Author Archives: Susan Wachtel

Five Minute Friday – Uprooted

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He had a wanderlust that could not be quenched
Moving from town to town
Changing jobs at the drop of a hat
With family in tow, there was always another move in store
His wife became an expert packer
Frequent moves do not lend themselves to collecting precious things
Friendships started were once again uprooted
One could only hope it was at the beginning of the school year
The ripple effects would be felt over a lifetime
A consuming passion is what did him in
Cigarette after cigarette, no less than two packs a day
He died way too young, never to see his children grown
By the time she was ten, they had moved ten times
Is it any wonder that she doesn’t know how
To let the roots of friendship grow
Something is always held in reserve
So that the deep wounds of her soul won’t be hurt again
Will she ever be unafraid of the changes tomorrow will bring
She longs to be settled for a lifetime
Letting her roots grow deep
With the husband she loves, in the place she calls home
Susan Wachtel
November 3, 2012
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challenge head over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.
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Five Minute Friday – On Any Given Day

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On any given day, whose voice am I listening to?
Am I listening to the Voice of Truth?
Do I take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ?
Do I choose to think on that which is true, noble, just and pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy?
Do I choose to believe the best about people?  Don’t I want them to think the best about me?
What would my day look like if I did that?
Or do my thoughts follow my emotions and ever changing moods?
Do I listen to the voice of my enemy…the one who only seeks to kill, steal and destroy?
Why would I want to listen to someone who is a known liar…a liar from the beginning?  Someone in whom there is no truth?
Or do I listen to God’s voice through His Word? 
When praying do I stop to listen? 
Do I believe that in Christ I am a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come?
Do I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me? 
Am I ready to say, “I can’t, God can…let’s go!”


If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challengehead over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.
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There Are Days

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There are days…
I wish I could return
To the days of old
People and things I once loved
There are days…
Yet I know that can never be
Besides that, I couldn’t take with me
Knowledge, wisdom and experience I’ve gained
There are days…
But I wouldn’t want to trade
How the Lord has grown and changed me
Compared to who I used to be
Lord, Today is the day
I want to focus on You
Not on my problems or trials and tribulations
Help me to find joy in You today
By Susan Wachtel
October 24, 2012
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Five Minute Friday – Look Unto Me

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Look unto Me, my daughter
Gaze upon my holiness
My righteousness untainted by sin
Look unto Me
Start each day by reading my Word
Holy Scripture which is active and alive
Look unto Me
Keep short accounts and unbroken fellowship
Repent, turn and follow Me
Look unto Me
Guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus
Be sanctified and set apart unto Me
Look unto Me
I will equip you for every good work
Strengthen and sustain you for what lies ahead
Susan Wachtel
October 20, 2012
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challengehead over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.
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“I Exalt You, O God” – Highly Recommended

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Reading Jerry Bridges’ book, “I Exalt You, O God” was refreshing and a privilege.  
Jerry keeps the focus on God, who He has revealed Himself to be in scripture and why He alone deserves our worship.  The introduction delves into the subject of what worship is and how God should be worshiped.  “We glorify God by ascribing to Him the honor and adoration due Him because of His excellence.  We also glorify God by reflecting His glory to others.”  Jerry has a lot of scripture throughout the book along with quotes from theologians, both past and present, to help the reader better grasp and understand what worship is and how it is lived out in our lives. 
“I Exalt You, O God” is theologically sound.  Through the 31 daily devotions and scripture passages, the reader will see and meditate on the greatness, holiness, wisdom and love of God so he can better understand the glory that is due Him.  Jerry asks the penetrating question, “How can we honor and adore One on Sunday whom we have not taken time to praise and give thanks to during the week?” 
Jerry challenges the reader to make sure he is coming to God through Christ Jesus and to examine his heart to ensure he is not cherishing sin.  These devotions help the reader to see how awesome, holy, infinitely great and unfathomable God is and that He is worthy of praise and worship.  He also helps the reader to recognize his own sinful state and great need for God’s mercy and grace found in Christ alone, not only for salvation but also in our daily walk with God.  Jerry concludes each day’s devotion by praying scripture that reinforces the character or attribute of God that was studied. 
I highly recommend “I Exalt You, O God” by Jerry Bridges.  The reader will both be challenged and inspired by this book and grow in a deeper understanding of the amazing and awesome God we serve.  This is a book that you will want to read again and again, and it will help you to grow in your worship of God.  It would make a great book for a new believer or someone who wants to grow in their knowledge and understanding of Who God is. 
An electronic copy of “I Exalt You, O God” was provided to me for review by Random House through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.  I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. 
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Trials & Tribulations…How do I respond?

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When I’m in the middle of trials and tribulations, it seems that if I just knew what work God was doing in the midst of them, I could endure them with patience and persevere through His power and strengthen.
I fear that all too often I rely on my own strength, rather than run to the throne of grace in prayer.
When I grumble and complain, rather than pray, I’m living like an unbeliever. 
May I remember that unbelief is what resulted in the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years.  Unbelief…not good, not good at all. 
It’s okay to ask God questions, as long as I’m okay that He chooses not to answer.  May I trust God even when He is silent. 
Trials and tribulations remind me that I’m not in control, except for how I respond. 
Oh Lord, may I trust You with even when I don’t understand, nor like my lot.  May I be mindful of Your goodness and know that it never changes.  May my love for You never depend upon favorable circumstances.  May I praise You in the good times and bad.  May I be dependent upon You and not my own strength.
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Five Minute Friday – A Welcome Relief

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Lately it seems as though there’s not enough time in my day to sit down and write, even for five minutes.
But when I find that time, or make that time, it’s a welcome relief to shut out the world and spend a few minutes just writing  
With the busyness of my life, when I sit down, it’s hard to quiet my mind.  To tune out the voices of pressing demands and things that must be done.  
  
Be it taking pen to paper or putting my fingers on the keyboard, it’s kind of exciting.  Sometimes I don’t know what I’m going to say.  Will I jot down that thought that comes to mind or will I pass judgment and edit it out of existence because it doesn’t sound fitting or proper or good enough? 
Or will I share from my heart, my sins, weakness and vulnerability?  Will I be real without condoning something that is sinful or wrong before God? 
Something new that I started during my devotional time is to read a Psalm or few verses if it’s a long one, and then write a prayer and praises to God.  It’s a wonderful way to start my day.  A way to lift my eyes unto His throne.  To know that my God is mighty and huge and what seems like a big problem to me is but a speck of dust in His capable and loving hands. 
Sometimes I find that welcome relief at the end of the day when I write about what’s perplexing, frustrating or amazing me.  Writing is a way to quiet my mind and reflect upon my day from a new and fresh perspective or to unburden my heart, heavy from the cares of the day.  
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challenge head over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.
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Five Minute Friday – Arms Open Wide

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Each Sunday, I take notes during our Pastor’s sermons.  A quote that the Pastor Philip gave on Sunday really struck me.  Following a service an older lady said to Pastor Lloyd Olgilvie, “I pray that your life will be as wonderful as it was in the mind of God when He created you.”
Isn’t that something to ponder?  I wonder…what did God design and plan for my life?  Will I receive it with arms open wide?  Am I willing to embrace the pain with the pleasure?  Am I willing to trust God with the unknown?  Am I willing to go down paths I never expected or feared and tried to avoid? 
Am I willing to deny myself, pick up my cross daily and follow Christ?
When the rubber meets the road, do I trust God? 
Does my faith translate into action? 
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challenge head over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.
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Five Minute Friday – Where’s My Focus?

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I’ve got to confess I’m a former political junky.  I religiously listened to Dennis Prager and Hugh Hewitt and Fox News was my channel of choice. 
And then something happened.  Over four years ago, I met the man whom I would marry.  It was a turbulent year with significant changes and I didn’t have a lot of time to listen to my old favorite radio programs. 
After purchasing our home, Chris and I decided to do without cable TV to help cut expenses.  I wouldn’t have guessed it, but before long I really liked not watching television at home.  Peace replaced anxiety and my interest in politics dwindled.  That was a good thing.
On the heels of both conventions and all the brouhaha that surrounds a pivotal election, I’ve found my focus is back on politics.  Even more so this week with the horrific acts of violence perpetrated on our US Ambassador in Libya. 
I’ve been sucked back in to listening to radio programs and reading news stories on politics, elections and candidates.  Not in a good way.  Politics can be an all-consuming focus if I let it.   
I need to be informed on the people and issues.  I need be a responsible citizen and vote in the election.  But I need to keep my focus on that which matters most and that is God, salvation found in Jesus Christ alone, the Word of God and through the Holy Spirit walking in a manner which is good and pleasing to my Heavenly Father. 
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challengehead over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.
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For You and Not Against You

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How easy it is to grumble and complain
About everything you are not
Than bring you before the throne of grace in prayer
How easy it is to focus on what you say or don’t say
Do or don’t do
Rather than be concerned if my own heart is right before the Lord
How easy it is to forget that I am for you
And not against you
That I have been called to come alongside you and be your champion
Lord, help me to focus on what You are calling me to be
To remove the plank from my own eye
In humility help remove the speck from another’s eye
by Susan Wachtel
September 11, 2012
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Everything the Bible Says About Prayer – Mixed Feelings

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When the opportunity came to read “Everything the Bible Says About Prayer” I was looking forward to reading the scriptures about prayer complied by Keith Wall.  I’m eager to grow in my prayer life and understanding and application of scripture. 
I found it was somewhat disappointed with “Everything the Bible Says About Prayer” and really struggled with it especially in the early chapters.  I found the switching of translations and paraphrases with every verse very distracting and the reading didn’t flow well.  The author uses many different versions including the NLT, ESV, NIV, God’s Word, HCSB, NASB, The Message, NKJV, NCV, and AMP.  When I encounter people jumping from one translation to another a red flag goes up and I’m concerned that scripture is being manipulated and not accurately translating God’s word.
As I read more of the book, perhaps I got more used to switching between many translations.  There were a few chapters that I liked including An Alley Amid Adversity, Give God the Glory, Timeless Tutors and the Appendix Thoughts on Prayer by Classic Christian Writers. 
At the beginning of each chapter Keith Wall gives a brief introduction about what the topic of the chapter and how the reader might apply the verses to their lives and some of the introductions were helpful. 
I would have appreciated it, if at the beginning of the book, the author had addressed the reader who may not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and given the plan of salvation. 
I would neither recommend nor discourage someone from reading “Everything the Bible Says About Prayer”, but I would want the reader to be aware of the use of many different translations and paraphrases used throughout this book. 
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group to read and review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review in exchange for this book. 
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Five Minute Friday – Changes In the Last Year

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It’s been a while since I’ve participated in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five MinuteFriday.  Even though I’m a day late, I wanted to take this week’s writing challenge.
Recently I was asked the question, “What has changed in your life over the past year?” 
I was hard pressed to come up with an answer.  At first glance it seemed as though nothing had really changed.  But upon closer examination, there were many things that had changed.
There has been the passing of many dear friends who died.  For those that were Christians, I feel a peace and look forward to the day in which I will once again be reunited with them.  For those who were unbelievers or those I don’t know if they received Christ, I think about them often and wonder where they are now?  Heaven or hell?  There is one friend in particular I wish I had been bolder earlier on and made clear the Gospel message of sin, repentance and salvation is found in no other name than Jesus Christ. 
One of the changes for good is at the beginning of the year I started keeping a daily journal.  I write in it at the beginning of my day before I start reading a Bible chapter and sometimes I add to it with scripture verses that really stand out that day.  Sometimes it’s short and I usually start out saying, “Good morning Lord”.  Other times…it’s pleading “Help me Lord!!!” and bringing my situation or the concerns of others before Him. 
Keeping a journal has been something I’ve wanted to do for years, but never, ever kept it up.  I’d start it but within a few days I stopped.  I’d stop because it wasn’t what I thought it should be, filled with eloquent prayers and words of wisdom. 
But then earlier this year I had the opportunity to hear Jennifer Barrick and herparents Andy and Linda speak.  They shared journal entries and prayers that Jen had written prior to their devastating car accident and after.  Hearing their story and being personally blessed by their faith recorded and preserved in Jen’s journals inspired me to continue my journal.
It’s exciting to write something that day, only to see the Lord work in that situation.  It’s heartening to know that our God sees and hears me and answers my prayers.  To know that He wants to have a personal ongoing relationship and He cares for me is what brings me back to that journal each day. 
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challengehead over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.
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Be Equipped to Understand the Times – Read “Implosion” by Joel C. Rosenberg

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When Joel Rosenberg’s newest book “Implosion” was released I was excited at the prospect of reading it.  Joel’s fiction books are riveting and interwoven with Bible prophesy.  I wanted know Joel’s take on the economic and spiritual decline of our nation and answer to the question is America mentioned in Bible prophesy.
Initially, I was concerned that “Implosion” would be very depressing, but instead I found it interesting, sobering, personally challenging as a Christian and hopeful because God gives second chances. 
Joel did an excellent job in explaining why he and many other experts believe our nation is at a tipping point.  Have we gone past a point of no return?  Every day we see the effects of the economic crisis impacting people and business all around us with home foreclosures and businesses going under.  Just turn on the TV news for a half-hour and you’ll see the devastating affects the moral decline in this nation.  Has God taken His hand off this country?  Have we sown to the wind, only to reap the whirlwind?
To answer these questions and more, Joel covers a lot of ground.  One of the most interesting chapters was “America’s Rising Anxiety” in which we learn that people from all walks of life, from both sides of the aisle, believers and unbelievers alike who are seeing what’s going on in the nation and are deeply concerned.  I was most incredulous about the chapter “The Case of the Optimists”, but Joel did an excellent job in presenting the optimist’s view in seeing how our nation has overcome perilous times in our history. 
As a Christian, the chapter I appreciated most, the one that set the tone for the rest of the book, “The Third Lens” in which Joel shows the importance and necessity of viewing current events through the lens of Scripture.  From there some of the topics Joel addressed included “Signs of the Times”, “Are We Living in the Last Days” and “What Happens to America in the Last Days”.  The chapters that are the most sobering are the different scenarios on what might happen to our nation, like financial implosion, war, terrorism, natural disasters and the rapture.  It was fascinating reading about the first and second great awakenings in our nation and it brought me hope that perhaps we will be the beneficiary of God’s mercy once again.
As a Christian the most challenging chapter was “Will America Experience a Third Great Awakening?”  In this chapter Joel encourages Christians to experience a personal revival and tells how we can get right with God. 
I highly recommend this book, to anyone who sees our nation on the brink of “Implosion” and wonders “Can American Recover From Its Economic & Spiritual Challenges in Time?” 
A complementary copy of this book was provided to me by Tyndale House Publishers to read and review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review in exchange for this book. 
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Of the World

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On Saturday I stopped by the library to drop off a movie and was chatting with the librarian. Someone else was returning a movie that they like and highly recommended it.  The librarian asked if I wanted to check it out.  I brought it home and my husband and I watched it on Saturday night.  

Vain
Empty 
Devoid of lasting or eternal value

Godless
Sin exalted 
Self-worship
No awareness of God 
Except to use His name in vain

To quote our friend Harry, there’s ninety minutes of my life I’ll never get back again.  


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Washington DC & Virginia Trip 2012

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Good golly can  it be four months since we went on our trip to Washington DC & Virginia earlier this year?  Indeed it has been.  With busy days and time being at a premium, it was a challenge to sit down and put our pictures into a video. 

This was like a dream trip.  I never would have thought I would get to go to Washington DC.  It was a quick trip and one I hope to repeat and spend more time in our nation’s capitol city. 

The east coast and Washington DC are so different than southern California.  I was captured by the beautiful architecture and nature.  Some of our favorite places were Arlington Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials. 

I was grateful to be able to see my cousin’s name Richard Frank Dusseau on the Vietnam Memorial.  He died within 2 months of his arrival in Vietnam.  A sobering reminder that our freedom comes at a price.

I am so grateful to the men and women of our military for their sacrifice and bravery to protect and defend our nation and the freedom that God has given us through our founding fathers.

Thank you to our family members whom we were able to spend some time with: Nathan and Molly Connor and their children Kylan, Madison and Caleb and my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ron and Carol Jackson who made the trek from Louisiana. 

It was a special and memorable time that we will treasure always. 

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FarmgirlCyn on Repentance

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I wanted to share with you a comment from Cindy at FarmgirlCyn about repentance.
Repentance is the first step towards salvation.  We often say “Half a gospel is no gospel at all.”  I think the “half Christians that Pastor Ellis is referring to are the ones to whom Jesus might be saying, “Depart from Me, I NEVER KNEW YOU.”  Those folks believe they are Christ followers.  They do all sorts of things in His name…who else do we know that would presume to use His name except for those who think they are believers?

Law and grace…they go hand in hand.  The Law being the tutor that leads men to Christ to begin with. (via conviction by the Holy Spirit).
Be sure to check out Cindy’s blog.  Not only is she a woman who loves God with all her heart, mind, soul and strength, but she is an excellent cook and shares many a recipe and what’s going on in her life.  Thank you Cindy!
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Thoughts & Reflections on Fear, Worry and Anxiety

Posted in Anxiety, Faith, Fear, Listening to God, Obeying God, Trusting God, Worry by

Yesterday I felt worried upon hearing and reflecting about some sad and bad news.  Last night before bed, I read Ana Dagarin’s post at “Ramble On” for Five Minute Friday, and I’ve been meditating on something she said about fear...here’s what I jotted down. 
Fear crowds out faith
Anxiety leaves no room for peace
Worry takes away the option to trust God
Self-focus obscures my ability to see God
Fear is a sin
Anxiety steals peace from my heart and mind  
Worry is a waste of time
Self-focus is boring
Lord, I take comfort in knowing that nothing takes You by surprise.
You are never anxious.
You don’t wring Your hands in worry.
There is not a path worn out before Your throne as You pace back and forth with worry
You alone know the future
You have perfect vision, un-obscured by sin
You will make wrong things right
Justice will be served in Your perfect timing
Evil and sin will be punished
All things are under Your control and firmly held in Your grasp
I can only be fearful, anxious and worried when I take my eyes off of God.
Despite reading God’s word each day and praying, I’ve felt like lately there has been silence from God.  Here are some thoughts and reflections of why I’m silent towards someone.  I’m not saying this is why God seems silent, but perhaps I need to ask the Lord why I feel as though He seems silent to me. 
I’m silent when someone isn’t listening.
I don’t want to waste my time and words on someone who doesn’t seem to care or pay attention to what I have to say.
I’m silent when I feel hurt by someone.
Lord are You quiet because I haven’t obeyed Your last instructions to me?  Please help me to obey, just follow through and not make excuses but make the time, not find the time, to do what You are calling me to do.
Perhaps I have too many other voices and noise competing for my attention.  Help me to listen clearly and incline my ear towards You Lord Jesus.
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Five Minute Friday – Beyond Comprehension

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I’ve been thinking about salvation, repentance and grace lately. 
When I drive home I’ll often listen to Pastor Brian Brodersen who is currently teaching through the book of Romans.  He said something that really struck me the other day.  The only difference between the person who is saved and unsaved is the grace of God. 
How true!  As a Christian, the only thing I have to boast in is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  I have been saved by God’s grace through faith, its God’s work alone that saved me.  Because of Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death on the cross as payment in full for my sin, I have been forgiven by God the Father. 
What an outrageous plan…beyond human comprehension.  The Righteous for the unrighteous, the Just for the unjust, the Holy One for the sinful. 
I received and email from a gentleman I know via my blog, Pastor and Evangelist Jim Allis.  He has blessed me by sending some of his audio posts and we’ve exchanged emails.  He said something in his most recent email captured the importance of preaching the gospel message accurately. 
“Yes repentance is essential for a genuine conversion experience.  I fear there are many half Christians around if there could be such a description given where repentance is forgotten.  It is so clear in scripture. What must I do to be saved?” Repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Some are preaching sometimes a soft gospel which is no gospel again.”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:8-12
 
Good golly…my Five Minute post is on time!  Head on over to Lisa Jo Baker’sTales from a Gypsy Mama and join in the Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head on over and read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there. 
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