the temple, and were extremely dishonest.
People wondered why God didn’t do something to stop this
horrific situation. But what they didn’t know was that God was quietly
working behind the scenes. He was allowing the Philistine army to
gain strength. Pushing the fast-forward button, we see that a few
years later, the Philistines defeated the Israelites—and killed
Phinehas and Hophni.
What does this mean for us?
We can know that our God never stops working.
He never sleeps, goes on vacation or puts us on hold.
When our situation seems horrific and we wonder why He
hasn’t moved, it may be that He’s working quietly behind the scenes.
Sometimes we see Him explosively arrive in full detail. Other
times He simply works quietly behind the scenes.
So we can rest in God’s peace. And what kind of peace does
He give? “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And
the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t
be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27 LB).
If you’re facing a wall and wondering why God isn’t moving on
your behalf . . . it could be that He IS, but He’s simply working quietly
behind the scenes right now.
In His perfect timing, He will reveal Himself.
He always does.
Thoughts?
Spiritual Renewal
If Jesus needed to spend time in renewal,
how much more do we!
Let’s face it:
deadlines,
family responsibilities,
job stress,
relationship woes,
and simply the everyday routine of life
can wear us down.
That’s why I’ve put together the perfect spiritual renewal
adventure. If Alaska is on your bucket list, you can cross it off by
joining me on the Susie Shellenberger Ministries “Friends & Family
Alaskan Adventure” June 1-8, 2019.
Even though it’s several months away, RIGHT NOW is the time
to decide to put down your deposit and make plans to participate.
We’ll have our own special services together where I’ll be
speaking—along with a friend of mine Kathy Slamp—who has spoken
on several Alaskan cruises as a naturalist. She has an exciting
ministry and is gifted at intertwining the Alaskan beauty with spiritual
insights.
We’ll be cruising on the Holland America line—a fantastic fleet
of ships that has your comfort at the top of the list.
If whale-watching, dog-sledding, touring quaint little cities in the
Alaskan ports we stop in, fishing, and a lot of other activities interest
you, this is what you’ve been waiting for.
Or . . . you can simply stay on board the ship the entire time
and enjoy free room service, the fun shows, and of course our own
special services together. This will truly be the spiritual renewal
you’ve been yearning for.
If you want more information, email our cruise liaison, Carla
Pryor: carlaray@aol.com
OR email me with your complete mailing address if you’d like to
receive a full-color brochure through regular mail.
Oh! Holland America is allowing me to give a $50 credit to
each room! You can use it for anything you want—an excursion, the
gift shop, tips, whatever!
I’d LOVE to spend a week with you enjoying spiritual growth
through our services and seeing God through His natural and
amazing beauty in Alaska!
Please pray for me this weekend.
I’m excited to be performing my nephew Scott Shellenberger’s
wedding.