Sin’s Dark Shadow Cast Upon the New Year

Posted in Repentance, Uncategorized by

Romans 1:16

I awaken to see the sun rise
On the dawning of a new year

Instead of celebrating
My heart is grieved

For sin will be politicized
Celebrated and glorified today

That which God has declared sinful
Will be paraded as something acceptable and good

That which You foretold in Your Word
Will be on display

For today I am living in
A Romans 1 kind of world

That which You have declared evil
Man has declared good

That which is good in Your sight
Has been perverted and called evil

Lord, even some in Your church
May not speak up and stand for the truth

For they fear being branded
As narrow minded, intolerant or bigoted

May I not mistake Your patience
And desire for all to come to repentance

As approval of sin
Or believe that You will not punish un-repented sin

God, You are still upon Your throne
Sovereign, Holy and Righteous

I don’t get to decide for myself what is sin
For You have clearly spoken in Your Word

When I look back and see Christ on the cross
I know what You think of sin

The sinless Son of God was crucified
As He bore my sin and the sin of all mankind

May I remember the punishment and wrath
You poured out upon Your only begotten Son

Because of His sacrifice
I have been forgiven

I have been fitted for heaven
Clothed in the righteousness of Christ

Christ paid my ransom and I have been bought back
From the slave master called sin

Lord give me a heart of compassion
For those still held captive by sin

May I warn the sinner on the broad path
That leads to destruction

Salvation is found in no other name under heaven or earth
By which man can be saved

May I remember that You stand ready to forgive
A repentant sinner who proclaims Christ as Lord

By Susan Wachtel
January 1, 2014

Romans 1:16-32
God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Just Thinking

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What does the victorious life in Christ look like?

How does that effect
What I do
Say
Think
Feel
Respond

When dealing with challenging people and circumstances how does the Lord want me to respond?  I’m not sure I know the answer…but I do know that I sure don’t feel like I’m handling it like I should.

Lord…I need Your wisdom to guide me.  Your Holy Spirit to put a guard over my mouth.  Draw me to You, to bring everything to you in prayer so I can receive wise counsel, comfort, strengthening, encouragement or woodshed time when needed.

Help me to keep my eyes and focus on You and Your Word.  May I be sensitive to Your Holy Spirit.  Thank You Lord for always hearing me and being my ever present help in times of trouble.

Sunday Morn Take Away 12/29/13

Posted in Chalkboard Scripture, Sunday Morn Take Away, Uncategorized by

Psalm 46

When going to church on Sunday morning, I bring my Bible and a notebook to jot down things that our Pastor Philip De Courcy says during his sermon.  When the notebook is filled it goes on the shelf, seldom to be opened again.

For a while now…I’ve been thinking that perhaps I need to have a more record of what I’m taking away from our Sunday morning service.  This won’t be a recap…more likely bullet points.  A place for me to record what the Lord is saying through the study of His Word.

Today we studied Psalm 46.

God the Refuge of His People and Conqueror of the Nations
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth.

46 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Noah Webster Quote…God can save by many or by few…  Their greatest weapon was their faith in God.

Psalm 46 is a celebration for what God does for those who trust Him.
Even in the face of monumental trouble.
Will we continue to trust Him?

God is our help in the midst of trouble
Not a bubble or protected from all trouble
God does promise to meet us in the midst of the trouble.
Sometimes God calms the storm.
Sometimes He calms us in the midst of the storm.
Our trust is in God Who is sure in the midst of trouble.

Martin Luther Quote…my conscience is bound by the Word of God.

Faith in God delivers security
A sense of well-being
Not an absence of trouble.
Security is the ever present presence of God

From Vs 1 – Trouble = a tight spot…painted into a corner
This was a time of great shaking for Israel…a time of upheaval.
No sense of security…nothing firm beneath your feet.

What are we going to do?
Trust in God
Deuteronomy 33:27
God was their greatest stronghold
Tucked under the shelter of God Himself
Our Shelter, our Safe Tower
Where will my shelter be this coming year?

Quote – Frederick Nolan…where God is, a spider’s web is like a wall.  Where God is not, a wall is like a spider’s web.

Our God is inexhaustible…an able supply of resources.
A Strong Refuge
Invincible, inexhaustible
He will supply the necessary strength equal to the trial.

God’s help is timely…in the nick of time…2 Kings 19:35
The strength of God that is our help when we need it.
There will be grace when we need it and for what we need it for.
God’s strength is timeless
He is our Help from of old.
His strength has always been present
Psalm 90:1-2 – our Refuge in every generation.
God is immutable…He does not change.
There is help from of old.

God has unlimited resources.  Faith in God provides sufficiency…waters that refresh.
2 Chronicles 32:30 Hezakah redirected the waters to come into the city of Jerusalem.
Rivers of Living Water
Peace, joy, comfort, righteousness
A living well and living water within you…the Holy Spirit
A fount of every blessing…calls for songs of loudest praise.

Story…Amazon River…pushes itself out to sea 90 miles.  Surrounded by salt water, underneath the boat was fresh water…but they didn’t know it.  They were asking for fresh water, but they already had an abundant supply.

Judgment is the process…peace is the outcome.
God of the armies of heaven
God will trouble those who are troubling you.

This and That

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No Five Minute Friday to prompt me.  No hustle and bustle of the holidays to distract me and keep me going like the Energizer bunny.

It’s seems this is the first quiet Saturday morn in weeks.  I have time to think and reflect on all that’s gone on in the last few weeks and months.  To quiet my heart and mind and listen to the Lord.

Lessons I’ve had in the past, some of which I’ve failed at miserably, are coming around again.  This time I’m facing those lessons with the Lord Jesus Christ, with my heavenly Father to give me wisdom and the Holy Spirit residing within me.  May I incline my ear to the Lord, listen carefully and follow His leading and guidance as I navigate these waters afresh.  

May I have the mind of Christ and the love of God.  May I be obedient and honor God with all I do, say, think and feel.  

May I stay in close communication with God, not forsake time in prayer and listening to Him through His Word, which is perfect, inerrant and complete.  May I boast in nothing except for Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  May my heart be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when He nudges me or corrects me or convicts me of sin.  Help me to be mindful of my absolute need and dependence upon You Lord and please keep me close.  

As of late, I’ve been feeling empty, spent and depleted with nothing left to give.  Even the simplest task seems like more than I can handle.  I need to be fed and replenished spiritually from God’s Word and through worship and praise of my great God and Savior.  I need the physical rest and sleep so that I’m no operating on empty.  I need to renew my mind through the washing of the Word.  

I can scarcely believe that Christmas has already come and gone.  Not only that…but we are on the edge of a New Year.  I would never have guessed all the changes that happened in 2013, how it’s ending.  What will the new year hold?  Only the Lord knows and I need to stay close to Him each day.  Keep my eyes on Him, not my circumstances or other people.  

Hide & Seek

Posted in God's Presence, poem by

There are days when the Lord seems
Distant and far away
Silent
His presence veiled

When I recognize that feeling, it causes me to
Examine myself
See if there is unconfessed sin
Hindering, impacting my relationship

Have I let the noise of this present world
Drown out God’s still small voice

Am I distracted by
What I can see and hear
Ignoring that which is apprehended by faith

Have I put other things
Ahead of God and His Word
Set aside the eternal
For that which is passing away

Lord, Your Word assures me
You will never leave nor forsake me
Never abandon me
You are ever present

When I feel You are not near
May I pursue You diligently
Seek You while You may be found

By Susan Wachtel
November 30, 2013

God Is Able – A Well-timed Message

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It was my pleasure to read Priscilla Shirer’s newest book God Is Able and it was a well-timed message that I need to be reminded about.

In God Is Able, Priscilla camps on two of the most powerful verses of scripture in the New Testament, Ephesians 3:20-21.  “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen.”

Those are two life change verses if we can really grab a hold of what those verses are saying and apply them to our lives.  Priscilla digs in and shares what she learned by studying each word in those verses and applying them to her life.

Why a whole chapter devoted to “Now”?  When you think about it, do you really get that the Lord God Almighty loves you, is there and available to be at work in your life in that impossible situation you are dealing with right now?  He is well able to work exceedingly abundantly in those circumstances that are beyond you.  Our circumstances are never beyond God.

One of the things I appreciate about Priscilla’s writing is that she has a high and holy view of God.  She does not downplay the sovereignty of God.  Sometimes God’s work that is beyond what we can imagine is when God in His sovereignty says “No”.  He is doing a work in us and through us that may impact others.  He desires to grow us and transform us into the image of Christ.

I enjoy Priscilla’s style of writing.  I feel like I’m sitting across the table from a friend, who is being open, honest, real and transparent.

I recommend God Is Able by Priscilla Shirer.  This book would be excellent for someone who wants to better understand God’s love and His power at work in the lives of His people.  Perhaps for a person who is going through difficult circumstances and needs some hope.  Or maybe if you just want to sit down and meditate on the awesome and amazing God we serve.

I would like to thank B&H Publishing Group for providing me a copy of God Is Able to read in exchange for an honest review.

I am pleased to announce that B&H Publishing Group has provided me with an extra copy to give away.  If you would like to read God Is Able please leave a comment or send me an email at susanwalkergirl@gmail.com.  On Saturday, November 30th, I’ll will select a winner and notify you via email to get your mailing address.

Evangelize to Me by Ceil

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It was a Five Minute Friday post that led me to blogger Ceil’s website Evangelize to Me.  After reading her post, I signed up to follow her blog.  On those busy days when I feel spent and need some encouragement or correction, it’s good to drop by Ceil’s blog and read about what she’s learning from the Lord.  

Earlier this week, I dropped by and read her post, “A Parable and a Pruning”.  In this post she shares about how she pruned a bush that was overgrown but had bare branches on the inside and she applied that to how the Lord sometime prunes us when our inner life is barren.  

I would encourage you to drop by Evangelize to Me and be encouraged and challenged in your faith by this precious sister in Christ.

Thank you to Wanda at the Well Watered Soul for an opportunity to join with you and others in highlighting posts by fellow bloggers.  
 

Five Minute Friday – Fly Out the Window

Posted in Five Minute Friday, Prayer, Uncategorized by

In the middle of a busy and somewhat chaotic week, the Lord was there to meet me and had some lessons for me.

I was feeling quite overwhelmed by the amount of things I had to accomplish, requests coming in right and left and I was seeing the stress on others too.  I was overwhelmed and felt unable to do what I needed to or be of help to anyone.

When I stepped away for while I felt like the Holy Spirit was nudging me and asking me, “Susan, where’s your focus?  It’s not on God, but it’s on your circumstances and people.  You need to get your focus back on Me.”

In my own strength and power I would be unable to accomplish what I needed to.  My peace would fly out the window.  I wouldn’t be living in a manner that glorifies God.  I would be of no help to others or be able to encourage and strengthen others.

Instead I need to see my circumstance through my God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, more than I can ask or imagine.  I need to be going to my Heavenly Father in prayer, with thanksgiving and present my requests to Him.

I need to be prayed up and taking my every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  Let God overwhelm my impossible circumstances with His overcoming power.

Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” 2 Chronicles 14:11

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It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head over to her website “Lisa Jo Baker Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.

A Sailor’s Dying Wish

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On my drive home tonight I listened to the Hugh Hewitt show and was greatly moved by an article that Hugh read.  I encourage you to click on the link and read about “A Sailor’s Dying Wish” by Jennie Haskamp.  

 

It’s the kind of article that make you proud to be an American and grateful for the sacrifice of servicemen and women who protect and defect our nation, both in the past and present.  

 

 

Five Minute Friday – Two Trees

Posted in Five Minute Friday, Jesus Christ by

This week’s word prompt ‘Tree’ immediately brought to mind…two trees which have impacted and affected all men

Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil Tree from which the Cross of Christ  was Hewn
Adam Jesus Christ
Disobedience Obedience
Desired to be like God Denied Himself
My will be done Thy Will be done
His life brought death to all men His death brought life to the many
His sin brought separation from God He endured separation from God, bearing man sin and brought reconciliation
Sin reigned Grace reigned and abounded much more
Sin nature our inheritance Free Gift – Justification to all who believe
Transgression and death reigned He broke the reign of sin and death
Condemnation Righteousness
Separation from God Eternal life with God
Created in God’s image God Incarnate
Defeated Victory
Succumbed to temptation Tempted but did not sin
Faithless Faithful
Works Rest
Sinful Sinless
Bad news Good news

It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head over to her website “Lisa Jo Baker Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.

Five Minute Friday – Truth Be Told

Posted in Jesus Christ, poem, Trusting God by

Ephesians 3:20

LORD, the truth be told,
I’ve been struggling
with fear and doubt

Try as I might
I can’t control the future
or guess what will happen tomorrow

In my fear
I’ve gotten my eyes off of You LORD
Forgotten
that You are able
that You have a good and perfect plan
which You are working out in my life

I’ve lost sight of the fact
that You walk with me always
both in the peaks and valleys of my life
You use all circumstances
To help me grow and change
You expose my sin
So that I will confess and repent
You buff out that which is displeasing to You
and reveal conduct unbecoming a Christian

Help me walk by faith
May I not doubt Your goodness
or Your ability to accomplish what concerns me today

May I remember that with each step I take
You are with me
You alone know what my future holds
You are perfectly able to direct my path

Help me to keep my eyes on You Lord
Not my circumstances
Not the people that surround me

Help me to trust You
Tenaciously
Unswervingly
to the end

Five Minute Friday
It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head over to her website “Lisa Jo Baker Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.

His Treasure Gems of Love from Your King by Sheri Rose Shepherd – Some Mixed Emotions

Posted in Book Review by

When the opportunity to read and review Sheri Rose Shepherd’s newest book, His Treasure Gems of Love from Your King, was presented I was excited at the prospect of reading her work.  I’ve heard some of her conference messages and found Sheri to be a very compelling speaker.

Based on her writing, I would say that Sheri has a love for the Lord and heart for women.  She desires that the women will grasp the love that God has for them and the blessings that come to a woman who loves the Lord, increasingly trusts and obeys Him.

I found many of the Treasures to be very encouraging, convicting and healing as they touched tender spots where I have emotional wounds that need the Lord’s healing.

Sheri’s love and passion for the Lord comes through in her writing.

I also want to share how I struggled with this book.  My struggle is with the style or genre of this book as if God is speaking to the reader.  I would have felt more comfortable if instead the writer was praying to God.  It’s easy to not accurately represent God, because we see Him through our own unique perspective that is colored by our life and experiences.  I also felt like the sovereignty and holiness of God was somewhat lacking.  The focus seemed to be on the person to whom God was talking and less focused on God.  As portrayed, God seemed to be gently trying to persuade the beloved child or daughter and was seldom revealed as God, the absolute Authority to Whom we will give an account.  I would have also appreciated if scripture references had been given that would line up to the words God was speaking.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for providing a complimentary copy of this book.

Five Minute Friday – Reflections on Grace

Posted in A Good Word, Chalkboard Scripture, Five Minute Friday, Grace by

Grace

Grace is one of my favorite words.  First and foremost it makes me think about God and His all-encompassing grace for all areas of my life.  Most importantly in saving me and covering my sin…no removing my sin as far as the east is from the west!

Below are some of my reflections of God’s grace…

A – Amazing Grace, Abundant Grace
B – Bountiful Grace
C – Continuous Grace, Compassionate Grace, Covering Grace
D – Daily Grace, Dying Grace
E – Effective Grace
F – Forgiving Grace, Faithful Grace
G – God’s Grace, Greater Grace, Gentle Grace
H – Healing Grace
I – Infinite Grace
J – Justifying Grace, Joyful Grace
K – Kind-hearted Grace
L – Limitless Grace, Loving Grace, Living Grace
M – Matchless Grace
N – Necessary Grace, Need Grace
O – Overwhelming Grace, Obedient Grace…the grace to obey
P – Powerful Grace, Pursing Grace, Perfect Grace, Patient Grace
Q – Quintessential Grace
R – Redeeming Grace, Reconciling Grace
S – Saving Grace, Sustaining Grace
T – Triumphant Grace
U –Undeserved Grace
V – Victorious Grace
W – Wonderful Grace, Wooing Grace
X – …
Y – Yonder Grace
Z – Zealous Grace

Five Minute Friday – Dive In
It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head over to her website “Lisa Jo Baker Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.

Five Minute Friday – Write & Remember

Posted in Five Minute Friday by

When the winds of change blow…
It seems as if there is no area of my life that’s untouched.

It’s then I feel compelled to meditate, remember and write about Who You are O Lord.

You are my Heavenly Father enthroned above
You know the end from the beginning

You had and outrageous plan set in place
Before the foundations of the world were laid.

You alone are Faithful
You are the Covenant Maker and Promise Keeper

You are the Priceless, Matchless Son of God
The One who is Mighty to Save

You are Holy, Holy, Holy
The Sinless Son of God

You are the Obedient Son of God
Who bore my sins so that I could be saved

You are the Way, the Truth and the Life
No one comes unto the Father, except by You

You are a God of Love
You are a God of Wrath

You alone are Righteous
Your motives are always pure and undefiled

You are a God who
Saves
Redeems
Restores
Forgives

You are a God of
Hope
Joy
Peace
Patience
Love
Grace
Mercy
Justice

You are my God, my Ever Present Help in times of trouble.  You alone are unchanging.

It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head over to her website “Lisa Jo Baker Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.

Beware…

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“Beware of the Bareness of Busyness”

When I heard that quote, my ears perked up…that’s it!  That describes my life the last few months.  It’s getting busier and busier and I feel emptier and emptier.

I’m busy at work, I’m busy at home…and there is very little downtime.  The pace is too much!  There’s no let up.

I spend time in Word of God in the morning and at night.  I pray.  When I go to lunch or on my drive home, I listen to Bible studies or worship music…but there’s something still missing.

My life feels lifeless.

I think it’s because during my day, I’m not taking the time to listen to that still small voice.  I’m not hearing God’s gentle whisper or even His shouting to get my attention.  My attention is elsewhere.

I don’t take the time to write it down and think about it.  To see where it applies to my life.  I’m not taking time to enjoy the gifts that God has given me.  Nor taking the time to say thank You.

When people aren’t listening to me…I stop talking to them.  I don’t want to waste my time.

Does God ever feel like that?

Perhaps God’s silence, His deafening silence, is finally getting my attention.  Oh Lord…help me to hear You, to really listen and obey.

Sherlock Holmes and the Needle’s Eye – Disappointing

Posted in Book Review by

Sherlock Holmes_225_350_Book.868.cover

When I saw the book “Sherlock Holmes and the Needle’s Eye” by Len Bailey offered by BookSneeze I thought it would be a good read.  I love the Bible, and like mysteries and Sherlock Holmes novels.

The book brings back the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson investigating 10 Bible mysteries as they travel, via a time machine called the Needle’s Eye, to Biblical times as they watch events unfold firsthand.  The mysteries include:

Why did Ahithophel hang himself?
In John 8, what did Christ write on the ground?
Why did Jesus delay in coming to Lazarus?
Why were Christ’s birth and death considered to be at the right time?
Why were the Israelites instructed to march about Jericho one time for the first six days, but seven times on the last day?

Since I had recently studied David’s life, I was interested to read the first mystery, why did Ahitophel hang himself.  The author did a good job in bringing out the background and details of this story and presenting a case why Ahitophel hanged himself.

However, my interest in the booked quickly waned as I continued to read.  I found the book to be quite tedious and boring; the chapters seemed to go on and on.  One problem was that the mysteries being investigated weren’t clearly stated at the beginning of the chapter.  The book jumped around a lot and it was hard to track.  Some of Sherlock Holmes’ conclusions and answers to the mysteries were not clearly presented.

While the book is not entirely without merit, I would not recommend it.  If I hadn’t agreed to read and review this book, I wouldn’t have finished it.

I thank BookSneeze for the opportunity to read and review this book.