Active and Alive – Psalm 44:4-5

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You are my King, O God

Command victories for Jacob.

 Through You we will push down our enemies;

Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us.

Psalm 44:4-5
During the last year, in my devotional time, I’ve started to write out scripture in my own words.  I started with the book of Psalms.  There are days that the scripture jumps off the page and I jot down the verses so I can go back to them.  In the coming days, I want to share those verses.  May the Lord strengthen and encourage your heart too.


    
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Five Minute Friday – Dive In

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May I dive into Your Word daily
Find refreshment in Your life giving Word
May I dive deep and study for a life time
Yet I will never come to the end
May I swim far and wide
Beyond my inability to see
May my soul be strengthened
My heart sustained for this arduous journey
by Susan Wachtel
January 12, 2013
Weary from the week that was, I didn’t take the time to write last night.  Though I’m a day late, I did not want to miss an opportunity to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writingchallenge.  Head over to her website “LisaJo 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.
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One Word for 2013: Worship

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Worship

I’m not one who likes to make New Year’s Resolutions.  But my ears perked up when I read and heard people talking about focusing on word for the year.  I read about it on some one’s blog and then at Bible study our teacher read a devotional from someone who did the same thing.  

Our Bible study teacher, Patty Bivens said that for years she has asked the Lord what He would have her to focus on for the new year.  

When I first heard it, I thought perhaps “Grace” or “Blessing” would be what the Lord would have me to focus on. 

But on Tuesday night, it was if God shouted it to me, I need to focus on “Worship”.  

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand.
Psalm 95:6-7
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1,000 Gifts – January 9, 2013

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January 9, 2013
18.  Reading God’s Word breathes life into my weary soul.  Reading it, speaking it, praying it is what I need.  It brings me hope when I feel hopeless.  It shines light into my life when I feel surrounded by darkness.  It brings comfort when I feel forsaken.  It lifts my head so that I might gaze the Lord’s glory.  It put my focus on the Lord and helps me get it off my circumstances or myself.  Thank You Lord for your life giving Word!
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Les Miserables – Victor Hugo’s Classic Novel Comes to Life in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre

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It was my privilege to listen to Focus on the Family’s Radio Theatre’s production of Victor Hugo’s novel Les Miserables.  It’s a beautiful story of redemption when Jean Valjean’s life is changed by the grace and mercy demonstrated to him by the Bishop of Digne.  His life is contrasted by the harsh man of law, Inspector Javert who doesn’t believe that criminals can change and pursues Valjean for years to bring him to justice.  The memorable characters have been brought to life by some of Brittan’s finest actors.  The musical score adds to the drama and suspense. 
For those people who have read and love the novel, please be aware that story has been trimmed down in this adaptation for radio drama.  But it is a worthy production and well worth listening to.  This would be an excellent way to introduce children to classic literature and give them a desire to read the book.  Focus on the Family knows how to do radio theatre. 
Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a free copy of this audio drama.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
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1,000 Gifts – January 5, 2013

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January 5, 2013
17.  I’m grateful that the Lord desires that no one would perish but that all would come to repentance.  I’m grateful that with God nothing is impossible.  He is a God that still works miracles, the greatest of which is salvation.  The person whom I think may never be saved, God does so in His perfect timing. 
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Five Minute Friday – Choose

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Each day I live

I have the opportunity to choose
Will I serve the Lord
Or will I serve myself
Will I yield and bend to the Lord’s will
Or will I be stiff necked and unbending
Will I seek the Lord
Or will I pursue my own interests
Will I love the Lord
Or will I love this world and things which are perishing
Will I invest my time reading God’s Word
Or will I waste time on the foolish things of this world
Will I come boldly before the throne of grace in prayer
Or will I choose to grumble and complain
Do I want to hear God’s commendation
Or do I desire man’s approval
Will I choose to glorify God in all things
Or will I seek to glorify myself
Each day I have the opportunity to choose
Choose this day Whom I will serve
Susan Wachtel
January 4, 2013
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday 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.
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1000 Gifts – January 3, 2013

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Last year I started recording what I’m thankful for…and I just stopped for no particular reason.  I think it’s time, long past time, to get back to this worthy pursuit. 
16.  I am thankful that no matter what is going on in the world, everything is firmly under the Lord’s control.  He’s never taken by surprise and He is always there and ready to hear my prayer, praises, thanksgiving and cries.  He is able to give me wisdom that I need.  God is working out His good and perfect plan, in my life, in the life of my loved ones and this world…even when I don’t understand it.
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Dare I Confess

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Dare I confess, I feel a wee bit low these days
My focus is off, not where it should be
On circumstances around me and not on my heavenly Father
Dare I confess, I long to be in heaven
Not in this world riddled with sin
Where evil seems to triumph
Dare I confess, I long for the Rapture
Is it coming soon or many years from now
Only the Lord knows when He will take His church home
Dare I confess, I need to remember
Each day the Lord delays
More people enter the Kingdom by confessing Christ as Lord
Dare I confess, daily walking with the Lord
Sometimes seems hard, but it is so worth it
Achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit within
Dare I confess, I need Your help Lord
To keep my heart and mind stayed on Thee
Saturate me in Your life-giving Word
by Susan Wachtel
December 29, 2012
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Unto us a Son is given

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For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

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The Gift Exchange

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As the lights were dimmed

A hush came over the crowd

In the quiet a question was posed

What will you give Jesus for Christmas?

I knew in an instant

As his face came to my mind

Our relationship broken and strained

I would present this to my Lord

A beautifully wrapped package

Rested in my hand

Held close to my heart

Then raised to the Lord

In an instant my burden was lifted

Stress I had felt melted away

Once again my mind was focused

Aware of the presence of the Lord

How did this gift exchange happened

I will never fully know

As I presented my gift to the Lord

His peace filled my soul

by Susan Wachtel

December 12, 2012

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Oliver Twist – Most Excellent

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Focus on the Family Radio Theatre did a most excellent job in retelling Charles Dickens’ classic tale of orphan Oliver Twist.  It’s a quality production in every aspect, from the cast to the musical score, sound effects and narration. 
The talented cast did an outstanding job in bringing these memorable characters to life.  The story seems to come alive in the imagination of the listener.  The hardest part was waiting to listen to the next CD. 
This audio drama is a set that includes 5 CDs and a bonus DVD with footage on the making of the radio drama and interviews with experts on Charles Dickens.  After seeing the attention that was paid to the fine details it made me appreciate it even more.  I look forward to listening to it again and I want to read the book Oliver Twist.
The DVD also includes some true life, compelling stories on modern day orphans, a subject which is near and dear to the heart of Focus on the Family.
Oliver Twist would make an excellent gift!  I do believe that Mr. Dickens would himself be pleased with this radio drama.  I highly recommend Focus on the Family Radio Theatre’s production of Oliver Twist.
Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this audio drama to listen to and review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
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Five Minute Friday – Giving Thanks

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Father as I meditate on Your loving-kindness and goodness
Thanksgiving comes from my heart and is on my lips
Thank You for sending Your Son to bear my sins upon the cross
Because of Christ, my sin debt was marked “Paid in Full”
Thank You for the blood of Jesus Christ
Which cleansed me from all my sin
Thank You for the Gift of Promise
The Holy Spirit, my Guarantee of a future spent with You
Thank You for redeeming this wretched sinner
Taking my heart of stone and giving me a heart of flesh
Thank You for clothing me
In the righteousness of Christ
Thank You for Your life giving Word
Like a river of life for my thirsty soul
Thank You for Your transforming power
Empowering and enabling me to walk victoriously over sin
Thank You for the promise of heaven
An eternity spent with You…the Lover of my soul
By Susan Wachtel
November 23, 2012
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challengehead over to her website “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.
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Five Minute Friday – Stay Close

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Like a ravenous wolf
The enemy trailed the flock of sheep
Watching and waiting
For an opportune time
Before long his next victim was in sight
A young lamb who had wandered from the flock
He lost sight of the Good Shepherd
Faced a vicious enemy alone
With lighting speed and power
The enemy pounced upon his prey
Tearing flesh, ripping muscle and crushing bone
Jaws poised and ready to clamp down on the lamb’s neck
Without warning the enemy was struck with a rod
The Good Shepherd went looking for His lost lamb
He heard the terror filled cries
Intent upon destruction he didn’t see the death blow coming
The lamb was freed
Saved from certain death
The Good Shepherd picked up the injured lamb
Carried him back to the fold
Tenderly his wounds were nursed
Healing balm applied
The Good Shepherd lovingly spoke
Precious lamb, stay close to the One who loves you
Susan Wachtel
November 17, 2012
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challengehead over to her website “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.
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Curl Up with A Wreath of Snow

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A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs is set in Stirling, Scotland during 1894.  Main characters Meg Campbell and Gordon Shaw are both heading by train to Edinburgh on Christmas Eve.  Most folks head home on Christmas Eve, so why is Meg leaving town without even saying goodbye to her family?  Though Stirling was once his hometown, Gordon is anxious to leave without anyone recognizing him.  A chance meeting on the train will reintroduce characters whose lives were profoundly changed by an accident that occurred twelve years earlier.  Through their Christian faith Meg and Gordon grapple with lies and truth, sin and forgiveness and the possibility of finding true love.  The story unfolds against the backdrop of a Victorian Christmas. 
This is the first book that I’ve read by author Liz Curtis Higgs and I selected it because it’s fun to read a Christmas novel during the Christmas season.  The author’s style of writing was easy to get into.  When I wasn’t reading the book I found myself thinking about the characters and tried to figure out what was going on and how everything would be resolved.  I would recommend this book to fans of Liz Curtis Higgs and people who like to read Christmas novels and Christian fiction.  After this introduction to this author, I would like to read more of her books.
Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers provided me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book for review purposes.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 
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Rivival Needed

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Below is a comment from Ken at Following Jesus.  A while back I stumbled upon Ken’s blog and am blessed to read his posts.  He always seeks to glorify the Lord.  Kind of like Andrew…he brings people to Jesus.  I’m posting his comment in response to a recent post about the election.  Ken captures my feelings too about our nation and the need for repentance and revival

Hi Susan,
I struggled deciding what to do with this election. First off, no way I was I going to vote for Obama and was not liking Romney either. It was hard for me to vote for a Mormon.

Over the last couple of days one thing became clear to me, this nation needs a revival in the church. I believe us believers need to be on our knees praying for this nation, that God grant us repentance. If we are going to change the direction of this nation, it must start in the church.

I did not like the outcome of the election, however God is still sovereign. I can still look to heaven and rejoice because He is in control.

God bless,
Ken

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In the Quiet of Early Morn

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It’s in the quiet of early morn
I seek the Lord
Though others are fast asleep
The sun has yet to kiss the dawn
I meet with You
Before my day begins
I read from Your Word
You give me fresh eyes to see it anew
Scriptures I’ve read a dozen times before
Leap off the page and capture my attention
You give me wise counsel
For the day ahead
You are not a distant faraway God
But my loving Father who keeps His eye upon me
It’s in the quiet of early morn
I meet with my Heavenly Father above
By Susan Wachtel
November 11, 2012

If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challengehead over to her website “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.
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