Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Coming Islamic Invasion of Israel – by Mark Hitchcock – Interesting and Informative

Posted in Bible Prophesy, Blogging for Books, Book Review, The Coming Islamic Invasion of Israel, Uncategorized by

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to hear Pastor Mark Hitchcock preach a message on Ezekiel 38 and 39.  It was a riveting and fast-paced hour.  So I jumped at the opportunity to read his book The Coming Islamic Invasion of Israel and I was not disappointed.  He wrote this book to expand upon a chapter in an earlier book What on Earth Is Going On.  With radical Islam in the news on a regular basis readers may also wonder how Islam fits into Bible prophesy.

Mark helps the reader to understand who the players are, their ancient Biblical names and the corresponding countries and locations in today’s world.  He takes what can seem like a puzzle and helps put the pieces in place to reveal how these nations may play into God’s end time events as prophesied in Ezekiel and Revelation.

Mark also delves into God’s prophetic timetable:  How close are we to the Rapture and when will the Battle of Gog and Magog occur?  He is mindful that only God knows the day and the hour when the church will be raptured and when the Tribulation will begin.  But Mark closely examines the signs of the times and admonishes Christians to live in light of the Lord’s soon return.

I appreciated his clear presentation of the Gospel message and reinforcing biblical theology that God has not given up on Israel or replaced His chosen nation.

Whether you have a good understanding of Bible prophesy or are new to the study, I believe you will benefit from this book.  I highly recommend Pastor Mark Hitchcock’s book The Coming Islamic Invasion of Israel.

I would like to thank Blogging for Books for the opportunity to read The Coming Islamic Invasion of Israel.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Making a Home in Texas

Posted in Leaving California, Uncategorized by

When I looked at the calendar today, I realized that it’s been exactly 2 months since my husband Chris and I left California to move to Texas.

In many respects it’s been an overwhelming two months, make that four months.  Once we made the decision to move, we contacted our realtor and got the house ready to put on the market.  In an answer to prayer our home sold quickly and following a short escrow we were on our way to Texas.

Leaving California was a hard thing to do.  Hard because we left family, friends and our church, Kindred Community Church.  We left a home that we loved and the state with an abundance of blessings.  A place where the weather is nice most of the time and you can be at the beach, desert and mountains in just a short time away.  It was hard to leave, but we both felt the Lord was leading us to move.

I’m so grateful that I didn’t know just how hard this would be…if I had known, I might have stayed put.  Thankfully, the Lord has walked with us through this each and every day.

Oh my goodness…I can scarcely believe the 1,500 mile drive with cars fully loaded with 3 cats, 2 birds and enough of our belongs to help us get through our time in temporary housing.  When we arrived we got settled in temporary housing, shortly thereafter we started our search for a new home.

In less than two weeks we found a home to purchase in a city we hadn’t really previously considered.  The Lord was with us as we went through and extended escrow period and all the demands required from the mortgage company with our limited access to documents and records.

On October 31st, we moved into our new home.  Boxes are scattered hither and yon and begging to be emptied and have things put away.  As much stuff as we gave away and threw away before we moved, I wish we had gotten rid of more stuff.  I didn’t realize how much stuff we had until we moved.

In the two months since we arrived in Texas, not only did we find a home, but we found a church home where the Word of God is faithfully taught.  There are many opportunities to study God’s Word throughout the week.

Something I took for granted is being in a church were you’ve been for a long time, you know people and they know you.  Your lives are intertwined as you pray for one another and go through life together.

On my first day in a woman’s Bible study I just wanted to cry.  It was weird being in a place where no one knows me and I don’t know them.  But the Lord comforted me with the assurance that overtime, our hearts and lives will be knit together and I will make friends.  Right now I still feel rather isolated.  I want to make sure that I remember what it’s like to be the new kid on the block and I’m grateful for the kindness of the ladies in the Bible study who reached out and befriended me.

In the past two months my blogging has been very sparse, but I hope to get back in the swing of things.  I’m transcribing the Psalms that I have been writing out during my morning devotional time.  I want to write about what the Lord has been teaching me.

As hard as it’s been, there are many good things about Texas and I hope to share some of those things too.

Psalm 6 – In my own words

Posted in In my own words, Psalm 6, Uncategorized by

Ps 6:9

Vs 1 – Lord, You are righteous and just in Your anger towards me, but I ask You to not rebuke or correct me in Your anger.  Please do not chasten me when you are filled with wrath.

Vs 2 – Instead, I ask You to please be gracious to me O Lord For I feel like I’m fading away.  Please touch me with Your healing hand.  Even my bones ache and are in pain; it’s like they understand and feel the dismay I am feeling.

Vs 3 – Even my soul is greatly grieved, burdened and weighted down.  Lord, how long will it be before You help me?

Vs 4 – Lord, I ask that You turn back to me and rescue my soul.  Save me, not because I am worthy, but out of Your lovingkindness.

Vs 5 – Do the unrighteous and ungodly make mention of you in death or give thanks to You in hell?  No!  But I give You thanks even in the midst of my trouble and my unknown future.

Vs 6 – I sigh all day long and have grown so very weary of my grief and depression.  I cry and feel like my bed is so filled with tears it’like a swimming pool.  If my couch could melt away when wet it would dissolve from all the tears I have shed.

Vs 7 – My eyes are wasting away from all the tears I’ve shed in my grief.  They feel like they are old and worn out because my adversaries pursue me relentlessly.

Vs 8 – But in my grief and fatigue I proclaim to my enemies who do inequity – depart from me and leave me alone – for the Lord God Almighty who reigns has heard me and seen tears.

Vs 9 – The Lord has heard every one of my prayers.  He has received my requests and will answer them and come to my aid.

Vs 10 – They day is soon coming when my enemies will soon be put to shame and be greatly dismayed.  For the hand of the Lord will turn against them.  It’s only then that they shall turn back and feel shame over their wrongdoing.

Whatever you do

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Col 3-17

If all that I do and say is in the name of the Lord Jesus shouldn’t that impact what I do, what I say and how I do it?

 

Psalm 2:6-12 – In my own words

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Vs 6 – But as for Me, the Lord God Almighty, I have set in place My King upon Zion My holy mountain.

Vs 7 – My Son the King said I will surely tell of the decrees of the Lord God.  My Father has said to Me, ‘Thou are My Son – My Beloved Son.  Today I have brought You forth.’

Vs 8 – ‘Ask of Me My Son and I will give You the nations of the worlds as Your inheritance.  Even to the ends of the earth will be Your possession.

Vs 9 – Those wicked nations who have rejected You, You will break them with a rod of iron.  You will shatter them and they will be like broken pottery.’

Vs 10 – Kings of the earth be wise and discerning.  Listen to My warnings you judges.

Vs 11 – Work and serve the Lord with gladness and in holy reverence.  Rejoice with fear and trembling.

Vs 12 – Show respect and pay homage to the Son of God for He alone is worthy.  If you don’t, you may find yourself of the wrong side of God’s anger and you will perish because of your stubborn hard heart and unbelief.  There is a day coming in which God’s just wrath will be poured out.  But blessed and happy is the man who takes refuge in Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Beginning Again

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PS 119-105 Bible Heart Antique

Today, I finally finished writing out the book of Proverbs.  It all started over two and a half years ago when I decided to write out the book of Psalms in my own words during my morning devotional time.

I really grew to love writing out the Psalms and was amazed at how God spoke to me during that time.  No matter what I was going through there was a timely reminder about God and who He is.  I found comfort, encouragement, strength, peace, rebuke, wisdom, woodshed times, grace and mercy among many other things.

It took two years to get through the book of Psalms and when I concluded it, I thought I would just start back at the beginning and do it all over again.  But I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to carry on with writing out the book of Proverbs.

I struggled at times to complete writing out Proverbs.  I felt like I was going through a dry season and truly missed the deep, intimate fellowship I felt while going through Psalms.  I found myself wanting to slap the son that the father was instructing to stay away from the adulterous woman.  (“For Pete’s sakes, what is it going to take for you to get it boy?”)  Things were not quite as repetitive when I got into more general instructions found in Proverbs and I learned afresh wise instruction in how to live a godly life.

Now that I’m done with Proverbs and tomorrow plan to start going through Psalms again.  I’ll be in a whole different place in my life this time around…about 32 months after I originally started this practice.  Soon we will be in a whole new state, Texas, and our lives in many respects will be turned upside down.

I’m so looking forward to the reminders that no matter what, God is always there and He never changes.

Lord…keep my heart and mind close to You.  Help me to see You, the God who never changes, in fresh ways and know with confidence that You are there with me in all my circumstances.  Help me to grow in truth, wisdom and holiness.  May I be a woman after Your own heart.

Battle Lines

Posted in poem, Spiritual Battle, Uncategorized, Victory in Christ by

Today the battle is on
The fighting is fierce
My enemy is cunning and strategic

Help me to not fight alone
Or rely on my own strength, wisdom, power and might
May I have the victory in Christ alone

Before the battle begins let me prepare my mind
Thoughts taken captive in obedience to Christ
The victory will begin with praise and thanksgiving

Through this battle
May You be glorified, honored and praised
When the evening falls may I stand victorious in Christ

by Susan Wachtel
July 25, 2014

God vs. Giants

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I think I’ve gotten my eyes off the Lord and have been focused on the giants in the land.  I see myself in comparison to them and see how weak and inadequate I am for the challenges ahead.  Lord…help me to lift my eyes unto You and keep my focus on You alone.

Obedience

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The price of disobedience is very high, much higher than we should be willing to pay. The rewards for obedience are wide and far reaching even into eternity.

 

The Bridge Tender – Insightful

Posted in Book Review, BookLook, Marybeth Whalen, Uncategorized by

_225_350_Book.1243.cover

When selecting a new book to read The Bridge Tender by Marybeth Whalen caught my eye.  First the beautiful cover picture, then comments from other readers and finally the storyline drew me in.  I’m not usually one to read romance books, so I wasn’t entirely sure if I would like this book by an author who is new to me.

The story starts out with Emily and her husband Ryan on their honeymoon in Sunset Beach filled with carefree days, romance and love.  Fast forward five years and we find Emily getting dressed for Ryan’s funeral.  In the ensuing chapters, we learn about Emily and how she handles overwhelming grief and how life moves on in spite her.

I found the author very insightful on relationships, friendships, grief, loneliness and learning to live again after a huge loss.  Many times I found what was shared evoked in me a desire to appreciate what I have been given and to recognize that I don’t know how long I will have those gifts in my life.  I appreciated how Emily reasoned through her way to be supportive of her friend Marta who had a budding romantic relationship in the wake of Emily’s loss of her husband Ryan.  God and faith were part of what Emily wrestled through, but I would have appreciated an even greater emphasis on faith.

There were many times, I didn’t want to put the book down when duty or sleep called.  All in all The Bridge Tender holds a special place in my heart and look forward to reading more books by author Marybeth Whalen.  I highly recommend this book.

I would like to thank the team at BookLook for providing me with a free copy of The Bridge Tender to read in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review.

Feeling defeated?

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I bless you to remember that satan is defeated foe. That you will recall the truth about your enemy and not be taken in by his lies. In the Bible, Holy and inerrant Word of God, we learn that from the beginning satan was a murderer, he is a liar and the father of lies. He comes only to kill, steal and destroy. Just as you would dismiss the words spoken to you by a known liar, I pray that you will dismiss the lies from the enemy. I pray that you will remember that on the cross Jesus Christ crushed the satan’s head. Jesus proved His victory when three days later He arose from the grave. Feeling defeated…then take a good look at the empty tomb. I pray that you will remember that you have been given the Holy Spirit who dwells within you. You have been sealed for the day of redemption. Remember that Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father and He is interceding for you. Remember Who is on your side. I pray that you will remember that You have been give the Word of God which is living and active, and is more powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. It is able to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow and is the discerner of the thoughts and intentions of your heart. I pray that you will follow Jesus Christ’s example when He was tempted in the desert for 40 days and nights, that He responded by wielding the Sword of the Spirit. I pray that you will remember that satan’s doom is certain. Just as God has revealed in Scripture the devil, who deceived them, will be cast alive into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are at. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever…Amen! Even so come quickly Lord Jesus!

 

 

Rising Faith

Posted in Faith, Prayer, Uncategorized by

I pray that your faith will stand strong, even in times of trials and tribulation or in the doldrums of life.  I pray that your faith will rise and be strengthened on the Solid Rock of Scripture.  In those times when God seems to be silent, that you will turn to God’s Word and remind yourself about who God is, see what He has revealed about Himself in Scripture.  I pray that you will hide God’s Word in your heart so that you may not sin against Him.  That when other’s faith fails them, praises of God will come forth from your lips, strengthening your heart and mind and the faith of other believers.  I pray for you to have a heart and mind that desires to know God more and to be obedient.  I pray that you will be open and teachable, bendable and yielded unto the Lord God Almighty.  I pray that you will fear God, not man.  That you will turn to the Bible, holy and inerrant Scripture, daily to know who you are in Christ.  That you will be bold, confident and unapologetic in your proclamation of the Gospel, knowing that it is the power of God for salvation of all who believe, first the Jew and then the Greek.  I pray that you will desire to bless the Lord each day with how you live, what you say and think, even down to the desires and thoughts and intentions of your heart.  I pray for you to hunger and thirst after righteousness, to desire to be washed by the water of God’s Word daily.  It is in the incomparable, blessed and holy name of Jesus Christ I pray.   Amen and amen!

Where Will I Turn?

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When I turn to myself
I come up empty

When I turn to the world
I come up with worthless and meaningless things

When I turn to the Lord
I receive Wisdom
Power
Strength
Understanding
Peace
Truth
Joy
and so much more

Help me to choose to turn to You Lord, every single time.

Critical Condition…WOW!

Posted in BookLook, Critical Condition, Uncategorized by

_225_350_Book.1168.coverIf you like mystery, intrigue and suspense, look no further than Richard L. Mabry’s newest book Critical Condition.  I love it when I find a good writer who is new to me, because that means I’ll be able to go back and read his earlier work.

Critical Condition is the first book that I’ve read by Richard L. Mabry M.D. and I wasn’t disappointed.  He skillfully draws the reader in to the storyline and reveals the characters, almost like pealing an onion, layer by layer you learn about the characters and what motivates them and what brought them to this place and how will it end.

Dr. Mabry brings a different twist to mystery novels.  The story includes characters who are doctors and the reader gets to view the events through the different lens of medicine.

The story is fast paced and more than once kept me up late because I didn’t want to put the book down.  I can tell a good book when it leaves me thinking about the characters and try to figure out what will happen even when I’m not reading the book.

I especially appreciated how Dr. Mabry has interwoven faith into the storyline through the characters as they struggle with and grow in their faith.  Faith seemed to be a natural part of the characters, not just something thrown in because this a book by a Christian author.  I appreciate a writer who doesn’t have to turn to immorality to tell a good story

I give a big thumbs up to Critical Condition by Richard L. Mabry M.D.  I look forward to reading more novels by this writer.

I would like to thank the people at BookLook for giving me a copy of Critical Condition to read and review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Just Thinking on Life, Heaven and @#!*%

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There have been a number of thoughts and ideas that have been ruminating in my mind in the last few days.  Some prompted by conversations or podcasts I’ve recently listened to.

Yesterday I made a comment “What price can you put on happiness?” and the response was, “Life isn’t necessarily about our happiness.”

Obviously, happiness should never come at the price of disobedience to God, choosing sin or going outside His will for us as revealed in the Bible.  However, I believe that God does want us to be content and joyful in Him, regardless of our circumstances.  That happiness, joy and contentment may be a choice that I have to make each day.  What kind of witness am I for God if I’m continually downcast about my circumstances?

At the same time, I’m still learning that life isn’t about me.  It’s about God and loving Him with all my heart, mind, soul and strength and it’s about loving others as I love myself.  That may mean that God takes me through challenging circumstances that won’t outwardly produce happiness.  But that brings me back to a choice.  Will I choose to rejoice in God, Who He is and the work He is doing in and through my life, even in or especially during the trials of my life?

Yesterday I heard a quote something to the effect of “If people could see just 15 seconds of what @#!*% is like it would make them passionate and effective evangelists.”  These days there are lots of books about heaven and what it’s like.  Who doesn’t want to go to heaven?  As crazy as it seems, even unbelievers may believe in heaven and desire to go there.  I can imagine and talk about the wonders that await believers in heaven.  But shouldn’t the eternal suffering of those going to @#!*% motivate me even more to share the Gospel message of salvation found in Christ Jesus alone?  While I won’t be able to see 15 seconds of what @#!*% is like, I can read what the Bible says about @#!*% and know that I don’t want my family, friends, neighbors, co-workers or even my enemies to go there.

On a recently Family Life Today podcast author and speaker Gloria Furman shared that she realized that her children were eternal beings and that what she was doing in everyday life, from cleaning up messes to changing diapers to refereeing a squabble, was potentially impacting them for eternity.

What holds true for a mom and dad raising their children holds true for all parts of life.  We are interacting with eternal beings everywhere.  At home, in the workplace, marketplace and even on the roadway.

If I remembered that, would it change how I treat people?   Knowing that these people are eternal beings and I can make an impact for good or evil, for heaven or @#!*% .

Help Me to Remember

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LORD, when I don’t understand what You are doing in trials and tribulations, may I remember that You are good all the time.  Help me to remember that You never waste our trials.  For those who love You and have been called according to Your purposes, You are working ALL things together for good.  Help me to not only walk by faith, but pray in faith, trusting that You are Who You have revealed Yourself to be in Your perfect and inerrant Word of God.  When I feel helpless and don’t know how to help someone, may I be confident that You are able to help them and do a marvelous and might work in their life.  You are able to do exceedingly, abundantly and beyond what I can ask or think.