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 Susan Wachtel

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?

9Mar2010

A Lesson in Forgiveness

Posted in Atonement, Forgiveness, Jesus Christ by Susan Wachtel

Oh how merciful our God is. He knows my frame and my weakness. In the past…I’ve struggled with the issue of forgiveness. Over the years…and by God’s grace…I’ve learned that it’s important that I forgive completely and quickly. That my failure to do so will only cause harm. Unforgiveness is disobedience.

An unforgiven hurt is a useful tool in the hands of the enemy. He can grow that weed abundantly…and it will choke out the good fruit. So why would I want to cooperate with the enemy…the one who hates my soul and works against the Kingdom of God and His people?

During my drive time last week, I was listening to a Beth Moore study in which she talked about forgiveness. One point that struck me is that I need to bring my hurts to God and let Him bind up my wound. I’m not sure that I fully understand what all that means. Perhaps it means to trust Him to bring healing to my hurting heart; to trust Him in whatever He does.

I know when I have sinned the Holy Spirit does business with me. He convicts me and doesn’t let me get away with sin. Why would I presume that He would do anything less with others? Trusting God enables me to pray that He will be merciful towards another who has wronged me…knowing that God will give them exactly what they need: compassion, comfort, conviction or discipline. He alone knows their heart and motives…not me.

One of my favorite studies on forgiveness is by Charles Stanley. One of the most convicting points that he makes is how can I continue hold something against someone, when God has forgiven them. Jesus Christ paid the penalty for their sins…all of them…on the cross. How can I hold a charge against God’s elect? The obvious answer is…I can’t.

That point was made crystal clear to me yesterday during communion, while remembering Christ’s death on the cross: how His body was broken and His blood was shed to cover my sins. His blood not only covered my sin…but took them clean away. Not only my sin…but all who believe in His atoning work on the cross. His blood not only took away my sin…but also the one who sins against me. His blood has washed all our sins away. Dare I hold onto a charge against another?

When I thought about that…visualizing Jesus’ death on the cross…can I imagine going up to the cross and nailing to the cross a charge of sin against someone? Knowing that it’s Jesus who died and suffered for sin and that He paid the penalty in full? His blood still flows free and takes our sin away.

When sinned against I can give thanks. Thanks to God for exposing something ugly within me that needs to be dealt with. Or perhaps, see that I’m growing in obedience and trusting Jesus by quickly forgiving. It can also serve as a reminder to be praying the person who causes an offence.

Oh how sweet freedom is. Freedom to forgive. Freedom to go on and not be locked in the past. Be free to live each day…fresh and clean.

There is no way I could do that on my own; it’s only through the work of Jesus Christ in me. What the enemy intends for evil…God intends for good. Praise His Holy Name!

8Dec2009

Christmas Reflections…The Virgin Birth

Posted in Christmas Reflections Devotional, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Virgin Birth, Virgin Mary by Susan Wachtel

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”   And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.   Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. – Luke 1:34-38

Only through the virgin birth…do you have a Messiah, a Savior. If Jesus was merely the product of human conception…He was merely a sinful man.

For unbelievers, the virgin birth is a hurdle…something that is too hard to believe. For liberal Christians…it’s an area that they have willingly compromised for they don’t believe in the inerrancy of scripture.

From before His conception and birth…God prophesied that Jesus was the Son of God. Born of a woman, but conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures we see prophesies of the virgin born Messiah.

     And I will put enmity
     Between you and the woman,
     And between your seed and her Seed;
     He shall bruise your head,
     And you shall bruise His heel.” – Genesis 3:15

Women do not have a seed. A virgin cannot give birth unless God miraculously intervenes. God has only done this once in human history.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

The Jews knew from scripture that the Messiah would come from the line of David.

“And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.” – 2 Samuel 7:12-16

The fact that Jesus claimed to be from the line of David wasn’t in dispute. In Jesus day the records still existed that could trace back His lineage back to King David. It was because Jesus claimed to be God that the Jewish religious leaders wanted to kill Him.

Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” – John 10:22-30

It’s amazing and beyond our comprehension to think that a virgin will give birth. Women do not have a seed. Virgins do not have babies. Unless God miraculously intervenes a virgin cannot give birth. Even Mary was amazed at what the angel told her. Mary response confirms that she is a virgin. “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” – Luke 1: 34

There have been other miraculous conceptions in the Bible. Starting with Abraham and Sarah. Like Zacharias and Elizabeth, their bodies were as good as dead. Unless God preformed a miracle, they would not have had a child. Samuel’s birth to Hannah was a miracle. Unless God had opened her womb she would have remained childless.

But Jesus conception is the only one that was both miraculous and divine. Jesus was born of a women, by the power of the Highest. Jesus is the Son of God and Son of Man. Only the sinless Son of God could pay the price for our sin.

Mary was a humble willing servant. Unlike Zacharias, Mary did not doubt the angel Gabriel’s good news. Perhaps her question was filled with wonder and amazement. Wonder at how God would accomplish this miraculous work and amazement that God saw fit to choose her.

We can learn something from Mary’s response. After the angel confirmed that she would become pregnant when the Holy Spirit came upon her and overshadowed her, she responded with willing obedient belief.

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. – Luke 1:38

Mary didn’t quake with fear. She didn’t take into account the inconvenience that would result as she would soon be pregnant, and not yet wed. She didn’t worry about what family and friends might say and that she might face rejection by the one to whom she was betrothed. Mary believed God.

Oh the goodness of the Lord. The angel Gabriel shared that not only would Mary bear a Son…but that her relative Elizabeth was pregnant despite her advanced age and barrenness. Someone to whom she could go and share the wonder of what God was doing. Someone who would believe her and encourage her faith.

Can you imagine Mary’s thoughts when the angel departed? Did it seem like a dream? Was her heart beating fast? Was her face flushed with excitement? When did the Holy Spirit come upon her and overshadow her? Was her heart bursting with joy, wonder and amazement?

How do I react when God wants to use me? Am I a willing servant? Or do I count the cost to me personally? Do I remember God is sovereign in all things? Do I trust Him to go before me and work out all the details? Do I truly believe that nothing is impossible with God?

Have I received Jesus Christ, the Son of God as my Lord and Savior? Is it His birth I celebrate this Christmas?

6Dec2009

Christmas Reflections…Redemption…God’s Divine Plan

Posted in Christmas Reflections Devotional, Jesus Christ, Redemption, Salvation, Virgin Birth by Susan Wachtel

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”

How does one begin to fully comprehend all that the angel Gabriel prophesied about what God would do through Mary and the birth of Jesus Christ? Even though this is the essence of Christmas, the very reason we celebrate the birth of Christ, it’s more than a little daunting.

When the angel tells Mary about the Son that she will bear starting with His name Jesus and through each of His titles, we learn about who He is and the work that He came to do to fulfill the Father’s plan.

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.” – Luke 1:31

A virgin will bring forth a Son. Mary herself confirms that she was a virgin when she asks, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” This Son is not the seed of sinful man, but instead He is the Son of God. He was born of a virgin and thus did not have our sin nature.

Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, meaning “Jehovah is salvation”. Even His name tells of the work that Jesus came down to earth to do. He was sent by God the Father, to save His people from their sin. How would He accomplish that salvation? How does a holy, righteous and just God forgive sinful man? He does it by sending His only begotten Son, the sinless Lamb of God, to die in our place so that His righteousness can be applied to our account…and our sin debt will be paid in full.

Sinful man cannot save himself. He may die and even be cast into hell for eternity, but that will never pay his sin debt in full. Man will never be declared righteous based on his works.

It was only when the blood of Christ is applied to our sin debt that we are washed white as snow. Have you received Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to cover your sins? Have you been clothed by the righteousness of Christ?

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12

When Gabriel tells us that Jesus will be great, he’s not referring to what He will do, but instead it speaks about who He is. He is grace, truth, mercy, holy, righteous, sovereign, omniscient and omnipotent. These adjectives are more than just a description about what Jesus is like or what He does…they are the very essence of who He is. He is great in power, authority and majesty…He is preeminent over all.

Son of the Highest speaks of Jesus divine nature. He is Son of the Most High God. Jehovah was called, El Elyon…the Most High God. This speaks of God’s sovereignty, majesty and His highest preeminence over all. Jesus tells us that He is one with the Father, if we have seen Him, we have seen the Father.

“….and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” – Luke 1:32 (b)-33

When Gabriel prophesied that God will give Jesus the throne of His father David, he speaks of the fulfillment of God’s promise to David that One will come who will reign on his throne forever. That His kingdom will never end tells about Jesus eternal sovereign reign over Israel and His kingdom.

“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” – 2 Samuel 7:12-13

How does the Son of God who will lay down His life and pay the penalty for our sin reign forever? How can someone who is dead reign? He can only do that if He is resurrected from the dead. Resurrection that gives evidence that God the Father accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

What are you celebrating this Christmas? Are parties and family gatherings a part of your Christmas season? Are your days filled with shopping, decorating and baking? Do you make Christmas magical for your children with Santa?

More importantly…do you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, God come in the flesh…the very reason we have a holiday called Christmas? If not…why not receive the best gift ever…the gift of Jesus, the Son of God, wrapped in the flesh of a newborn Babe.

5Dec2009

Christmas Reflections..Chosen and Blessed

Posted in Angel Gabriel, Christmas Reflections Devotional, Jesus Christ, Salvation, Virgin Mary by Susan Wachtel

“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” – Luke 1:26-30

It had been six months since God had broken his 400 years of silence. Just six months before, God had sent Gabriel to tell Zacharias and Elizabeth about the miraculous birth of their son John…the forerunner of Christ sent to prepare the way of the Lord.

Now in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabriel appeared before Mary to bring her a divine message from God.

Gabriel greeted Mary and said, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”   What was Mary’s reaction? She was fearful and troubled at what the angel had said. Why was Mary troubled?

What kind of woman does God choose to bear the Son of God? Mary must have been very young, a teenager at best. Maybe 13 or 14 years of age. The Bible doesn’t tell us anything about Mary other than her name and that she was a virgin, betrothed to a man named Joseph. Unlike Zacharias and Elizabeth, Mary was not commended as being upright and blameless before the Lord. She was a young Jewish girl in a small town called Nazareth.

Was Mary troubled because she knew she was undeserving of God’s favor and grace? Nowhere in the Bible does it tell us that Mary was sinless. In fact, Mary needed a Savior every bit as much as we do. Mary was not favored or shown grace by God because of who she was. She was shown grace by God, because He chose to do so.

Mary knew that she was a sinner before holy God. In Luke 1:46, Mary rejoiced in God her Savior and extolled His mercy. Only a sinner needs a merciful Savior. But Mary was also a true believer.

Mary was highly favored because God chose to use her as His instrument, through which the Savior of the world would be born. She was blessed among women because of what God would do through her…not because of who she was or what she deserved.

Likewise…God has shown us grace and mercy, not because we deserve it. He doesn’t choose us because of who we are or what we have to offer. But in His sovereignty, God chooses to save us from our sins. We are not saved because we are better than our brother or neighbor or friend.   In fact the Bible tells us that He chooses the weak and foolish things of this world.

What about you…have you recognized your need for Jesus the merciful Savior? This Christmas, do you celebrate because you received the gift of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary? Why not choose Him today and have your name recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life?

4Oct2009

Chris & Susan Wachtel Wedding Video – 10/4/08 Becoming One

Posted in Chance Conner, Dave Dunn, Donna and Jay Hoyt, Jesus Christ, Mike Farrel, Mike Paddison, Ruth Stingley, Sherry Hebestreit by Susan Wachtel

This video is comprised of pictures and audio from our wedding which took place on October 4th, 2008.

Most importantly we thank Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith for bringing Chris and I together when it seemed all but impossible. For holding our marriage together as we learn to grow together.

There are so many people to thank who helped in all aspects of our wedding. We are so grateful for our family and friends love and support, both now and then. Without it, our marriage would not be nearly as rich.

Thank you Donna and Jay Hoyt for standing with me in place of my parents. Thank you to the Silvestri family Denise, Pete, Travis, Reed, Alyssa, Scott, Susan and Danica for being there. Thank you Susan for taking care of my make up!

Thank you to my new family for taking me in…Ron and Carol, Cindy, Molly and Nathan, Kylan and Madison, Andrew and Amber, Hannah and Zoe and Casey too. I look forward to a lifetime getting to know you.

Thank you to Pastor Dave Dunn…for performing our wedding ceremony…you did a marvelous job and made it so memorable and personal. Thank you to Chance Conner who performed the songs for our wedding…thank you for sharing your talents on our special day. Thank you to our wedding photographer Sherry Hebestreit and Mike Farrel who did the audio and video for our wedding.

Thank you to Chris, my beloved husband. Thank you for marrying me and loving me, working through the hard times and laughing with me during the good times. I love you so much. You are a good man and I am most blessed by God to call you my husband. Love you Dub! Happy 1st Anniversary!

23Sep2009

Remnants of Sin

Posted in Forgiveness, Jesus Christ, Salvation, Sin by Susan Wachtel

The remnants of sin

In a life before Christ

Leaves ugly black marks

On the fragile human soul

A life spent in rebellion against God

Entangled by sin

Experienced momentary pleasures

Never thinking about the long lasting, devastating consequences of sin

Be it the woman who bought the lie

Gave herself freely

To any Tom, Dick and Harry

Now has trouble bonding to the one she’s committed her life to

Or to the man

Who experienced sensual pleasures

With numerous women who meant nothing at the time

Now memories of their faces invade his mind when he’s with his wife

Maybe it’s the woman

Who found herself pregnant by a man she did not love

Now each year a depression creeps over her

At the anniversary when that tiny life within was extinguished

Perhaps it’s a craving

For drugs or alcohol

Oh if only there was something to numb that pain

So deep inside that just won’t go away

Oh how effectively the enemy uses the past

We desire to counsel our children of the price they will pay

But he throws the past in our face

He shouts hypocrite, liar, sinner!!!

We waver in the temptation

To just shut up

After all…how do you tell your child

Do as I say, not as I did

Then the Holy Spirit reminds you

For your sins Christ died

That black stain of sin

Has been washed white as snow

As Christ’s blood flowed down Calvary’s cross

When He shouted, “It is finished!”

Your sin debt was paid in full

Nothing more must be done…only believe

That’s when the soul healing begins

With each accusation of the enemy

God reminds that you are a new creation in Christ

Sanctified, set apart, made righteous by the precious blood of the Lamb

By Susan Bunts Wachtel

September 22, 2009

This poem is dedicated to a dear friend…who now and again can’t seem to escape from the effects of sin and poor choices from earlier in their life.

I find myself getting so mad at the enemy. Not only does Satan deceive us…and lead us to follow him and rebel against God and His word…but then he turns around and accuses us after we’ve repented and are walking with the Lord.

If we knew back then how the choice to sin would impact our lives until the day we die…we would likely make different choice.

But praise God for the salvation that He offers through Jesus Christ and His attaining death on the cross. Have you received Christ’s forgiveness for your sins?

22Sep2009

Not Yet Healed

Posted in Healing, Jesus Christ, Wholeness by Susan Wachtel

That which is meant
To help and encourage
Only serves to hurt and tear open
Wounds not yet healed

Though I’m tempted
To reach for the phone
I go before the Lord
Cry out in my pain

The wait has been so long
Never would I have imagined
But the Lord encourages me
To trust Him still more

Trust Him more than what past failures
Might predict about future success
Instead see how God takes our brokenness and frailty
And makes us whole and strong in Christ

The Lord bids me to come
Pour out my burdens at the foot of the cross
Receive comfort while the wait is long
Stand firm…see my deliverance and victory in the Lord

Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 21, 2009

29Aug2009

Hold On

Posted in Jesus Christ, Peace, Salvation, Truth, Victory, Word of God by Susan Wachtel

Hold on to me ever so tight Lord
Never let me go
Always be with me

You go before me
Your Spirit is within me
You surround me God

May I cling to Your Word
Saturate my heart and mind
With truth, knowledge and wisdom

Fill me with Your peace
Give me a hope that endures
Through all circumstances, trials and tribulation

God…You are my All in all
Jesus…You are my salvation
Victory is found in Christ alone

Susan Bunts Wachtel
August 26, 2009

17Aug2009

As Christ So Loved the Church

Posted in Focus on the Family, Fred Stoeker, Hero, Jesus Christ, Love by Susan Wachtel

Last week I listened to several programs from Focus on the Family in which Fred Stoeker talked about his struggle with pornography and how he was able to overcome the addiction by God’s grace.

Not only was he able to overcome the addiction…but God who is able to do abundantly, exceedingly, more than we ask or imagine…changed the course of his family. While Fred’s father was addicted to pornography and passed that sin along to his son…Fred was able to draw a line in the sand and say no further. His son Jason is a man who is committed to purity and stands along with his dad in living and promoting purity.

It was an amazing story. I felt many emotions while listening to the program. I felt deeply grieved and saddened. No more so than to hear about pornography’s hold on Christian males and young people (both men and women). It’s significant and the ramifications are huge for the body of Christ. It renders the men and women that God has called to serve Him ineffective because they are caught in sin.

Any of us who has been caught in sin’s web know how effectively Satan uses it to trap, condemn and bind us. When we are trapped in our own sin…we don’t want to confront people in their sin…because we know that we are hypocrites. We are unwilling to take a stand for the truth because we are deeply embedded in our own sin. We don’t want to serve because we feel unworthy. There is always the nagging doubt…what if someone finds out?

Fred then made a comment about how God instructs husbands to be the leaders of their home and to love their wife as Christ so loves the church.

That thought…of a husband loving his wife as Christ so loved the church…took hold of me. What would that look like…if a husband really loved his wife that way?

What would it look like if Christians loved people as Christ loved the church? How would it affect our actions and how we treat people? What would our words be like?

Obviously, I feel inadequate and lacking when I measure myself against that standard of love. But then I thought…would I want how I love people to be the measure by which Christ loved me?

If Jesus Christ had the measure of love that I have…would He have gone to the cross? Would He have loved me…who denied Him and sinned against Him for far too many years? Would He have forgiven me of my sin?

In my sinful imperfect self…my love is very far from loving others as Christ so loved the church. Yet…as I submit myself to Jesus Christ and the Father’s will for me…if I yield more and more, day by day to the Holy Spirit…if I seek to know God through the study of His word and through prayer…I can grow in sanctification.

As I love God and yield and submit myself…He will help me to grow and learn how to do what’s impossible to do without Him. This side of heaven…I’ll never achieve that perfect love. But that shouldn’t stop me from doing what God has commanded me to do. To have that perfect love…to love as Christ Jesus loved…requires that I deny myself daily.

But oh… to think how marvelous heaven will be…when all the saints around us are able to love with a more perfect love. Love untainted by sin and selfishness.

8Jul2009

Letter to My Niece…Betrothed

Posted in Bible, Christian Marriage, God, Jesus Christ, Marriage by Susan Wachtel

When I received the good news today that my niece is engaged to be married…I started thinking about all the things I’ve learned over the past year. The lessons are many from falling in love, to being engaged, planning a wedding, going on a honeymoon, starting a life together, packing, moving and buying a home to name a few.

So that I might pass along some of the things I’ve learned, remember where I came from and how far the Lord has brought me…I thought I’d write to my precious niece as she begins a new adventure in her life.

Our circumstances are much different in many ways. My niece is young and will soon be starting college. I on the other hand was 49 years old when I got engaged after many years of being single. But there are challenges both of us will face and nuggets of gold that we will find along the way. I don’t want to waste what I’ve learned through hard lessons or forget God’s faithfulness.

There is so much to tell…I hardly know where to begin. But I think I’ll start at the most important and critical element to brave any marriage. That is to make sure that as a Christian you are equally yoked with a fellow Christian. It makes all the difference in the world. At this point…I can’t even imagine what it would be like to marry an unbeliever.

I can’t tell you how often I thank God for the prayers He said no to. Those times when my heart went pitter patter and I prayed that this one might be the one I would marry, but God said “No”. Thank You Lord…for Your “No’s!

Marriage…as good as it is…is a whole lot of work. More than you can ever imagine. On occasion…I’ll have people ask me if it’s been hard being married after being single for 49 years. My answer and my husband’s answer is a loud resounding “Yes”!

Marriage is wonderful…and I thank God daily for my husband. But I’ve got to tell you…I’m glad I didn’t know just how much work it was going to be…otherwise I might have gotten cold feet. But I’m glad I was relatively ignorant because if I had waited too long I would have missed seeing God at work in our marriage and in changing and conforming both of us in to the man and woman He desires. Marriage is just one of the tools God may use to change us.

Because marriage is a lot hard work, that never ends, in the middle of deep, heartfelt emotions…you need to make sure that you are marrying a man of godly character. That godliness and character, needs to come from a man who loves the Lord, knows and seeks God. One who knows he gives an account to God for how he acts, what he says and even what he thinks in the inward part of his soul.

You need a man with whom you can pray…both together and individually. Someone who will be faithful to lift you up in prayer. Someone who has a tender heart for God and who yields to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.

I don’t care if you are marrying one of the kindest, nicest men that you know. At the end of the day…you are marrying a human being. One, who just like you, is sinful and carries the baggage, pain and hurts that life throws at us. Those scars come out when we are tired, hungry, angry, hurt, lonely, insecure and prideful to name a few.

As husband and wife we see each other at our best and worst…and everything in between. We see each other without our game face on. It’s not long before you start to see the inward person that the world really doesn’t see.

I married a man who is one of the kindest, most humble and gentle men that I know. Yet I didn’t marry Jesus. But thankfully I did married a man who loves Jesus Christ and is growing in his relationship with the Lord. Likewise…my husband didn’t get a guarantee when he ask me to be his bride…that everyday would be a breeze. There are day I’m sure it feels more like he married a category 5 hurricane named Susan.

But the one thing that we do have is Jesus Christ at the center of our marriage. That means that we both have Jesus Christ within us. That God is at work in each of us conforming us into the likeness of His Son. We have the Holy Spirit who convicts us of sin, guides and directs our steps as we yield to Him.

We both know God’s word and what He says about marriage. We hunger and thirst for the word of God which He uses to cleanse us and grow us as individuals and as a couple.

That only holds true if you are both believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even then…you are going to have your bad times. The times when you are exhausted beyond measure and so tired that you don’t even want to try anymore. That’s where prayer comes in.

God is so amazing and so faithful to answer our prayers. It’s amazing to see God at work in our relationship…as He works in both of us, helping us to yield to His will and plan.

As Christians…we have the firm foundation of God’s word. It’s unchanging and the Bible is the ultimate source of authority in our lives. We have our church and fellow believers who hold us accountable, who pray for us and encourage us in our marriage. We receive godly council from friends and family and from various ministries who share what God says in His word about marriage, family and relationships.

Marriage…I wouldn’t want to begin it or keep it without Jesus Christ at the center of our marriage. I wouldn’t want to be in a marriage with someone with whom I can’t share the most important thing in my life…my God and my relationship with Him.

Dear one…I pray that you too will have a marriage build on the solid, firm foundation of Jesus Christ. May He keep you and uphold you all your days. May your marriage be a reflection of Jesus Christ and His glory and love for and His bride, the church.

Love…Aunt Susan

July 7, 2009

5Jul2009

In Christ Alone

Posted in Forgiveness, In Christ Alone, Jesus Christ, Peace, Sin by Susan Wachtel

Once broken in my sin
Sorrow filled my heart
Until I found Jesus on Calvary’s cross
Now I have peace in my forgiveness
My soul rejoices in my redemption

Not one day
Nor one hour
Nary a minute
Dare I walk in my own strength, power and wisdom
But each step in Christ alone

Susan Bunts Wachtel
July 4, 2009

20Jun2009

In Christ

Posted in Jesus Christ, poem by Susan Wachtel

In my despair

You are my hope

In my darkness

You are the light unto my path

When I’m mourning

You comfort me

In my sorrow

You give me joy

When I’m lonely

You are with me

When I’m betrayed and all turn against me

You are my defender

When all is lost

I find riches in Christ Jesus

When I sin

You forgive me

When I’m weak

You strengthen me

When I’m tempted

You provide a way out

When I lack understanding

You give me wisdom

In a world build on shifting sands

You are my Solid Rock

When lies abound

You are truth

When the world tells me I should fit in

You consecrate me

When my soul is disquieted

You give me Peace

When I’m prideful

You humble me

When I’m hated

You love me

When words fail me

You intercede for me

When enemies surround me

You are my friend

When stuck in miry clay

You freed me

When I deserve judgment

You give me mercy

When defiled by the filth of my own sin

You cleansed me

In the unworthiness of my sin

You redeemed me

When I deserved condemnation

Christ was crucified

In death

You are Life

by Susan Bunts Wachtel

June 19, 2009

20Jun2009

Glorious Return

Posted in Glorious Return, Jesus Christ, poem, Revelation by Susan Wachtel

Each day I long for
Look for
Eagerly anticipate
Your glorious return

The time seems short
You will be coming soon
For Your bride, the church
Any day now

When I see a flash of lightening
Hear the thunder roar
I wonder
Is my Savior coming

Even as I long for that day
Desire it with an unquenchable thirst
I’m reminded
Of those for whom I pray

Each day I lift up their names
Before Your throne
Pray for their salvation
For deliverance from darkness

I pray that family and friends will be set free
Those who believe in counterfeit Jesus
Those who worship a god of their own making
Those who deny the very existence of God

For their sakes
I wait patiently
Pray that they will call upon the name of Jesus
And be saved

Yet…I desire
To gaze up Jesus
Worship Him
The One who is good, lovely and pure

I long to spend eternity in Your presence
Even here may my lips overflow with praises
Even now may my heart sing with thanksgiving
Of Jesus who gave Himself up for me

Susan Bunts Wachtel
June 16, 2009

19Jun2009

Glorious Return

Posted in Glorious Return, Jesus Christ, poem, Revelation by Susan Wachtel