Category Archives: Word of God

Four Soils of the Human Heart

Posted in poem, Word of God by

The Seed
The Word of God
Sown into the sinful human heart

The sower proclaims the Word of God
Christ as Lord
Shares the Gospel message

The hard heart
Unreceptive to the Word
The seed cannot penetrate
The soil of the hardened human heart
Ears hear, but the words are not understood
Soon the evil one will snatch away what was sown

Dare I say
We all were born with a hard heart
Alive to sin and dead to God

The superficial heart
Soil that looks good at first glance
But lying beneath is a bedrock of stone
Seed is sown and springs up ever so quickly
Soon it will wither and die under the sun’s scorching heat
Roots cannot grow deep nor penetrate a heart of stone

A heart preoccupied
Good soil, polluted with weeds and thorns
Rob good seed of nutrients and light needed to grow
Soon the seed will be choked out, slowly over time it dies
Just like the cares, worries and riches of this world
Leave behind an empty shell, with no life, nor fruit of faith

Lastly, we see the good soil
A heart prepared by God through His Word
The seed of the Gospel is heard and understood
A repentant heart responds
Bearing the fruit of the Spirit
Obedience and faithfully persevering

What is necessary for bad soil?
Nothing, do absolutely nothing!
What about good soil?
God uses His Word to prepare a sinner’s heart
Enables one to hear the Word
Understand it and bear fruit

So, which is it?
The Sovereignty of God?
The responsibility of man?
Yes!

By Susan Wachtel
March 10, 2019

This poem was inspired by a sermon from our Pastor, Tom Pennington on Matthew 13:1-23 – The Parable of the Sower, and  from the notes that I took.

I would like to encourage you to listen to this message, Four Soils Part 2. Perhaps you are concerned about the salvation of a loved one…someone you’ve prayed for. Maybe you are wondering if you are truly saved? Was there a profession of faith? When you look back do you see fruit? Fruit of repentance? Fruit of the Spirit?

There is absolutely nothing more important than knowing with absolute assurance that you are saved, forgiven of your sin, all because of Jesus Christ and His perfect and complete atoning death on the cross.

This last week, we saw news about celebrities who died unexpectedly. One was pretty young. The thing is, none of us knows the day and hour when we will die. Once we die, there are no second chances. There will be no changing our minds. It’s important that we get it right today. For today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach.

And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, “Behold, the sower went out to sow; and as he sowed, some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil. But when the sun had risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them out. And others fell on the good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:1-9

Living and Powerful Word of God

Posted in Community Bible Study, Hebrews 4:12, Uncategorized, Word of God by

Heb 4-12.jp_Resize

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

This week I was reminded of the truth of Hebrews 4:12 when God used scripture to expose my sinful tendencies to be critical and judgmental.

In Community Bible Study this year we are studying the Servants of God which includes the books of 1 & 2 Samuel.  I had done this study a couple of years ago and was familiar with the people in the scripture, not only with how they started, but how they finished.

Though the Israelites have rejected God as their King and desire an earthly king, so they can be like the other nations, God answers their request.  He gives them Saul as their first king, but not without ample warnings about the consequences of being governed by an earthly king instead of God.  Saul started out with promise, but his life took a left turn and he did not finish well.

As I completed this lesson, listened to the lecture and read this week’s notes the Holy Spirit has convicted me and revealed my sinful tendency to be critical and judgmental.  When I read about Saul’s beginnings, I found myself doubting his good intentions and didn’t want to acknowledge some of the good things that he had done.  He demonstrated humility after Samuel had first anointed him as king.  He chose not to take revenge against naysayers who were against him.  He rose up to defend people who were being threatened by an enemy.  I didn’t want to see the good because I know what’s coming down the line and the left turn that Saul will take.

To reinforce that conviction, early on in the lecture our teaching director Dave said, “Don’t dismiss or think you can’t learn something from someone who turns out to be a bad person.”  He also reminded us that this story isn’t about Samuel or Saul…its God’s story.

When reading this week’s notes I encountered the same thing when it talked about some of the things that Saul did that were good and right.

So how come I want to dismiss that or cast aspersions on his motives and think he wasn’t sincere?  The bottom line is that I don’t know the genuineness of Saul’s heart, only the Lord knows that.  He alone is the One who knows the thoughts and intentions of a person’s heart.  Unless God reveals someone’s motives in scripture then I am imposing my thoughts and interpretation on the text…eisegesis verses exegesis.

Lord…thank You for revealing where my heart and attitude was not right before You.  Thank You for the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God which is true and unchanging.  Please forgive me for my arrogance in presuming that I could be the judge and jury against someone.  Help me to recognize and repent of a critical, negative and judgmental spirit.  Help me have a heart like Yours.  Thank You that You have given me a heart of flesh and have removed my heart of stone.  Keep doing Your mighty life-changing work in my life.  It’s in Jesus powerful and transforming name I pray…Amen!

The WORD 8/11/13

Posted in Bible, Scripture, Word of God by

The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

 

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s
Psalm 103:1-5

Jim Allis – A Heart for God – The Friday Five

Posted in Jim Allis, Wanda at Tthe Watered Soul, Word of God by

Bible Heart Sepia- Heb 4-12

It’s been over 2 ½ years since I first started corresponding with Jim Allis.

One of the best things about the internet is the friendships that you make with people, some who are far away, with whose hearts you are knit together and who share a love for the Lord.

In those ensuing years since we started corresponding, we have prayed for one another as we go through various trials and tribulations.  Over the last year, the genuineness of Jim and Joy’s faith has been proven true through trials they’ve faced.  Their love for the Lord did not fail them.  Instead they continued to be God’s faithful witnesses wherever God led them.

Jim Allis has been a pastor and evangelist for over 40 years in England.  He and his wife Joy love the Lord, His Word, the lost and fellow believers.  The Allis’ know the power of God’s Word to save us and keep us.  They know firsthand the power of God’s Word to convict, convince, rebuke, encourage and strengthen us.

Out of his passion for evangelism and a desire to equip believers Jim’s has been writing weekly articles called “Think Spot”.  He also records them and Joy closes with a prayer.

Just recently, with the help of Joy’s son Mark, Jim has started a website JimAllis.co.uk where he has made the materials he has worked on over the years available to readers.  If you prefer podcasts as opposed to reading, there are many resources available for the listener.  More materials are being posted every day.

I encourage you to head on over to Jim Allis’ website and bookmark it as a favorite and visit weekly.  Be sure to leave a word of encouragement to this man who is faithful and uncompromising when it comes to handling the Word of God.

A special thank you to Wanda at The Watered Soul for inviting me to participate in her weekly Five for Friday article.  (I’m a wee bit late being that it’s Sunday.) Wanda’s is another website you should check out.  She shares from her heart and highlights many Christian websites and resources.

The Word of God

Posted in Christ Jesus, Word of God by
The Word of God
Creator of all things

The True Light
Rejected by His own

Receives children, born by the will of God
Those who receive and believe

The glorious Son of God
Christ Jesus full of grace and truth



by Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 18, 2011


In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. – John 1:1-5

Follow Me on Pinterest

Charismatic Chaos Enters the Mainstream

Posted in Bible, Charismatic Movement, Grace to You, Pastor John MacArthur, Truth, Word of God by

A friend had recently shared how powerful Pastor John MacArthur’s sermons are on the Charismatic movement.  Truth filled sermons and exposing the lack of biblical doctrine, errors and documenting blasphemous, heretical teaching of many Charismatic leaders. 

I am so thankful for Pastor John MacArthur and Grace to You ministries who have made available for free the download of thousands of sermons he has preached for over 40 years.  I went online and downloaded Pastor MacArthur’s series “Charismatic Chaos”. 

My eyes were opened to the subtly of Charismatic teaching that has made its way into mainstream churches, pastors and Bible studies.  Teaching that is based on personal experience that’s put on par with or elevate over the Bible.  Feelings take precedence over Biblical truth.  People claim that they’ve received messages from God, however those messages don’t always line up with scripture. 

The problem comes if God is still speaking to us outside of scripture, then the Biblical canon is not closed. Who do you believe?  Do you believe the Bible or do you believe the person who is claiming to have a word from God?

Because the Bible is whole, perfect, complete and the plumb line by which everything should be measured, if someone’s teaching doesn’t line up with the Bible then they are in error. 

At first I found myself saddened when I recognized some of the errors in one of my favorite Bible study teachers.  But I realized that I should be grateful that we have been given the inerrant and inspired word of God by which we can discern error.  Am I going to love God and His word above all things and people?  Am I going to love Him with all my heart, mind, soul and strength?  Am I going to guard the truth?

I believe that all too often people, especially women, have a hard time confronting error and standing for the truth.  We are so easily led by our hearts instead of reason.  But when I see erroneous teaching, it’s an opportunity to reach out and do so with love and humility and covered in prayer. 

From the beginning Satan has been mixing the truth with lies.  He still does that today.  The enemy’s lies touch our feelings and emotions and it’s hard to see the truth from the lie.  But if we have an unchanging standard of truth, the Bible, we can measure what we are hearing against the truth in the word of God.

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.  As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.  For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. – Galatians 1:6-10


To listen to Pastor John MacArthur’s sermons on the Charismatic movement click on the links below:

Follow Me on Pinterest

Some Thoughts…At the End of the Day

Posted in Bible, Prayer, Word of God by

I am so grateful to have friends in my life who are more committed to my holiness than my happiness.  People who are not afraid to speak the truth from the word of God into my life.  They have an unbending standard and they can speak with confidence when their counsel is based on the solid rock of God’s word. 

I’m grateful for friends who know the King of kings and Lord of lords and are able come to the throne of grace in prayer.  Rather than someone telling me, “I’ll be thinking about you”, or “Best of luck to you”, I know that they will go to God in prayer and that He hears our prayers.

Follow Me on Pinterest

Thoughts & Reflections…As the Day Begins

Posted in Bible, Jesus Christ, Sin, Word of God by

John 1:1-5
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 

For those who say that Jesus Christ was only a man, a prophet, a teacher, or another way to salvation you have to bypass what the Bible says about who Jesus is. 

In the first verse of the Gospel of John, Jesus is declared as the Word of God, He was with God and is God.  In the original Greek, the word God refers to the Godhead, trinity:  God the Father, Christ and the Holy Spirit. 

What difference does that make to me in my daily life, in my everyday world?  Shouldn’t I know what the Bible says for myself, and not merely listen to other people’s thoughts and opinions?  After all, I’m the one who will have to give an account before God when I die. 

I wonder if sometimes I fail to read God’s word because I know that God will confront me in my sin.  When I’m confronted, then I have a choice.  A choice to obey, repent and turn and do what God commands or choose to go my own way and suffer the consequence of sin and disobedience.  In my foolishness I may think that I can plead ignorance.

It’s so easy to see the “big sins” like murder and adultery as wrong.  Even unbelievers know those things are wrong.  But unless I know God’s word, unless I am washed by the word daily…I will get lazy or willfully choose to sin and walk my own way and sin will creep in.

Exodus 20:1-20
 1 And God spoke all these words, saying:
       2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
       3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.
       4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
       7 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
       8 “ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
       12 “ Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
       13 “You shall not murder.
       14 “You shall not commit adultery.
       15 “You shall not steal.
       16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
       17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

May I let the Light of God’s Word shine in the dark corners of my life and expose sin.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit may I comprehend what God says in the Bible.  May I choose to live in light of eternity and the certainty that one day I will have to give an account before Holy God.  May my sins, though as scarlet, be cleansed white as snow by the precious blood of the Lamb. 

Follow Me on Pinterest

Giving Thanks…Word of God

Posted in Bible, Giving Thanks, Thanksgiving, Word of God by

As I reflect on the many blessings from God…one of the most important is the Word of God. 

The Bible is God’s revelation given to man…it is God breathed.  Through reading God’s word I can know the mind and heart of God.  Because God is so far beyond our comprehension…I can study the Bible for a lifetime and never fully know God…barely scratching the surface.  In the scriptures God has revealed Himself, His will and His good and perfect plan for our lives.  In the Bible God has given us truth…He has given us light to drive out the darkness. 

Through the word of God, I learned of the Father’s plan of salvation offered to me through His Son Jesus Christ.  Through the reading of God’s word, the Holy Spirit corrects, convicts and encourages me.  I am washed and renewed through the study of God’s word. 

I can hold a Bible in my hand without fear of persecution and I praise God that I have been educated and am able to read God’s word for myself.  Through the Holy Spirit I can understand the Bible.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Follow Me on Pinterest

Washing of the Word

Posted in Bible, Scripture Memorization, Word of God by

This year I’ve made a concerted effort to memorize scripture.  My aim was to memorize one verse a week. 
 
For a long time…I thought that I couldn’t memorize scripture because my memory seems to get worse with each passing day.  While I may find it a challenge to pull up information lickety split I have been surprised that I have been able to memorize the scripture verses relatively easy.
 
While typically it’s been one verse a week…there’s been a few times that I’ve memorized longer passages.  Though it may take me a couple of weeks on the longer passages I am grateful that I’ve been able to memorize Bible verses.
 
There are all sorts of tips on how best to memorize scripture.  It will vary on what’s most effective for each person.
 
For me I will write out the scripture on a Post It Note and place it on my computer screen and on the bathroom mirror at home.  I’ll read the scripture verse throughout the day and when I’m at my computer, I’ll type that verse several times each day.  If I’m in the bathroom I may speak the verse out loud.  As I add a new verse each week…I’ll go back and recite or retype the previous verses so that I remember them.
 
One thing that’s been neat is being able to incorporate those verses into my prayers.  Having God’s word in my memory bank helps me to pray more boldly because I know what His word says and I can be confident that it’s within the will of God.
 
I’ve also witnessed the Holy Spirit convicting, correcting and washing me with the Word of God.  It’s hard to claim ignorance when I know what God’s word says.  If I attempt to continue to go down that wrong road and disobey God…you can be sure that the Holy Spirit is taking me to the wood shed.  So I find I’m quicker to obey and quicker to repent.
 
How about you…are you memorizing scripture?  Do you hide God’s word in your heart so that you might not sin against Him? 
 
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Follow Me on Pinterest

Thy Word

Posted in Bible, Word of God by
Thy Word
Brings peace to my restless heart
Comfort to my hurting soul
Joy in the midst of sorrow
Lifts my head when I am downcast
Fosters courage when I am fearful
Strengthens me when I am weak
Instills confidence when I feel uncertain
Dispenses mercy when I deserve judgment
Gives grace to help me endure
Builds my faith when I am tempted to doubt
Brought life when I was dead in my sins
Is truth in a world filled with lies
 


by Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 2, 2010

Sword of the Spirit

Posted in Spiritual Armor, Sword of the Spirit, Word of God by


She’s been equipped by God
With an effective and powerful offensive weapon
The sword of the Spirit…the word of God
 
Daily she takes out her sword
Polishes it, sharpens it
Then returns it to its sheath
 
She’s filled her heart and mind
With God’s word
So that she might not sin against Him
 
But in the heat of the battle
She fails to draw her weapon
The enemy has nothing to fear from an un-wielded sword
 
One day when she takes God at His word
When she believes and therefore speaks
That foe will retreat and by God’s power she will stand
 
 
By Susan Bunts Wachtel
July 16, 2010
 
 
Too often, as Christians, we are quick to memorize scripture…adding verse after verse to our memory banks.  But until such time as we actually wield that mighty powerful sword of the Spirit…we will experience defeat.  When we memorize scripture but fail to use it, it’s like us taking out the sword, polishing it until it looks bright and shiny, sharpening the blade only to return it to the sheath.  When will we begin to take God at His word and wield the effective, powerful offensive weapon He’s given us?  What will it take?

Follow Me on Pinterest

May I Pray

Posted in Prayer, Word of God by

May I pray with boldness for that which seems impossible
May I pray knowing that You are able
 
May I pray and dare to take the risk that You’ll say yes
May I pray and not worry about Your reputation if You say no

May I pray with courage about the truth that sets us free
May I pray with compassion for those who are lost and in darkness

May I pray with eyes focused on You, not my circumstances
May I pray in confidence as I speak forth Your word

May I pray for that which is more than I can ask or imagine
May I pray with assurance that You hear me in the heavenly places


Susan Bunts Wachtel
June 24, 2010

Dedicated to Karla…a woman with a heart for the Lord. 

Follow Me on Pinterest

Hold On

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


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

Susan Blog Sig 2

Follow Me on Pinterest

Take Peace

Posted in Confession, Foot of the Cross, Peace, Surrender, Trusting God, Word of God by

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27

This past weekend when visiting my friend Ruth…I realized how much I lack the very thing I experienced while at her home. From the moment I walked in…a sense of peace enveloped me. It was so recognizable that I felt as if I could reach out and touch it. When I commented about it to Ruth…she mentioned that the peace in their home was God answering their prayers and desire to have peace reign in their hearts and home.

Last week I felt like I had bit of a meltdown…a major crisis of my faith. On Sunday morning as I was getting ready for church…I had the overwhelming impression from God, “Susan, I want you to meet Me at the foot of the cross. We have some business to take care of.”

I am most fortunate…because I can actually walk to the foot of a cross our church property. While symbolic…in certain respects it is very powerful in bringing me into the presence of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That outward symbol is not something I need every time…but I surely did this time. Praise God…it was available to me.

When I asked my precious friend Danita if she would walk to the cross with me…I was so relieved when she said yes. We chatted as we walked up the road. Amazingly we only encountered a little mud on the path left over from the prior day’s rain. But the steep hill you climb up to get to the cross was dry and we were able to navigate it with ease. I just love the walking up to the cross. It’s so peaceful and quiet. A big freeway lies below…but you would never know it with quiet that surrounds you.

When we reached the cross…Danita and I looked down at our church…and we chatted some more. We talked about God’s faithfulness to our church and marveled at what He is doing. I shared a little bit with Danita about my struggle and asked if she would pray with me.

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20

I could feel God’s presence and it didn’t take long for the tears to flow as I confessed my lack of faith and desperation for God to intervene in my situation. I found that when I spoke the truth of God’s word…I was comforted and the tears stopped. Yet I was broken. Precious Danita prayed too…and her gentle and understanding words brought me much comfort. Thank you Jesus for bringing just the right person to accompany me on my trip to the cross.

I very relieved after that…and God ministered to my heart the rest of the day. I thought I was done with God taking me to task regarding this episode. But I was wrong. Thankfully…when I need correction He deals with me in small doses that I can handle. A little bit at a time.

Today’s lesson was peace. Even though I dealt with the issue my failing faith I didn’t see the outworking actions and consequences that remained. As I doubt God and who He is and the truth and reliability of His word…then I want to be in control of my life. I seek the counsel and wisdom of man…not God and His word.

There is a fine line…because if I’m speaking with a Christian rooted and grounded in the word of God…I may receive godly counsel. But I may receive man’s watered down version of God’s word instead of the powerful word of God. That which is able to change lives and change people. That which is able to save the souls of men from hell. Why wouldn’t I go directly to the source?

When I’m anxious and trying to be in control of my life…I have no peace. I’m trying to keep all plates spinning in the air. Then they start crashing in…one by one. Suddenly all around me everything is shattered, broken and jagged. It will hurt me when I step on it or try to walk away. Gee wiz…when, oh when, will I ever learn?

God impressed upon me the verse from John 14:27…where Jesus tells His disciples that He will give them His peace. He gave it to them and He will give it to me too.

Give. Give…if someone gives me something…I need to take it. I need to receive it. If my hands are full…and someone offers me something more valuable…won’t I set down that which is of little worth? Gladly and pick up that which is of lasting value from One who loves me.

So why am I not taking the peace that Jesus is offering me?

What am I holding on to instead? Why? What lies of the enemy am I believing? Even if I’m in the midst of circumstances I don’t want to be in and pray for God to change them…isn’t it better to have peace in the midst of those circumstances?

But of course there is price…it means I have to be prayer. Hand over my circumstances. Surrender my will to God. Chance the unknown for that which I can never fully achieve. Why would I think that God would call me to something that would not have a price or a sacrifice? My gain, my reward for trusting Jesus may not be in the here and now. It may be later…and it may be in heaven. But it surly does have its residual rewards…like peace. I pay an infinitesimally small price compared to what Jesus paid on the cross to buy me that peace.

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.’ – Jeremiah 2:13

Now that is an apt description of what I’m doing. I’m trying to dig my own well…only to find it dry or muddy or filled with brackish water. And I wonder why I still thirst?

Jesus wants to offer me a fresh endless flowing river of peace. Something that will quench my thirst and wash me clean. Now why wouldn’t I choose that?

I thank God that nothing is lost in God’s economy and that He is able to use my experiences and failures to help encourage others to not following down the same path. A path that will only cause pain and hurt…and possibly destruction if I remain on the wrong path. I’m so glad to know that He can use it for good.

But for once…no more than once…consistently I desire for me to choose to live according to His word and that my choices might be an example on doing it the right way according to God’s word and by the power of the Holy Spirit within me.

So Jesus…I give You over this mess of my life and my poor choices, my lack of faith and my failures. I ask You to please take it from me. Please exchange it for that which I can not do on my own. I ask You to give me wisdom…and fill me with Your love and with Your peace. Help me in my circumstances. Give me Your Living Water and I will lay down my broken, dirty, muddy cup. Jesus, You were with Danita and me at the foot of the cross. You heard my prayers…I give them over to You. My life and my situation is in Your hands…I’m asking You to work it out according to Your perfect plan. Dare I even ask for a miracle in this? Yes I do…knowing that You alone are able…more than able to accomplish what concerns me today. Praise God. It’s in Jesus name I pray…Amen!

Follow Me on Pinterest

Finish Strong

Posted in Finish Strong, Kindred Community Church, Pastor Chuck Obremski, Pastor Philip De Courcy, Word of God by

Dear Chuck,
As I pause and reflect,
On the eve of the installation of our new Pastor,
Your passing seems all the more final.

But let me assure you,
Not day goes by,
In which I don’t feel the influence,
Of God’s humble servant.

God used you,
Your fiery passion,
To awaken and grow a love,
Even a longing for His Holy Word.

To this day…I still listen to your sermons,
All the while finding the Holy Spirit,
Guiding, correcting and convicting me of sin,
Through the power of God’s Word.

So many churches,
Have forsaken,
Turned their backs,
On the truth of God’s Word.

Praise God…and Him only,
For Kindred will not go down that road,
He has prepared another faithful servant,
Able, most willing to preach the full counsel of God’s Word.

I still delight at handing out your messages,
Knowing firsthand that God will touch hearts,
Those whose circumstances are most desperate,
Bring comfort and strength as they depend on my Lord.

I think of you often,
Thank my God daily,
For messages delivered through His faithful servants,
God’s call…to run the race well and finish strong.

by Susan Bunts
October 12, 2007
Follow Me on Pinterest

Called

Posted in Good Shepherd, Pastoral Search, poem, Word of God by


We look to You oh Lord,
For You have a plan,
From before the foundations of our world were laid.

You alone know whom You have called,
A man who loves Your word,
Faithful to preach the truth…uncompromised.


We pray for ears to hear You,
Hearts to obey You,
Willing to follow Your lead.


We ask that You prepare our hearts,
To receive him,
Welcome the one whom you have called…into our fold.


By Susan Bunts
August 26, 2007

As the Pastoral Search Committee gave their report…I found my attention riveted. As Dean got up to speak…lets just say he had my attention. Every few months for close to two years now we’d have a report or update on the status and progress our Pastoral Search Committee. It’s been almost two years since our beloved Pastor Chuck Obremski finished well…and went home to be with our Lord.

During that time…God has prepared our hearts. He gave us time to grieve and mourn. A time to accept. A time to look to the Lord and seek His plan and timing. A time to hunger and thirst for His Word. Now it appears that time may have come to a close. While it remains in the hands of the Lord and we continue to ask for His wisdom and guidance, as we may soon have a Senior Pastor.

With state of many churches today…we are most concerned that this man whom God has called be deeply rooted and grounded in the Word of God. That he will be faithful to preach the Word…since it has the power of salvation…for all who believe.

When we look out on our church body…we don’t know who still needs to hear the Gospel message. Yet we all need the Word of God…which is able to divide soul and spirit…to comfort and convict. May we be mindful that there are ravenous wolves which seek to devour the sheep. We pray that God will bring us a shepherd who will tend to us and care for us…like the Good Shepherd.

So we wait…continue to pray for God timing, God’s plan…and the man whom God has called. Will you pray with us?

Follow Me on Pinterest

Faith Walk

Posted in Faith, Prayer, Trusting God, Word of God by

Does the faith spoken of in Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith, seem remote or reserved for the saints during Bible days? Or does it seem as though God gives that extra measure of faith to the “heavy hitters”…such as Abraham or Noah or Elijah or David? After all Abraham was the father of the Jews and through him…our Savior would come. Noah…good golly he faced a world wide flood that came from the first ever rainfall that lasted 40 days and nights…only he and his family would be saved. Elijah…the man who walked with God. David…slew the giant Goliath…he was God’s chosen king of Israel…and forefather to Jesus Christ. Now how can I compare with those saints of old?

Well I am thoroughly convinced that God intends for each of us to walk by faith. A faith that transforms lives…empowers and strengthens us just when we are about to be overwhelmed in our weakness. That faith bears witness to the power and work of God within us.

God who called Abel, Moses, Jacob and Paul…is the same God who called us. The word of God assures us that God never changes.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8

God is no respecter of persons. He is the one who equips us. He calls us. He knows our circumstances…even the ones that are afar off. We have been called according to His perfect plan, purpose and good pleasure. Surely God will equip each of us with a measure of faith…for that which He has called us to according to His perfect plan.

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” – Romans 12:3

“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – Hebrews 13:20-21

So how do we prepare ourselves…so that we might be equipped for every good work that God has called us to. We do that through the reading of His word. Through prayer…because we are building a relationship with God…and we must learn to trust Him, who He is and His character. He is God…and He is good.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

We ought not to be surprised when we go through those bad times of trials and tribulation. For it is there…when we are enduring and God is seemingly silent that we learn to walk by faith, not by sight. Am I going to trust God or am I going to rely on my own strength? Is my focus on God…or my circumstances?

Its God’s work in us…thus we are precluded from boasting or being prideful.

“In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:7-9

Instead when we see God’s work in us, and though us, it ought to evoke thanksgiving and praise…to Him who is worthy, Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen, amen…so be it!

The Voice of Truth
by Casting Crowns

Oh, what I would do
To have the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I’m in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he’s holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I’ve tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
“Boy, you’ll never win,
you’ll never win.”

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says “do not be afraid!”
and the voice of truth says “this is for my glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they’d have had the strength to stand

But the giant’s calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I’ve tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
“Boy you’ll never win,
you’ll never win.”

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says “do not be afraid!”
and the voice of truth says “this is for my glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

but the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don’t seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says do not be afraid
And the voice of truth says this is for my glory
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
‘Causes Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you……..

Follow Me on Pinterest

8/8/07 At the End of the Day…A Gentle Answer

Posted in At the End of the Day, Obedience, Word of God by


God counsels us in His word that a gentle answer turns away wrath. It is with that knowledge that I pray that God will work in the circumstances that concern me today.

When worried or concerned about a situation…my usual response is to confront the persons involved. Sometime diplomatically…but probably more often than not…stepping on a few toes in the process.

When I’ve done that in the past…God has worked in the circumstances and hearts of me and others involved. But I always feel quite anxious right after I leave that message or sending that email in my attempt to confront and resolve the situation.

I’ve learned that my view and perspective is quite limited…myopic. I don’t see the full picture. I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes in the life of another person. I may be inaccurately reading their actions and misconstruing it to fit my own insecurities and past experience. That’s not a good or wise course of action. Thankfully I am a work in progress and God is not finished with me yet.

The wisest course of action is to take my hurt, confusion, anger and pain to God. Forgive and ask Him for wisdom. If indeed I have been wrongly treated…I can be sure that God is working in the heart of that person if they are a Christian. God doesn’t let me get away with much without confronting me and brining me to repentance when I’ve acted wrongly. Why would I assume he acts differently in the lives of other believers?

If perchance God gives them a pass…it may be an area in which God is working on my character…or bringing to surface something that is quite unlovely in me. God frequently likes to use “sandpaper people” to work out those rough areas in my character. I must be mindful…that for someone else I am their sandpaper person. When I realize that…it brings me up short when I would rather take the easy road and be critical and condemning.

It’s funny…but I don’t know exactly how to pray in this circumstance. I’m puzzled, confused and a whole lot more. But I am assured that the Holy Spirit intercedes for me at such times.

So tonight…I will choose to follow God’s sage advice and not respond as I once would have. Hum…I wonder…will I ever get out of God’s spiritual kindergarten this side of heaven?

Follow Me on Pinterest

Deceived

Posted in Gospel Message, poems, Word of God by

Even the elect may be deceived,
By a work packaged with purpose.

Influenced by their emotions,
Their words of praise are influenced and driven.

Even as they themselves firmly preach the Word of God,
Acknowledge today’s church, like the infant only desires milk.

Well hidden by the attractive wrappings,
They fail to see that the meat of the Word is not preached.

Souls lost in their sin sitting on Sunday morn,
Will not hear the Gospel message for fear that it might offend.

Observation will reveal,
Attendees do not carry, nor raise the sword of the Spirit.

Satan delights as they grow and prosper,
Earn widespread praise from the mouths of men.

An ineffective foe they are,
For the battle they fail to be equipped.

Deceived as they sit in their pews,
Ears tickled and they feel so good.

The Word of God delectably mixed,
With error and the wisdom of men.

Does the preacher feel no conviction?
Is not the son disciplined by the Father?

Tragically some will one day hear,
The Savior’s final words, “Away from me, I never knew you!”

By Susan Bunts
August 4, 2007

The above poem was inspired when I heard a beloved Bible study teacher singing the praises of a ministry that regularly preaches a watered down Gospel message due to the offensive nature of the cross and sin to the unbeliever.

Sinners will not hear the Gospel message out in the world for the world does not know the message of salvation. The place unbelievers must hear Gospel is in the church. If we fail to preach and teach the full counsel of the Word of God for fear that we will offend…are we not consigning the sinner to hell? All done with the good intention of not wanting to hurt of offend or hurt someone. Is not an eternity in hell infinitely worse than any hurt or offense felt when confronted by the truth of the Word of God?

“In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.” – Luke 16:23-25