Suzanne Odum

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.7.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-82px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||12px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://welovewinchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DontStopNow.jpg” title_text=”June8Blog_Insta” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||8px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|8px|8px|8px|8px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Neue Montreal||||||||” custom_padding=”||25px|||” inline_fonts=”Ogg Medium”]As we near the end of 21 days of prayer, I’m believing what won’t end are the habits of daily prayer and the daily reading of God’s Word that we have developed in our personal lives during this time. One of the most eye-opening things I’ve discovered is that when I’m intentional about carving out space for God to speak to me, He does! As I’ve created space for Him and pressed into His Word, He has shown me new revelation.

I would say for many of us, the greatest challenge moving forward will be to protect the time we worked to create from becoming filled again with futile things. What do I mean by futile things? Well, the definition of futile is “incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.”

Another revelation for me personally has been discovering how much time I do indeed have, and how easy it is to waste it on things like TV/Netflix, oversleeping, “vegging out;” all those things not being ‘bad,’ just futile.

I want to take what 21 days of prayer has accomplished for my personal walk with Jesus into everyday moving forward! And I know that if I’m not intentional about protecting it, it’s a given that other things will compete and take over this time I’ve been setting aside just for Jesus.

Another thing I’ve been reminded of is how we always make room for what is most important to us. Yikes! Let that thought sink in for a minute! Consider your marriage or time spent with your children – can you imagine if you neglected carving out time for those relationships? Undoubtedly, those relationships would suffer, and there would be a disconnect resulting in distance and the inability to grow closer in a meaningful way.

We always make room for what is most important to us.

It’s the same with God. When we nurture our relationship with Him, we get to know Him in a deeper way and our hearts become aligned with His heart.

Have you ever been driving your vehicle when the alignment is off? Your vehicle starts pulling to one side or the other. It’s harder to move forward with ease when your vehicle is out of alignment. When we spend time with God, He keeps us in alignment. That alignment with Him affects everything! Prayer isn’t about getting God’s will to align with mine, but my will to align with His.

C.S. Lewis said the following about prayer, “Prayer does not change God, it changes me,” “We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.”

The value of prayer and reading God’s Word, isn’t just for our benefit.

Philippians 1:9-11 (AMP) says, “And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more, displaying itself in greater depth, in real knowledge and in practical insight, so that you may learn to recognize and treasure what is excellent, identifying the best, and distinguishing moral differences, and that you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, actually living lives that lead others away from sin; filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God, so that His glory may be both revealed and recognized”.

In conclusion, there are two kinds of knowledge. Knowledge that is raw information or head knowledge and the other is knowledge that comes through experience. We need to develop ‘knowledge that comes through experience.’ It’s the experience of knowing Jesus in a personal way that will not only change us, but can be both revealed and recognized, which will set in motion in us, the way Philippians describes as, “living lives that lead others away from sin.”

Let’s continue to seek the presence of God and let this new habit become a permanent one![/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width=”1920px” module_alignment=”center” locked=”off”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.7.4″ background_color=”#ffffff” width=”100%” max_width=”1920px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|true” custom_padding=”51px|60px|51px|60px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”60px|40px|60px|40px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”40px|20px|40px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.1)” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.3″][et_pb_blurb title=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3IiLCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJiZWZvcmUiOiJCeSAiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsIm5hbWVfZm9ybWF0IjoiZGlzcGxheV9uYW1lIiwibGluayI6Im9mZiIsImxpbmtfZGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJhdXRob3JfYXJjaGl2ZSJ9fQ==@” image=”https://welovewinchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/suzannecampus.png” image_max_width=”150px” content_max_width=”860px” image_tablet=”https://welovewinchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/joshbairdblog.png” image_phone=”https://welovewinchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ShawnBaird2.png” image_last_edited=”off|tablet” image_max_width_tablet=”150px” image_max_width_phone=”150px” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”title,content” header_font=”New Montreal Medium|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#333333″ header_font_size=”22px” header_line_height=”1.4em” body_font=”Neue Montreal||||||||” body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.9em” text_orientation=”center” animation=”off” header_font_size_tablet=”18px” header_font_size_phone=”17px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_font_size_tablet=”15px” body_font_size_phone=”17px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 400;” border_radii_image=”on|200px|200px|200px|200px” box_shadow_style_image=”preset1″ box_shadow_vertical_image=”10px” box_shadow_blur_image=”20px” box_shadow_color_image=”rgba(0,0,0,0.1)”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3JfYmlvIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.7.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-82px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||12px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://welovewinchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/HideAndSeekPost.jpg” title_text=”June8Blog_Insta” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||8px|||” border_radii=”on|8px|8px|8px|8px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Neue Montreal||||||||” custom_padding=”||25px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ inline_fonts=”Ogg Medium” sticky_enabled=”0″]Growing up I was the definition of a strong-willed child. I was also the middle child. And while some middle children describe the frustrations of being ignored and often resentful of the parental attention doted upon the oldest and youngest children, I reveled in my middle child obscurity. I couldn’t have been more content flying under the radar as I happily created mischief wherever I went. Nothing to see here!

In fact, although I was younger than all the kids in my neighborhood, for some reason, they did whatever I said. I guess it was because I always had a plan, which usually had a hint of risk, trouble, or danger. I was the instigator, the leader, engaging them in daily adventures. Unfortunately for me (and them for that matter), a lot of those shenanigans resulted in all of us getting into trouble.

But what I remember most as the one thing that would bring the biggest consequences for me with my parents, even more than what I did, was when I lied about it or covered it up. It’s interesting because the hiding and covering of sin is nothing new. In fact, it’s been a ploy of the enemy since the beginning.

The Bible says in Genesis Chapter 3:1-8 “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they realized they were naked; so, they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”

You see, the enemy is a liar. He works hard to influence, manipulate, and plant seeds of doubt and mistrust in us towards God. His endgame goal is to cause us to hide from the presence of God, the very presence we need, when we fall short. After all, only the presence of God can sustain us, heal us, and redeem us.

We weren’t created to live in an echo-chamber of our own thoughts and perspectives. We were created for relationship. And it’s through relationship that change happens.

Proverbs 28:13-14 says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.”

The enemy knows what concealing and hiding does to us on the inside and to our relationship with God. We know that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God, however, sometimes carrying the weight of guilt and shame – the hidden things, causes us to want to hide from God, and even people. The Bible says it’s the kindness of God that leads us to repentance. It’s God’s overwhelming love for us that causes us to let him into those places – the deep places, the hidden hurts, and the struggles that the enemy wants to keep us chained to.

One of the plays we run as a church – Love Church’s Playbook – is small groups. We are passionate about small groups, because we know that healing and growth always take place through relationships. No wonder the enemy fights so hard to keep us from connecting. We all need a trusted circle to do life with. We need people in our corner who will encourage us, speak truth, and sharpen us. Let’s be real – even Jesus had his small group.

The truth is, we were not created to do life alone, and Jesus demonstrated that for us. It’s in isolation that the enemy works to undermine God’s truth. We weren’t created to live in an echo-chamber of our own thoughts and perspectives. We were created for relationship. And it’s through relationship that change happens.

The enemy would love to keep you isolated and alone, ‘hidden’. He would love to cut off the voices of Godly relationships. But God has more for us. I would encourage everyone, whether it would be your first time jumping in, or if you need to reengage again, join a small group. We truly are better together.
To find a group, go to welovechurch.com/smallgroups.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width=”1920px” module_alignment=”center” locked=”off”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.7.4″ background_color=”#ffffff” width=”100%” max_width=”1920px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|true” custom_padding=”51px|60px|51px|60px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”60px|40px|60px|40px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”40px|20px|40px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.1)” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.3″][et_pb_blurb title=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3IiLCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJiZWZvcmUiOiJCeSAiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsIm5hbWVfZm9ybWF0IjoiZGlzcGxheV9uYW1lIiwibGluayI6Im9mZiIsImxpbmtfZGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJhdXRob3JfYXJjaGl2ZSJ9fQ==@” image=”https://welovewinchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/suzannecampus.png” image_max_width=”150px” content_max_width=”860px” image_tablet=”https://welovewinchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/joshbairdblog.png” image_phone=”https://welovewinchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ShawnBaird2.png” image_last_edited=”off|tablet” image_max_width_tablet=”150px” image_max_width_phone=”150px” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”title,content” header_font=”New Montreal Medium|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#333333″ header_font_size=”22px” header_line_height=”1.4em” body_font=”Neue Montreal||||||||” body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.9em” text_orientation=”center” animation=”off” header_font_size_tablet=”18px” header_font_size_phone=”17px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_font_size_tablet=”15px” body_font_size_phone=”17px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 400;” border_radii_image=”on|200px|200px|200px|200px” box_shadow_style_image=”preset1″ box_shadow_vertical_image=”10px” box_shadow_blur_image=”20px” box_shadow_color_image=”rgba(0,0,0,0.1)”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3JfYmlvIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

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As my sisters and I started getting older, my family began a new Christmas tradition. Since we were no longer children, we decided that instead of each of us buying every family member a big-item, super expensive gift, we would each draw one name from a hat and would go above and beyond for that one member of the family and buy nice, but smaller, less expensive gifts for everyone else. That way everyone would receive an over-the-top exciting gift and lots of other little presents to enjoy.

I remember one particular year I drew my dad’s name. So, as the tradition went, that Christmas I would get my dad an expensive, special, surprise gift. I was so excited and immediately started planning what his gift would be! Now, this was back when the Total Gym was first released onto the market. Remember the Chuck Norris and Christy Brinkley infomercials promoting the exciting, easy to use home gym? You also need to remember that when the Total Gym first came out, it was a very expensive piece of equipment. So, I thought, yes…this is it; this is what I’ll get my dad!

Jump forward to Christmas day that year. I had the family all gather in the living room. I made everyone close their eyes as I hauled out (as quietly as I could), this BIG surprise gift for my dad. Being one who is always a little bit “extra,” I decided to do a demo on the equipment to help get my dad excited at its potential and how fun working out on the machine would be for him. So, I raised the roller bench to the highest level, sat on my knees tilted downwards, and pulled the resistance straps with my hands behind my back. I was now positioned to duplicate what I’d seen on TV. Then I proudly announced, “Dad, this is how you do it.” A couple seconds later as I lay on the floor after face-planting into the carpet, wrapped tightly in the straps with my body twisted into a pretzel upside down, my dad calmly said, “I don’t think I want to try that.”

Well, as is with most exercise equipment, his gift took its place sitting in a corner with clothes and clutter piled up on it. I can’t help but wonder if my demonstration had something to do with that.

I mention that story to illustrate how often my own understanding has failed me. I had the equipment, I had the infomercial, but not once did I look at or through the directions. Basically, I didn’t know what I was doing, and that clearly showed.

I’m certain we don’t intentionally set out to resist or defy submitting to God in every area of our lives. We want to trust Him, but sometimes our loss of control can make us feel anxious or even fearful.

The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

If you’re like me, you want to live out those Scriptures. I’m certain we don’t intentionally set out to resist or defy submitting to God in every area of our lives. We want to trust Him, but sometimes our loss of control can make us feel anxious or even fearful.

Now imagine being in a skyscraper and looking down on the traffic below. From that viewpoint, it’s easy to see every obstacle facing the drivers below, and in that position those obstacles can be seen for blocks. It’s from that vantage point that God sees us as He is directing our lives. The road that may seem best at our limited vantage point, may be one God wants us to avoid for reasons He alone can see.

“Submission” means to accept and yield to the will or authority of another. Add to that “trust,” which means having a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something.

At times, if I’m honest, I have put more trust in my GPS to get me to a destination, than I put in God to direct my path. I enter the destination and follow every detour and every reroute without question.

Here is what God promises: if we put our trust in Him and submit to His will, He will make our paths straight. The Hebrew word for make straight is yashar, a verb meaning to make smooth. What that literally means is that God will cut a straight road through difficult terrain and make a straight path.

I think we can all agree that this is a promise we want operating in our lives – learning to trust and submit fully to God will allow us to see this promise fulfilled.

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