Author Archives: Susan Wachtel

Resist & Believe

Posted in Believing God, Liar, Resist the devil, Sin by

Last week, after spending the afternoon in a spiritual battle, I was weary.  During the drive home the Holy Spirit challenged me about what I really believe.
 
If there was a person in my life whom had a history and pattern of lies and deceit, of continually doing harm to me or friends and family, would I believe him when he came to me with a laundry list of lies?  Would I give him the time of day?  Or would I tell him, in no uncertain terms, to leave?
 
Knowing me…I would be swift, firm, loud and direct, “Get Out…and don’t come back!” 
 
Yet when approached by the enemy I actually give him an ear.  I listen and give credence to the one who is a lair and murdered from the beginning.  I believe what the hater my soul has to say…as if he would ever utter anything beneficial to me.
 
Why?  Why in the world would I do that?
 
I must confess its part laziness and part sin-nature.
 
Laziness…because for me to not listen to the lies of the enemy means I must take every thought captive.  I must actively, purposely redirect my thoughts…and think on that which is good, lovely, pure and true by meditating on scripture.  I need to praise God and believe that He is able to accomplish much more than I can ask or imagine.  I must have an active faith and believe that God is able to bring about that which has not yet been made manifest.  I must believe God is good…even when His answer is no, or wait, or when He gives me something much different than what I hoped and prayed for. 
 
Sin nature…because when I have been wronged or sinned against it’s not in my nature to be quick to forgive.  Instead I would rather justify why it’s okay to have hard feelings against a person who did me wrong.  I’d rather run to God with a long list of what’s wrong with this person or that one.  Instead…God calls me, as a Christian, to live supernaturally, to live by the power of the Holy Spirit within me.
 
I am a new creation in Christ.  Daily I am to take off the old man and put on the new. 
 
Lord…next time the enemy comes knocking…may I remember that he is a lair and that he comes to steal, kill and destroy.  May I resist him and watch him flee.  May I stand firm and see the deliverance of the Lord. May I believe You God…and instead ask, “What does my Father have to say about this?”
 

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Westminster Shorter Catechism – Q1

Posted in Westminster Shorter Catechism by

How well do you know the doctrines of your Christian faith?  Even when we sit under good, strong expositional preaching, we can all benefit by having a clearer understanding of our Christian faith solidly grounded on God’s word.

I thought I would take some time over the next few months and post the Westminster Shorter Catechism questions, answers and scripture references.  Will you join me in this venture so we can strengthen our faith and sharpen our Sword of the Spirit through the study of God’s word?

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God,[1] and to enjoy him forever.[2]

1:  Psalm 86:1-17; Isaiah 60:21; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 6:20 and 10:31; Revelation 4:11
2:  Psalm 16:5-11; Psalm 144:15; Isaiah 12:2; Luke 2:10; Philippians 4:4; Revelation 21:3-4

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Contemplating Sin

Posted in Christian Films, Entertainment, Hollywood, Jesus Christ, Obedience, Provident Films, Regrets, Sin by



The following comment was received by “Imma Hypocrite”:

We view sin as entertainment when it comes in the form in movies, books, TV and music.

I, too, believe this. My question for God is… what are my options?

Do I completely shun worldly entertainments and give up time with my husband and friends who love movies?

Tho my circle of family and friends are dedicated Christians, workers in the church they are not as contemplative of these things.  It is contemplation which grows the hatred for sin simply because…it is not something the one I love foremost, enjoys, likes, tolerates, etc

The only way I can condone ‘Hollywood entertainment’ is to engage in it for the sake of developing a friendship with a lost one or newly saved one—the meeting at the well or the eating with Zacchaeus?.

It’s a lonely place to be.
 
 
Dear Friend,

In looking at your blog…I see that you too contemplate the things of God. 

Indeed Jesus reached out to those who were unsaved or those young in their faith.  He would talk or dine with sinners whom society or the religious leaders shunned.  Praise God…He is still the same yesterday, today and forever.  Because Jesus is still reaching out…I was saved from the consequences of my sin.
 
When Jesus met people…He challenged them, He confronted their sin, He caused them to, “Choose this day Whom you will serve.”  He encouraged them to repent, to turn their back on their sinful ways and walk in a manner worthy of their high calling.
 
Some examples that come to mind are the woman at the well, Zacchaeus, the rich young ruler, Nicodemus, and the woman caught in adultery.  Not everyone repented…but it didn’t keep Jesus from confronting them with the truth from God’s Word.  It’s ironic that it was the religious leaders who couldn’t see past their own self righteousness and recognize their own sin. 
 
Jesus may have dined with them or talked with them, but He never joined them in their sin.  Instead Jesus confronted sin…be it overt sin or the sin hidden in the thoughts and intentions of hearts. 
 
One reason it’s hard for Christians, including me, to feel comfortable talking with someone in a very straightforward manner about sin is due to our own sin and past failures.   We feel like damaged good…but praise God He uses broken vessels to accomplish His purposes and plans.   God can use those who walk in obedience to be salt and light where He has placed us. 
 
We will never regret walking a life of obedience and holiness.  But there will come a day when we will regret not taking a stand, or compromising what we know is right.  It may not be easy and sometime even lonely, but compared to the rich rewards in heaven, to quote the Apostle Paul…it’s not even worthy to be compared.
 
Jesus gave His all…what should I withhold from Him?
 
We are cleansed by the washing of the Word.  It’s there we are confronted with our own sinfulness and with God’s perfect standard and the requirements of the law fulfilled only in Jesus Christ.  It’s through prayer that our relationship is strengthened and our love for God grows as we come to know Him more.   
 
The more I read God’s word…the harder it is to look upon that which Hollywood and the recording industry try to pass off as entertainment.  What’s funny about adultery?  What’s amusing about women or men displaying their bodies in a way that is meant for private intimacy within marriage?  What’s entertaining about murder, or stealing or drug use and alcohol abuse?  What’s edifying about filthy language? 
 
It’s hard to see the sin that Christ died for as entertainment. 
 
My dear friend…surely you aren’t the only one in your circle of friends that feels uncomfortable with Hollywood’s entertainment.  I’ll bet if you voiced you feelings….not in a condemning or arrogant manner, but heartfelt…you might find others feel likewise and are just looking for someone to stand with them. 
 
Thankfully these days, we are offered more choices in the Christian community.  I’m so grateful for the work of Christian filmmakers like Provident Films which offers good Christian entertainment.  Perhaps a place to start is by finding some good, clean entertainment alternatives for family and friends.
 
It’s my prayer that we will have the courage as Christians to live each day in the light of eternity.
 

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Cry Out to God

Posted in God, poem, Prayer by

In your deepest valley
During your darkest night
When facing the fiercest storm
Cry out to God
 
During your busy day
In the midst trying circumstances
When faced with overwhelming demands
Cry out to God
 
While standing on the mountaintop
When all seems right with the world
When your heart overflows with joy
Cry out to God
 
He comforts us in our deepest sorrow
He meets us in our pressing need
Shares in our heartfelt joy
Cry out to God and let Him meet you there
 

Susan Bunts Wachtel
April 27, 2010

Ruminations on Forgiveness

Posted in Unforgiveness by

Have you ever noticed that forgiveness is easier after the fact, after the offense is over? 
 
When an offense is ongoing and repeated it’s much harder to forgive. 
 
It’s easier to forgive someone who has repented, acknowledged they were wrong and apologized.
 
Unforgiveness can be all consuming…it can take over every thought. 
 
Satan uses an offense or a hurt by another person to help us justify holding on to unforgiveness.
 
Unforgiveness NEVER makes me feel better.  I only feel worse as I replay an offense over and over again in my mind.   
 
An offense or hurt grows the more I dwell on it.  It’s like hitting a bruise with a hammer and wondering why it still hurts or feels worse.
 
I want others to understand my motives when I sin against them…but I want to judge others by their actions.
 
There is no freedom in unforgiveness…only bondage.  Bondage to the person who hurt us and bondage to Satan and his will for our life.
 
Wrongdoing from someone we love hurts more than from a stranger.
 
When we are wronged in public…shame, humiliation or embarrassment fuels the fire of unforgiveness.

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Not of God

Posted in Faith, Take every thought captive by

Discontentment, a critical attitude, a negative spirit, doubt and unbelief are not of God.

I may think that I’m just being critical of another person…but more importantly I’m being critical of God.  When I do that I demonstrate a lack of trust in God, His character and His purpose in allowing difficult people or challenging circumstances into my life.
 
Yesterday, when my mind was jumbled with emotions, God helped me to recognize that I was sinning against Him and others.  He helped me to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 
 
Basically, God told me to drop and give him 50 praises.  Every time that I was tempted to whine or be critical…God challenged me to instead turn it around and give Him praise and offer thanks. 
 
It’s not easy to do that…but it is good and it is right.  To do that I am fighting my own selfish, sinful nature.  I can choose to be lazy and let my thoughts take me wherever they want to go.  Or I can take captive every thought.  When I do that, I’m denying myself and choosing to believe God. 
 
One thing that has proved to be a huge help when my mind is clouded is to recite or write out scriptures that I’ve recently memorized. 
 
God calls each one of us to have the mind of Christ.  How can I do that without knowing God’s word and hiding it in my heart?  How can I do that unless I actively choose to believe God?  That includes deep down to the very thoughts and intentions of my heart.  Do I have a living faith that’s manifest daily?   

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Sin

Posted in Death, Hell, Jesus Christ, Sin by

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:22-23

This week I was thinking about sin and the devastating eternal consequences of it.  I hate sin!  I hate that which is within me that motivates me to sin.  I hate sin in other people and the consequences of sin. 

It’s ironic…but when we are tempted to sin…when we choose to go down that wrong path…we don’t think beyond the moment.  We don’t see how it will impact us in the future and harm others too…like our spouses, children, friends, neighbors and co-workers. 

We blame God for sin when we say that He made us that way.  Well…no He didn’t.  Our sinful natures are a consequence of the fall.  God didn’t make us sinful…He paid the penalty for our sin through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.  He paid the price so we don’t have to suffer the eternal consequences. 

  • Sin is motivated by our selfish and prideful nature.
  • We are willfully blinded to the cost of sin and the long term effect.
  • We are no more like Satan than when we purposefully and willfully choose to sin against God and man. 
  • We engage in it.
  • We refuse to repent of it.
  • We applaud others who engage in sin.
  • We laugh at sin.
  • We feel better about our own sin when we see someone who is more sinful. 
  • We ignore it.
  • We are too timid to confront others who are engaged in sin.
  • We turn a blind eye to sin.
  • We fail to recognize it on our own lives.
  • We view sin as entertainment when it comes in the form in movies, books, TV and music. 
  • We make excuses for sin.
  • We call sin something other than what it is.
  • We fail to recognize that sin is more than just the outward actions, but it starts and comes from within.
  • What’s going on in my heart and my thought life is every bit as sinful as the person engaged in blatant outward sin
  • Most people agree that murder, adultery and stealing are sinful.  But what about gossip or spreading a bad report?  What about murmuring or complaining?
  • Unbelief is a sin…just ask the Jews who wandered in the desert for 40 years.  What about an ungrateful heart?
  • We fail to grasp the eternal consequences of sin for those who refuse to accept God’s remedy through Christ Jesus our Lord.
  • We put hell out of our mind and don’t think about eternal suffering and separation from God. 
  • We cooperate with Satan when we sin.
  • Satan delights in seeing a Christian sin because of the reproach it brings upon Jesus Christ. 
  • Satan desires to keep humans created in God’s image out of heaven. 
  • Hell is what we deserve…but if we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and His death on the cross as payment in full…we will be given that which we don’t deserve. 
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A Bird in the Hand

Posted in Black Headed Grosbeak, Orioles, Wild Birds Unlimited by
Today, Chris and I saw two new birds in our yard.  They were so beautiful and quiet distracting…so much so that we were almost late for work because we were trying to snap their photos.  
It wasn’t until this evening that we were able to look at the pictures and identify what birds we had seen.  One of the birds, the Black Headed Grosbeak, was there when we got home this evening. 

You can be sure that we will be off to Wild Birds Unlimited soon to see how we can encourage more visits from the beautiful Orioles and Grosbeaks.  

I’m afraid I frustrate this little humming bird when I’m out in the yard.  He just wants to drink his sugar water before night fall…and I just want to snap his photo while the light is still good.

It’s wonderful to take a few moments to admire and marvel at God’s creation.

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Love the Lord?

Posted in Love the Lord by

Yesterday, I had a conversation with someone who said that they recommended their church to all their friends.  The selling point and why they liked it was because the service was short.  One hour and they are out for the day.  No lingering around for several hours or spending all day at church.
 
The first thing that came to mind was what, if anything, about that attitude reflects a heart that loves the Lord? 
 
God tells us that we are to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. 
 
I started to think about when I fell in love.  I wanted to spend as much time with Chris as possible.  I wanted to know him more and more.  I wanted to know what he thought about, what he felt, what he liked and disliked.  I wanted to know his heart.  There weren’t enough hours in the day or enough days in the week to spend time together.  Our phone calls were so long that we both had some pretty hefty cell phone bills. 
 
Shouldn’t loving God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength look like something akin to being in love with a person.  Wanting to spend a much time as possible with them…getting to know their thoughts and heart. 
 
With God…we get to know Him more through the study of His word.  We draw closer to Him through prayer. 
 
Would any of our relationships thrive and grow if we only invested one hour a week?  Would the person that we say we love take offense and doubt our love if we were anxious to leave after an hour and get on with our day?  Would they think that we value and prize them if we only spent an hour a week with them? 
 
Of course not!  May we not kid ourselves thinking that we have a good, deep, vital, thriving relationship with God when we don’t desire to spend time with God and don’t make a concerted effort to do so. 
 
May we indeed be known by our great love and passion for God.  May we hunger and thirst to know His word.  May we desire to communicate with Him through prayer.  May our relationship be alive and growing.  May our love be evident to all because we are abiding in Christ Jesus and obey Him. 

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”  He answered: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”  “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live. – Luke 10:25-28
 
By Susan Bunts Wachtel
April 9, 2010

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Marriage & the Bride of Christ

Posted in Marriage, Sherry Hebestreit, The Bride of Christ by

If marriage is supposed to be a picture of Jesus Christ and the church, the bride of Christ…what does that mean for my marriage in everyday life?  How is that reflected in how I treat my husband?
 
In love…do I hope all things, believe all things and bear all things? 
 
Am I patient, kind and gentle?
 
Do I lay aside my prerogative and put my spouse first? 
 
Do I treat my spouse as though God the Father is my Father-in-law?
 
Do I show respect and honor?  Not only when my husband is present…but also when I’m out with friends?  Or do join in the conversation and bag on my husband?
 
Do I remain pure…in my thoughts and in my heart?  Or do I entertain lustful or adulterous thoughts? 
 
Do I pray for my husband every day?  Do I pray for my will or God’s will for him?
 
Do I encourage my husband’s relationship with God through Bible study, prayer and fellowship with godly Christian men? 
 
Do I build him up or tear him down?  Do I believe in him and his capabilities or do I only see that which is wrong?
 
Do I see him growing in Christ and encourage that?
 
Do I relax, trust and believe in my husband, confident that he is capable and able?
 
Do I believe in the permanence of marriage?  Just as God is a covenant maker and keeper…so too our marriage is permanent? 
 
Do I believe that our marriage is transcendent?  That marriage is bigger than us as a couple or us as individuals?  That it can be a tool in God’s hand to witness to the world?
 
I don’t know about you…but that seems like such an impossible list to live out because of my sinful human nature.  But praise God…He is patient and has given me His Holy Spirit.  Gradually, He is conforming me into the image and likeness of Christ.  When I resist it’s painful…yet when I yield it’s hard, but at the same time good.  When I have a set back and fall…He picks me up and sets me on the straight and narrow path again.  

(Note…picture is from our wedding pictures take by Sherry Hebestreit)

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2010 Shepherd’s Conference

Posted in 2010 Shepherd's Conference, Pastor John MacArthur by

Pulpit Highlights – John MacArthur from Grace Community Church on Vimeo.

The audio/video from the 2010 Shepherd’s Conference is posted and available for free download.  Talk about some great preaching!  These men love God and are faithful to preach the full counsel of God’s word.  Go to the Shepherd’s Conference website and partake in a banquet of God’s word. 
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Missing You

Posted in Moss by

The silence is piercing
It bears witness that you are no longer here

The bed that once held you stands empty
The blanket that comforted you, brings comfort no more

Everywhere I look
There are memories of you

The house seems a little too quiet
Our home a little too empty

My heart is a little bit broken
My smile seems a little bit sad

Everywhere I look
There are reminders that I’m missing you

by Susan Bunts Wachtel
March 27, 2010
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In Light of the Cross – Submission to God’s Authority

Posted in In light of the Cross, Jesus Christ, Obedience, Submission to God's Authority by

As a Christian, is there any area in my life that should not be brought in to submission under the authority of Jesus Christ?  Is there any area that I can hold back?

Does liberty and freedom mean license to sin or is the power to live in obedience to Christ?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! – 1 Corinthians 5:17

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:22-24
 
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

Does submitting to Christ’s authority influence the choices I make each day?   Does it touch the root level and impact what I choose to think about?

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  I am to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. – II Corinthians 10:5

For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?”  But we have the mind of Christ. – I Corinthians 2:16

Does Christ’s authority impact my words and what I say?  Does it impact how I treat my husband?
 
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. – Luke 6:45

Does it influence what I read, what I listen to, and what I watch on TV or in movies?  Does it impact what I choose to wear or how I spend money?
 
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2

Then He said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. – Luke 9:23

For it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16

Is there any area in my life, anything at all, that should not be brought under the authority and submission of Jesus Christ?

What did Jesus Christ withhold on the cross? 

If Jesus Christ, Who is God the Son, equal with God the Father, chose obedience how much more so should I? 

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Quotable Quotes – Exalting God

Posted in Glory of God, John Piper, Quote by

“You can’t exalt your own cleverness 
and the glory of God at the same time.”
– John Piper –
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