Suzanne Eller, Living Free Together

Living free in faith, family, and feelings

When you don’t have the words to pray

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I sat in my quiet time this morning, but the words wouldn’t come.

Have you ever been there?

You want to pray but you don’t know what to say. You have listened as people shared their stories and the things they are going through, and you can’t fix it. You have watched as our world gets a little more unkind every day, and you wonder why we aren’t doing more about that.

You see prejudice flaunted and it makes you want to weep. You see the refugee child separated from her mama, and you wonder why we aren’t telling the world how wrong that is.

So you go to God and you know that your voice is one of millions bending his ear. Yet deep inside you trust that he’s listening to each of us, and he’s near. But you still don’t know what to say.

It’s just too big. Too hard to know what to ask.

When that happens, maybe like me, the temptation is to not speak at all to this God who loves us so very much. Yet when we do that, our bottled up words swirl in our thoughts, show up in our dreams, and try to rob us of joy.

So, what can we do?

[Read more…]

Is it even possible to love like Jesus? {{free audio devos for you}}

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If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome! I’m so glad you are here. In this devotional I shared the challenge of loving like Jesus, and what that might look like. Today I take that a little deeper.

 

It’s fascinating to watch Jesus interact with the disciples.

They trailed him everywhere he went. They slept close by, whether under the stars or in the upper room of a stranger’s home. They watched as people mocked him or threw verbal stones. They were witnesses as people cried out to him in pain, suffering, and loneliness.

They had a front row seat as Jesus prayed for people, spoke life into them, uttered truth, and pulled them close, touching them when everyone else had said, “Unclean, unclean, unclean!”

So, when Jesus shared this new commandment, they understood what he was asking them to do.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 (NLT)

This wasn’t a vague feel-good commandment.

This commandment came with specific instructions. “Love others like I have loved you.”

When I think about the ways that Jesus has loved me, it brings me to tears.

He has been patient with me.

He has been close, whether I’m on a mountain top or deep in a pit.

He has believed in me, when I struggled to believe in myself.

He has forgiven me.

And that’s only the beginning of the ways Jesus has loved me.

What does it look like to love like Jesus loves us?

We may struggle with this question because people have hurt us. We may believe that this kind of love might open the door for someone to take advantage. Perhaps we don’t think we can love like Jesus because we are angry or hurt. Or maybe we feel we have too little to offer.

Isn’t it funny how we make our questions of faith so complicated? In this commandment, Jesus was asking the disciples to take a good look at the ways he has loved them. . . and then to share that with others.

If you listed the ways Jesus has loved you, and then offered that to others, how would it change things? How would it change you? https://wp.me/p4jbdw-4H8 #livingfreetogether #freeaudiodevos Click To Tweet

A few weeks ago a friend was hurting. I didn’t know how to respond. However, loving her like Jesus has loved me meant that I could show up in that hard place. I could listen. I could remind her of her value.

When I did this, the burden she carried in was a little lighter when she left. 

Will you join me in a sweet challenge today?

When God places that person in your path today, no matter who it is, will you ask this question: How can I love this person like you have loved me?

As we love others like Jesus loves us, it changes things. Maybe a conversation takes a different turn. Maybe a grudge is exchanged for mercy. Perhaps we listen and offer empathy or prayer, or hold back words that would add weight to an already heavy burden.

That’s world-changing faith, but the most drastic change starts in our own hearts and that’s a beautiful gift.

Suzie

Q: How has Jesus loved you? (Write it in your journal or share it here.)

Related Resources

I’m so excited about this offer from Proverbs 31 Ministries. They are offering my book, Come With Me Devotional, to everyone for a gift of any amount. It’s a hardbound, embossed, beautiful devotional that will allow you to walk with Jesus five days a week all year long.

Get your copy of this timeless devotional today to help you draw closer to Jesus through every step of your journey. It’s also a great, early Christmas gift.

A freebie for you

I professionally recorded several of the devotions in this book. I want to share five of them with you today. I pray they encourage you!

Filled

Hungry

More than a carpenter

You are wanted

Sent

 

 

 

 

Shame off you {{giveaway}}

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I’ve made myself a promise recently. . .

I’ve made myself a promise that I won’t be a shame bringer — not to myself, and not to others. 

I want to be aware of words that heap shame and yet how they fail to bring healing. I want to be aware of how shame can lock a person in silence and secrets. I refuse to use shame as a motivator in conversation, in the way that I discipline, or in the way I approach God or see myself.

Yet shame is subtle and it’s woven through our culture. It’s sneaky in the way that it masks itself. Shame traps, demands that we hide, and offers judgment with little hope of redemption.

In this #livingfreetogether conversation with my friend, Denise Pass, she shares her story of how shame surprised her, nearly crushed her, and how she found her way out. She offers helpful ways to process shame so that we come out on the other side whole.

 

If you can’t see this, watch on YouTube

In today’s conversation, these thoughts were shared:

  1. Shame can come from our own actions, but also be a result of others’ actions.
  2. There is no victory when we hide as a result of shame.
  3. How we respond to shame can bring more shame.
  4. Our feelings are not greater than God’s Word.
  5. We don’t have to embrace a shame bringer’s words as our identity.

If you are walking with shame today, will you whisper these words:

Shame off me.

Instead, let’s receive forgiveness, healing, and wholeness. If we need to grow in an area, let’s open our hearts to receive that direction. If we are speaking to another person or to ourselves, let’s leave shame out of the conversation.

Conviction says you made a mistake. Shame says you are a mistake. Knowing the difference can be life changing. #livingfreetogether #ShameOffYou https://wp.me/p4jbdw-4HY Click To Tweet

If we are allowing people to speak shame over us, let’s agree to shut out their voices and give the Holy Spirit permission to speak truth that will set us free.

Suzie

Meet Denise Pass, author of Shame Off You

Denise writes, sings, and proclaims God’s goodness based on her real life experiences. Her book, Shame Off You, was recently released by Abingdon Press.

A conference speaker, singer/songwriter and a Christian artist who shares her music and message through singing and speaking at retreats and conferences, worship services, festivals and events, Denise imparts a life changing message of unshakeable hope.

Connect with Denise on her blog.

Find out more about Shame Off You. 

Giveaway

Denise is giving away one copy of her book, Shame Off You, to one of the Living Free Together community. Share a comment below to be entered to win.

Q: What is one way shame has impacted you?

Q: What is one scripture that liberates you from shame?

If you loved today’s blog post, you might also love this:

 

 

Why being a part of a tribe makes us strong

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For years I didn’t have a tribe.

Saying the word “tribe” makes me feel silly, but I believe it’s one of the strongest things we can do to live free as women.

Years ago, I had built a wall around me. I had friends. I was surrounded by people who loved me and I loved them back, but that wall kept them from getting too close. My wall was carefully hidden, nurtured, and visible only when I wanted it to be.

When I sensed God calling me into ministry, I knew that he was asking me to break down that wall.

I didn’t. 

So I flew solo for a very long time. I worked hard. I was surrounded by people. I prayed and ministered, but that invisible wall stayed in place. It wasn’t intentional.

It is just who I am — I thought. 

It was also isolating. Lonely. Exhausting. And I don’t believe it was ever God’s plan for me.
[Read more…]

When something is taking more of you than you want it to

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If you came over from Encouragement for Today, I’m so glad you are here! Living Free Together is a community of women who desire to live free in every way. I hope that you’ll come back often. ~ Suzie

 

It had more of me than I wanted. . .

It all started when some of my close friends and I were talking about how much our phones had taken over our life. My phone was no longer just a phone. It had become a part of me. It was always in my hand. It was close by, even at meals. I scrolled through social media, sometimes even when people I loved about were near.

That’s when my friends and I made a pact to give our phones less of us for a month. In those first few days, I felt drawn to pick it up. I almost itched to scroll through social media or check my email or news app.

Some how I come to think that I was missing something if my phone wasn’t in my hand. 

After the 30 days ended, something shifted. I no longer needed my phone in my hand 24/7. I had to be diligent about it, but it didn’t get to be the boss of me anymore.

As you and I spend time together today, this conversation isn’t really about a phone. Rather, it’s about that moment when we realize that something (a person, a habit, an addiction, a behavior, a pattern, a sin, or a phone) has more of us than we want to give. . .  and what to do about that.

[Read more…]

When you want to understand (and live) in the power of the Holy Spirit

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Just imagine. . .

Imagine that Jesus comes to you and he holds out a gift. He tells you that this gift will offer wisdom beyond your own insight. It will take you into deep waters of faith when it feels like yours is stuck in the shallow end. This gift will show you what to say and when to take a step, and will put a big “STOP” sign in your soul when necessary.

This gift will empower you to do what you cannot do on your own.

Then. . . imagine that someone took that gift out of Jesus’ hands. They wrapped it in rolls of duct tape. But first, the original gift was placed in a layer of boxes. You open one, only to find another. Finally, when you pull the gift out there’s a tag on it. In fact, several.

One says, “This isn’t for you.”

Another says, “This gift isn’t relevant anymore.”

Another says, “This gift isn’t as important as others Jesus gave.”

There you stand, holding a gift that Jesus said was for you.

What is real? Why is this so complicated? Did Jesus really mean it?

In today’s conversation with Christina Patterson on her podcast, Beloved Women, Christina and I talk about that gift of the Holy Spirit. We strip off all the duct tape, all the layers, all the labels, and take a second look at the simple promise Jesus made.

 

If you can’t see this, watch on YouTube

We were never intended to live our faith in our own strength.

In this conversation, we discover that the Holy Spirit:

  • Has a distinctive role in our faith
  • Will help us discern the difference between truth and a lie
  • Gives us boldness that breaks down barriers
  • Offers faith that is bigger than what we have in the natural
  • Comforts us when we don’t know where to turn
  • Empowers us to do what Jesus calls us to do
  • Fights for us — to us
  • Helps us change the world together

 

Jesus gave us a gift, but do we say yes to it? When you want to understand (and live) in the power of the Holy Spirit. #SpiritLedHeart https://wp.me/p4jbdw-4GB Click To Tweet

Let’s acknowledge this beautiful gift in our faith-view, and discover this beautiful gift for ourselves.

Suzie

Related Resource

The Spirit-Led Heart: Living a Life of Love and Faith Without Borders

I am on my SECOND read-through of The Spirit-Led Heart by Suzanne Eller and I’m seeing things I didn’t see the first time. Stephanie Adams, Real Women Ministries

What an incredible read! I’ve purchased 12 more copies to give to friends and co-workers. Suzie will bring you to a space that becomes very personal in understanding the power of the Holy Spirit, which then has the potential to bring you to a place of Holy Confidence…making us dangerous for the kingdom! Becky Shaffer, Saving Grace Ministries

Why our Jesus-plus faith falls flat

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I love nothing more than watching a woman discover freedom

That happened recently.

There was a Jesus-PLUS rule a friend had placed on herself. It came from years ago when she was a young believer, and people had told her that the way to Jesus was. . .

. . . what she wore.

. . . how much she read the Bible.

. . . how many times she went to church a week.

And so much more. It was a long list of to-do’s that measured her faith, and she always fell short no matter how hard she tried.

One of the greatest dangers to our faith is Jesus-PLUS religion. It’s what we, or others, pile on top of the words Jesus spoke. It puts a little human twist on them, like this:

We add JesusPLUS rules  — just to make sure we are extra holy.

We add JesusPLUS shame — just to make sure we remain humble.

We add JesusPLUS doctrine not found in scripture — just to make sure we cover all the bases.

JesusPLUS faith is a religious practice that includes Jesus, PLUS something else.  [Read more…]

When someone you care about has cancer

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When you find out that a friend has cancer, you may not know what to do. In today’s Living Free Together conversation, Suzie and her friend, author Marissa Henley, talk about their diagnoses and how friends made a difference.

Marissa has generously offered to give away one copy of her new book, Loving Your Friend Through Cancer.

 

She’s too young. . .

Maybe that’s what you think when your friend tells you she has cancer. You want to fix it. You want to love her well. You are afraid. You want to scream that it’s unfair. All of these are natural responses.

When Marissa Henley was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer the day before her 34th birthday, it stunned her. That began a battle that she didn’t ask for.

In today’s Living Free Together conversation, Marissa shares how friends supported her and made her battle a little less lonely.

 

Marissa gives these tips in this conversation:

  • Keep showing up
  • Say less; listen more
  • Keep the focus on her
  • Share God’s Word with her
  • Avoid personal questions about her diagnosis or treatment

Maybe you don’t have a friend dealing with cancer. Marissa also shared things to practice now so that you are prepared in the future.

  • Practice being a good listener
  • Create margin in your life for friendship

None of us will be the perfect friend during a battle, but we do make a difference as we show up and fight alongside her.

As you listen to today’s conversation, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What is one way you can show up for a friend if she’s going through cancer? Describe a time someone showed up for you, and how that made a difference.

Suzie

 

Q: What is one verse that has brought you comfort during a battle?

Get to know Marissa Henley

Check out Marissa’s blog, where she offers a free download of Chapter One and some other awesome goodies!

Connect with Marissa on social media: Twitter. Facebook. Instagram.

 

 

Did anyone see that miracle?

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We are in a season of miracles.

The problem is I almost missed it. I’ll tell you more about that in a minute.

In Acts 12, Peter is in jail. He’s guarded heavily. There’s no way out. His friends have gathered to pray in a house not far away.

Suddenly Peter’s chains fall away. The guards have obviously gone blind because he walks right past them. A battered but excited Peter walks to his friends’ house and knocks on the door. A girl answers and she’s so shocked to see him that she shuts the door in his face. She runs to the rest of the group and says, “Peter’s at the front door!”

They keep praying.

“You’ve probably seen a ghost,” they said.

As I read that I laughed out loud. It seems crazy. Number one, they are praying for this very thing. Two, they are willing to believe a ghost is at the door rather than the fact that God has answered their prayers.”

My laugh subsided as I saw my own response — just this past week.  [Read more…]

When hardships keep clobbering you {{Giveaway}}

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Have you ever met someone and you instantly knew they were in your corner? That usually means that person knows what it is to walk through fire, so they grab your hand just in case you need someone to cheer you on. That’s what I felt when I first met my friend, Kelly Balarie. She’s a woman who is in your corner. I’m so honored to have her as a guest on my blog today. ~ Suzie

 

Have you ever thought life was going to be easy?

There’s this expectation after enduring hardships that we’re about to arrive at a better place.

After all I’ve been through, I’ve made it. Now life will get easy. Let the blessings flow!

We envision a well-earned personal promised land where milk and honey flow like chocolate fountains. Dreams come alive. Problems fade away. Rest emerges. We think of this place so fondly we can almost taste and smell the goodness. After the battle, it’s become a far-off place we mentally rely on.

Until the next Mack truck of issues hits.

Bam! What happened here, God? Where did my peace go?

I’ve found myself in this cycle more than a couple dozen times. I’ve made it through a battle like depression, financial debt, or discouragement, only to get hit by another problem such as family issues, a health crisis or a basement flood.

That makes me feel like a magnet for trouble.

Don’t I deserve a break?

Don’t you have better for me, God? [Read more…]