His Beautiful Creation
Throughout Scripture we’re often reminded of how God displays
Himself through nature. We’re told that the trees of the fields will
someday clap their hands in praise to Him. We read that every living
thing will rejoice in our heavenly Father.
One of the most exciting places I’ve seen God revealed in glorious
nature is in Alaska. It can be breathtaking!
I’ve been there four times and I’ll be speaking there again this fall.
But I want to go back in 2019.
And I want to take YOU with me.
Yes.
You read that correctly.
I want us to go to Alaska together.
So Susie Shellenberger Ministries has put together a “friends and
family” cruise to Alaska for June 1-8, 2019.
I know the benefit of getting away and letting God refresh me.
I need this.
You may need it as well.
So I’ll be speaking in our own private services on this exciting cruise.
And Kathy Slamp—another Christian speaker—will also be
ministering in our services.
Besides that, we’ll also have some amazing praise and worship, a lot
of fun, and an incredible time of ministry together.
But you’ll also get to enjoy the shows that the ship provides, because
we’ll have our own sessions at a different time than the ship’s
entertainment.
And the offshore excursions when we dock at a variety of ports are
amazing. You can choose from a variety of options.
If you’d like to email me for more information, I’ll send you the full
brochure with all the details. Will you please pray about joining me?
This will be an amazing time of ministry, an exhilarating adventure,
and the spiritual restoration we all need.
Shoot me an email at: susieshell@comcast.net
This weekend I’m speaking in West Columbia, SC, and would
appreciate your prayers.
More Words!
We speak anywhere from 120 to 150 words per minute.
I tend to speak fast.
I’m afraid if I slow down, I’ll get bored and check out. Ha!
I’m more engaged when listening to a speaker who pushes the pace.
It motivates me to pay closer attention.
The “Love Chapter” (1 Corinthians 13) from the English Standard
Version of the Bible is a little more than 280 words. I timed myself
and can read it out loud in 57 seconds. So what does this mean?
Absolutely nothing. Ha! I just find it interesting.
We’re consumed with words—verbally and written. Oftentimes, we
can almost “read words” from people’s eyes and mannerisms even
though they haven’t spoken audibly.
Because words can be so powerful, let’s determine to examine how
we choose to use them. Think about it: You can actually help
someone have a better day simply by the words you offer them.
On the other hand, you can ruin someone’s day by using demeaning
words. So it’s our choice, isn’t it? Will we choose to build up or tear
down?
“Gentle words cause life and health”
(Proberbs 15:4 The Living Bible).
From reading the Bible, we can tell that Jesus was extremely careful
with His words. He didn’t use them flippantly.
Before using your words, consider these three things:
1. Is what you’re about to say true?
2. Will what you say cast a shadow on someone or create
doubt in the listener’s mind?
3. Is what you’re saying necessary?
I really admire a friend of mine who just doesn’t say negative things
about people. It’s always a joy to be around her.
In a culture where we’re often around people who talk A LOT,
it’s refreshing to be with this friend who uses her words carefully and
uses them to affirm and encourage.
Let’s memorize this Scripture together:
“Evil words destroy; godly skill rebuilds”
(Proverbs 11:9 The Living Bible).
Thoughts?
I’m speaking in Aurora, CO this weekend.
Will you pray that God will use my words to glorify Him?
Words!
The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., contains 28 million
books. That’s a lot of words!
The largest bookstore in the world is the Barnes and Noble in New
York City. It has 12 miles of shelves. Again . . . lots of words!
The most prolific writer in the world is Brazilian author Ryoki Inoue.
He published 1,058 novels between 1986 and 1996. Guess
what—that’s a new novel every 84 hours. It’s safe to say he knew a
lot of words!
Words can be
important
wasted
boring
challenging
true
useless
demeaning
deceitful
affirming.
I’m easily frustrated when someone uses too many words.
Maybe you know someone like this.
He or she gives you all the details—when all you really want and
need is the bullet point.
Someone going on and on and on . . . like I’m doing now . . .
Ugh!
God thinks words are important.
In fact, He says that someday we’ll have to give an account for every
careless word we speak. (Check out Matthew 12:35-37).
This makes me think seriously about the words I use.
I often speak without thinking it through first.
But there’s hope . . . because the apostle Peter was like that,
and God built called him the rock.
It took a while for Peter’s lifestyle of sand to become solid rock,
but God never gave up on him . . . or his words.
In fact, God even inspired Peter with enough words to give us two
books in the New Testament (First and Second Peter).
Let’s seriously consider our words this week.
Instead of using them sarcastically . . .
or even unnecessarily using too many words . . .
lets make it our goal to
1. use our words to encourage
2. refrain from using useless words
Word!
Thoughts?
I’m speaking in Pueblo, Colo., this weekend and would love it if you’d
pray that God will give me HIS words.