The Hard Thing

Posted in Complaining, Forgiveness, Giving Thanks, Grumbling, Prayer by
It’s harder to forgive
Than to hold on to a hurt

It’s harder to pray
Than to whine and complain

It’s harder to bring everything by prayer and petition to God
Than to go to a friend and gossip or lament

It’s harder to give thanks in difficult circumstances or in pain
Than it is to grumble and complain

It’s harder to restrain my mouth and just plain shut up
Than it is to freely speak my mind

It’s not just harder
It’s impossible to take back a word spoken in anger

It’s harder to be disciplined and make time to study God’s word
Than it is to waste time on worthless things

It’s harder to make time for family and friends
Than to let my time be driven by pressing but inconsequential things

It’s harder to take every thought captive
Than it is to let my imagination and thoughts go wild

It’s hard to do what is right before God
When I’m feeding my mind and heart with the things of this world

Oh Lord, may I choose to do the hard thing
Not by might, but by Your Spirit

May I remember when I am weak
Then I am strong in Christ

By Susan Bunts Wachtel
December 2, 2009

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Christmas Reflections…The Virgin Birth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.  Isaiah 7:14
 
The Jews knew from scripture that the Messiah would come from the line of David. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary was a humble willing servant.  Unlike Zacharias, Mary did not doubt the angel Gabriel’s good news.  Perhaps her question was filled with wonder and amazement.  Wonder at how God would accomplish this miraculous work and amazement that God saw fit to choose her.
 
We can learn something from Mary’s response.  After the angel confirmed that she would become pregnant when the Holy Spirit came upon her and overshadowed her, she responded with willing obedient belief. 

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

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

Oh the goodness of the Lord.  The angel Gabriel shared that not only would Mary bear a Son…but that her relative Elizabeth was pregnant despite her advanced age and barrenness.  Someone to whom she could go and share the wonder of what God was doing.  Someone who would believe her and encourage her faith. 
 
Can you imagine Mary’s thoughts when the angel departed?  Did it seem like a dream?  Was her heart beating fast?  Was her face flushed with excitement?  When did the Holy Spirit come upon her and overshadow her?  Was her heart bursting with joy, wonder and amazement?

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

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

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Sometimes It Rains in Southern California

Posted in Phoebes, Towhees by

 
No matter what the song says, sometimes it does rain in southern California. 

While the rain necessitated us bringing in most of the bird feeders yesterday, when there was break in the rain, I couldn’t resist going outdoors.  The Phoebe’s chirp proved irresistible.  Despite the cold and a few drops of rain…I took out some meal worms for her and was able to snap a few photos.  Captured the Phoebe eating her delectable treat and the Towhees that have made our backyard their home.

 
 

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Tastes Too Good To Be Healthy

Posted in Chilled Swiss Oatmeal, Trader Joe's by
It didn’t take long for this breakfast food to quickly become our favorite. 

I had heard from several people how good the Chilled Swiss Oatmeal was from Corner Bakery.  It took me a couple of times of sampling it before I ventured out to make my own version.  Oh my goodness is it yummy!  Its chock full of healthy grain, fruit and yogurt.  Honestly…it tastes too good to be healthy!  But indeed it is.  So now at least two or three times a week…I’ll make a batch that will last a couple of days…so Chris and I can have a healthy nutritious breakfast.

One of my favorite places to shop is Trader Joe’s.  It’s there that I get a number of the ingredients.  Their prices are great and the products that I use in the Chilled Swiss Oatmeal make it just right.

If you like Oatmeal and fruit…give it a try.  Where possible I don’t measure when I cook…I just kind of throw in what seems right and tastes good.  What I list below is what I make for two people that will last two days.  Adjust it accordingly. 

Tastes Too Good to be Healthy…Chilled Swiss Oatmeal

  • Oatmeal…make a batch for two people (2 cups of water and 1 cup of Oatmeal)
After it’s done add:
  • ½ a package of the Trader Joe’s Dried Fruit Golden Berry Blend (golden raisins, cherries and blueberries)
  • ¼ package of the Trader Joe’s Raw Sliced Almonds
  • Honey…Trader Joe’s Clover Honey…or whatever your favorite honey is
  • Mix it all up and put it in the refrigerator to chill for about an hour
Once the mixture is chilled add:
  • Trader Joe’s Organic Vanilla Yogurt…about a ¼ or 1/3 of the large container…it tastes so fresh and clean
  • 2 apples, diced…use your favorite…what we like are the Pink Lady Apples or the Honey Crisps
  • 2 dozen (or more) seedless red grapes
  • 1 or 2 bananas slides and diced
  • Mix it all up and put it in the fridge to chill and let the flavors meld
I usually make it the night before and both Chris and I partake the next day.  I make enough to last for a couple of days.  After that…we are ready for a new batch.  Don’t make more than what you will use in a couple of days.

It’s very good and very healthy…and with all the different ingredients you are giving your taste buds and treat. 

Give it a try and enjoy…but I warn you…it’s very addicting.  You may find yourself staying up a little later than normal because you want to make sure that you have your favorite breakfast food in the morning.

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Christmas Reflections…Redemption…God’s Divine Plan

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

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.  He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”  Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”  And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”
How does one begin to fully comprehend all that the angel Gabriel prophesied about what God would do through Mary and the birth of Jesus Christ?  Even though this is the essence of Christmas, the very reason we celebrate the birth of Christ, it’s more than a little daunting.  
When the angel tells Mary about the Son that she will bear starting with His name Jesus and through each of His titles, we learn about who He is and the work that He came to do to fulfill the Father’s plan.
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.” – Luke 1:31
A virgin will bring forth a Son.  Mary herself confirms that she was a virgin when she asks, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”  This Son is not the seed of sinful man, but instead He is the Son of God.  He was born of a virgin and thus did not have our sin nature.
Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, meaning “Jehovah is salvation”.  Even His name tells of the work that Jesus came down to earth to do.  He was sent by God the Father, to save His people from their sin.  How would He accomplish that salvation?  How does a holy, righteous and just God forgive sinful man?  He does it by sending His only begotten Son, the sinless Lamb of God, to die in our place so that His righteousness can be applied to our account…and our sin debt will be paid in full. 
Sinful man cannot save himself.  He may die and even be cast into hell for eternity, but that will never pay his sin debt in full.  Man will never be declared righteous based on his works.
It was only when the blood of Christ is applied to our sin debt that we are washed white as snow.  Have you received Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to cover your sins?  Have you been clothed by the righteousness of Christ? 
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12
When Gabriel tells us that Jesus will be great, he’s not referring to what He will do, but instead it speaks about who He is.  He is grace, truth, mercy, holy, righteous, sovereign, omniscient and omnipotent.  These adjectives are more than just a description about what Jesus is like or what He does…they are the very essence of who He is.   He is great in power, authority and majesty…He is preeminent over all.
Son of the Highest speaks of Jesus divine nature.  He is Son of the Most High God.  Jehovah was called, El Elyon…the Most High God.  This speaks of God’s sovereignty, majesty and His highest preeminence over all.  Jesus tells us that He is one with the Father, if we have seen Him, we have seen the Father. 
“….and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”  – Luke 1:32 (b)-33
When Gabriel prophesied that God will give Jesus the throne of His father David, he speaks of the fulfillment of God’s promise to David that One will come who will reign on his throne forever.  That His kingdom will never end tells about Jesus eternal sovereign reign over Israel and His kingdom. 
“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.  He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” – 2 Samuel 7:12-13
How does the Son of God who will lay down His life and pay the penalty for our sin reign forever?  How can someone who is dead reign?  He can only do that if He is resurrected from the dead.  Resurrection that gives evidence that God the Father accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. 
What are you celebrating this Christmas?  Are parties and family gatherings a part of your Christmas season?  Are your days filled with shopping, decorating and baking?  Do you make Christmas magical for your children with Santa?
More importantly…do you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, God come in the flesh…the very reason we have a holiday called Christmas?  If not…why not receive the best gift ever…the gift of Jesus, the Son of God, wrapped in the flesh of a newborn Babe.

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Christmas Reflections..Chosen and Blessed

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

“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”  But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” – Luke 1:26-30
 
It had been six months since God had broken his 400 years of silence.  Just six months before, God had sent Gabriel to tell Zacharias and Elizabeth about the miraculous birth of their son John…the forerunner of Christ sent to prepare the way of the Lord. 
 
Now in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabriel appeared before Mary to bring her a divine message from God. 
 
Gabriel greeted Mary and said, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”   What was Mary’s reaction?  She was fearful and troubled at what the angel had said.  Why was Mary troubled? 
 
What kind of woman does God choose to bear the Son of God?  Mary must have been very young, a teenager at best.  Maybe 13 or 14 years of age.  The Bible doesn’t tell us anything about Mary other than her name and that she was a virgin, betrothed to a man named Joseph.  Unlike Zacharias and Elizabeth, Mary was not commended as being upright and blameless before the Lord. She was a young Jewish girl in a small town called Nazareth.  
 
Was Mary troubled because she knew she was undeserving of God’s favor and grace?  Nowhere in the Bible does it tell us that Mary was sinless.  In fact, Mary needed a Savior every bit as much as we do.  Mary was not favored or shown grace by God because of who she was.  She was shown grace by God, because He chose to do so. 
 
Mary knew that she was a sinner before holy God.  In Luke 1:46, Mary rejoiced in God her Savior and extolled His mercy.  Only a sinner needs a merciful Savior.  But Mary was also a true believer. 
 
Mary was highly favored because God chose to use her as His instrument, through which the Savior of the world would be born.  She was blessed among women because of what God would do through her…not because of who she was or what she deserved.
 
Likewise…God has shown us grace and mercy, not because we deserve it.  He doesn’t choose us because of who we are or what we have to offer.  But in His sovereignty, God chooses to save us from our sins.  We are not saved because we are better than our brother or neighbor or friend.   In fact the Bible tells us that He chooses the weak and foolish things of this world. 
 
What about you…have you recognized your need for Jesus the merciful Savior?  This Christmas, do you celebrate because you received the gift of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary?  Why not choose Him today and have your name recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life? 
 
 

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Christmas Reflections..God’s Faithfulness in the Midst of Unbelief

Posted in Answered Prayer, Christmas Reflections Devotional, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Unbelief, Zacharias by
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.   And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.  For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.  And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.  He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time. – Luke 1:11-20

Zacharias may have thought that it was by lot that he was chosen to go before the Lord and burn incense in the temple.  But instead Zacharias had a divine appointment with God.
Zacharias and Elizabeth had prayed for many years to have a child, yet God was silent.  Perhaps now their prayers were more out of habit, rather than out of belief that God could still give them the desire of their heart.  God may have been silent, but He had indeed heard their prayers. 
Now, at the appointed time, God would answer their prayer and give them a son.  A son who would be great in the sight of the Lord.  One who would be filled with the Holy Spirit from before birth.  Their child would have the privilege of preparing the way for the Lord.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to announced what God would do, Zacharias was filled with fear.  He questioned how it would be accomplished.  Did Zacharias have his eyes on circumstances and human limitations?
God is not glorified, nor pleased, with our unbelief.  Unbelief is what kept the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years.  Zacharias’ unbelief resulted in him being struck mute and silent until after the fulfillment of God’s prophesy about John’s birth.  Thankfully, God’s miraculous work was not contingent on Zacharias’ belief. 
As Zacharias emerged from the temple, he beckoned to the people so that he could tell them about the angel’s glad tidings.  But Zacharias was speechless…and would remain mute for the next 9 months.  Can you imagine hearing the best news of your life and not being able to share it? 
When Zacharias returned home, God was faithful and answered their prayer.  He brought forth a child from a barren couple well advanced in years.  God can do the impossible with that which is weak, frail and even as good as dead.
As I read about Zacharias and Elizabeth, I’m reminded that I am called to persevere in faith, continue to trust God and know that He is able to accomplish much more than I ask or imagine.  When I pray, am I willing to wait upon the Lord and trust His perfect timing?  Do I view my problems from my vantage point or do I look at them from God’s perspective, knowing that nothing is too hard for God?
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Christmas Reflections..Faithful Obedience

Posted in Believe God, Christmas Reflections Devotional, Faithfulness, Obedience by

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.  But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. – Luke 1:5-7

When I read about Zacharias and Elizabeth in Luke 1, I’m mindful that it had been 400 years since the Lord had last spoke to Israel.  400 years of silence.  Think about it.  Have you ever experienced a time of silence in a relationship?  It’s hard, isn’t it?  Nowhere more so than when that silence involves God. 

For Zacharias and Elizabeth there were untold years of silence when God did not answer their prayer, yet they remained faithful.  God tells us that they were upright and blameless in His sight.  They went about their daily lives faithfully serving the Lord and obeying all His commandments and regulations. 

Even though the Lord was silent, they didn’t use that as an excuse to go off and live according to their own will or take things into their own hands.  They didn’t become slack or lazy in doing what God had commanded.  Their obedience and faithful service was not contingent on God blessing them or answering their prayers for a child. 

In their culture, a couple that remained childless would likely bring judgmental speculation by others.  Speculation that perhaps God had not given them a child because of hidden sin in their life.  I think that Zacharias and Elizabeth’s commitment to walk upright and blameless before the Lord brought a measure of peace.  Peace with God…a peace that passes all understanding.  Peace that remained, no matter what others thought.

Instead of focusing on what they didn’t have, instead of listening to what others said about them, Zacharias and Elizabeth, kept their focus on God.  They trusted that God was good…that He is exactly who He revealed Himself to be in His word.  They believed that God was worthy of worship, praise and adoration because of who He is, not because of how He answered their prayers.  Nor was it based on what He did for them. 

I’m challenged by the faithful obedience of Zacharias and Elizabeth.  Do I remain faithful and obedient to do what God commands even when He is silent?  Am I willing to serve Him, bless Him and praise Him when God, by His perfect will and plan, chooses to withhold something that have I prayed for?  Do I continue to pray, watch and wait expectantly for what God will do?

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Christmas Reflections..That You May Know

Posted in Christmas Reflections Devotional, Gospel, Luke by


“…it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” – Luke 1:3-4

With Christmas fast approaching, I’m reminding myself that I don’t want to miss Jesus, the Christ child like I have in years past. 

I don’t want to set Him aside amidst the hustle and bustle of the season.  Neglecting God’s greatest Gift while purchasing presents that will not last.  Attending concerts and Christmas plays yet failing to worship the newborn King. 

I want to devote the time to study the story of my Savior’s birth.  Not just some made up story, but eyewitness accounts about Jesus Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection.  Luke took the time to learn and write down in a very orderly manner the events Jesus, Who is God with us.  He compiled the stories about Jesus to send to his friend Theosophies so that he might know with certainty the truth about what he had been taught. 

I’m challenged by Luke’s willingness to do the work so that he could share the good news of the Gospel message with his friend.  Do I do the same?  Do I take the time to carefully study God’s word so that I can share it? 

It’s easier to give a gift wrapped with pretty paper and bows rather than give my family and friends the Gift of life through Jesus Christ.  It requires very little of me to do that and there is no risk or rejection. 

I can celebrate Christmas with family and friends, but if I fail to share that salvation is found in no other name on heaven and earth than Jesus Christ…I may not share eternity with them.  

During the season that’s supposed to celebrate Christ’s birth…will my focus be on that which is insignificant and inconsequential?   Or will I focus on the One who is Eternal, Jesus Christ?  Will I share the Gift of eternal life with family and friends?  

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A Blessing and Not a Curse

Posted in No TV by

What started out as a prudent measure to reduce expenses after we purchased our home has turned out to be an unexpected blessing.

As we faced the reality of a mortgage payment, Chris and I looked at our expenses and evaluated where we might be able to save money.  Chris didn’t suggest it…because he knew that I was used to cable TV.  However, I felt the strong leading of the Holy Spirit…that when we moved into our new home that we should forego cable TV for a season, at least until we refinanced our home. 

Although I knew I would miss HGTV, TLC, Fox News and a few channels that have some good entertainment…I thought that it was the right thing to do.  Not only would we save money, but with our busy schedules, we probably wouldn’t have much time to watch TV.

Before long…that which seemed like it might be hard to get used to was something we didn’t really miss.

While we were in our interim apartment, our TV viewing habits consisted of house hunting and decorating shows with the occasional “What Not to Wear” thrown in for good measure. 

Fox News which had once been my news channel of choice now had all the cutting edge technology…and in the process lost some of its substance.  With the change in administration, and their desire to be “fair and balanced”, Fox News looked a more like CNN rather than Fox New which used to give conservatives a voice. I found their news served as an irritant, rather than something that provoked thoughtful debate. 

The one downside to no TV…is that I feel really out of the loop.  If there was a national or local emergency, we would likely not have a clue.  I used to listen to talk radio, but now I spend my commute time in prayer or listening to Bible study CDs. 

On occasion, I log on to a local news station or Fox News to see what’s going on.  More often than not I’m appalled by the horrific things that are being reported.  Things that are so sick that they are unthinkable to a decent mind.

In the past couple of weeks…some of the news stories included a baby that was brutally tortured to death by his mother, a man kidnapping and holding a girl captive as a sex slave, children assaulting other children because they have red hair, mass slaughter of 200,000 animals in a religious ritual to appease (false) gods, and two dogs thrown into a canal with their mouths taped shut. That’s just a few stories…a small sampling of what’s being reported as “news”.

Why do I need that garbage in home? I don’t need those images filling my mind…because once they are in there…they don’t go away.

That doesn’t even take into account what is passing as entertainment these days. If you are a Christian…a person of faith with moral values…you’d better keep that remote control close at hand. It’s not going to be long before you see something which God has declared sinful pass before your eyes. How will you respond?

Most of the sexual situations on TV are extra or pre marital sex. Rarely do you see a healthy loving marriage portrayed. Scantily clad women are the order of the day from TV shows to commercials. Frankly I don’t need those images filling my husband’s mind. Men have the equivalent of a pictorial rolodex in their mind…images that they’ve seen. Images are added to the rolodex whether a man has purposely witnessed something or by accident.

How are husbands supposed to keep their thought life pure when continually being assaulted by those images? How are men and women going to resist the temptations of an extra marital affair when constantly seeing that portrayed on TV as normal and good? How are single people, young people going to be committed to remaining virgins and wait to have sex until marriage…when all they see on TV and in movies is everyone having sex outside of marriage?

Do you wonder why people stumble and fall into sin? It’s because we fill our minds with thoughts and images which appeal to our flesh, our sinful nature. In doing so, we lose sight that God has clearly stated in His word, in no uncertain terms, those choices are sinful. We see the temptation, take the bait, but fail to remember the consequences of our sin.

How do TV and movies portray how women should dress? How does it deal with alcohol and drugs? How does it portray sex outside of marriage and homosexuality? What defacto messages are you getting from TV?

Sin loses its sinfulness when we continually fill our mind with imagines and thoughts from TV, movies, books and music that are in direct contradiction to God word. We stop seeing sin as sin.

We don’t see adultery as sin, we see it as “an affair”. We tell ourselves that God just wants us to be happy. Guess what…God doesn’t just want us to be happy. He wants us to be holy. He cares more about our character than our happiness.

It’s nearly impossible to have the things of God in mind when we are filling our mind with the things of this world. When we laugh at or just go along with, or turn a blind eye to that which God has declared sinful. When we see those images…do we remember that Christ died for those sins? Do we want to heap sin, upon sin?

Or do we desire to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength? Do we want to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ? Part of taking every thought captive is guarding our heart and mind in Christ Jesus…and choosing not to take in or dwell upon sinful things. It’s purposely saying Jesus Christ is Lord of my life in all areas.

When we first moved into our new home…it took some getting used to not having a TV. It wasn’t long before we both realized…it’s a good thing to not have it around.

Rather than watching TV, we now watch DVDs that we’ve chosen. Many of which are from Christian film makers…films or shows that uphold our faith and values.

What about you…do you find yourself wanting to turn off the TV which contradicts and assaults your faith? How about it…it’s easy…cancel the cable and turn off the TV. Even better you will save some money to boot. No TV is truly a blessing.

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Thanksgiving….Much Better Than I Deserve

Posted in poem, Prayer, Thanksgiving by

I would be remiss
If I failed to bow my head and give thanks
For the many blessing
From my heavenly Father above

First and foremost
Salvation found in Christ Jesus alone
For His sacrificial atoning death on the cross
So that my sins, which are many, are forgiven in full

For the Holy Spirit
Who dwells within me
For His comfort and conviction
Daily sanctifying and cleansing me

The Bible
The very Word of God
Solid truth in a world filled with lies and deception
A light unto my path in a very dark world

The Father’s plan of redemption
Put in place before the foundations of the earth were laid
My loving Father is looking and waiting, arms open wide
For this prodigal to come to her senses and return home

I am included in the body of Christ
Called to a church named Kindred
Surrounded by those who faithfully serve
Motivated out of love and obedience to Christ the Risen Lord

For a country founded with a purpose
A place where we might be free
A foundation built on principals
Inalienable rights granted by our Creator

Abundant blessings flow
From the Father’s hand
I can truly say
I’m doing much better than I deserve

My husband Chris
The one for whom I prayed many years
He loves the Lord with all his heart
By God’s grace he just happens to love me too

A home we call our own
With much more than I can ask or imagine
A fireplace to sit by on a cool autumn evening
A backyard, my retreat to enjoy God’s creation

Family and friends make each day richer
Filled with grace, mercy and love
They share in the laughter and joy of the moment
Then come alongside to help lift the burden of a heavy load

Work…a means by which God provides
A place to use the skills, talents and abilities
Gainful employment means much more these days
When so many are still seeking a job

This is just a start
Of the many things for which I give thanks
You can truly see
I am blessed far beyond that which I deserve


Susan Bunts Wachtel
November 25, 2009

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Yeah!!! Courageous

Posted in Courageous, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, Sherwood Pictures by

“Courageous” is the new movie that the producers of “Facing the Giants” and Fireproof” are starting production on.  To that I say “Yeah”.  I thank the people at Sherwood Pictures for their efforts to produce good Christian entertainment that is God honoring and encouraging to Christians.  I can hardly wait for the new movie to come out and look forward to your future productions.

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God Colored Glasses

Posted in God, God's Presence, Righteousness, Sin by

Daily I put on
God colored glasses
My heart fully open and surrendered to Him

Conscious of God’s presence
In all areas of my life
God is the filter through which every experience passes

In good times
When blessings flow from God’s hand
I offer praise, adoration and thanks

When tempted by sin
I confess, repent and pray
Equip myself with the full armor of God

In the presence of evil
I pray righteousness will triumph
Where inequity presently reigns that it will be crushed

When God is dishonored
Where His name has been besmirched
I am grieved and pray that He will vindicate Himself

When people are in distress
I come before my Father and pray
God be honored and glorified through their deliverance

In all things, through all things
May I set the Lord ever before me
See everything through my God colored glasses

Susan Bunts Wachtel
November 17, 2009

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Burdened

Posted in Grief, poem, Prayer by
Today I awoke downcast
As though I was grieving
Profoundly sad
For no explainable reason

Then my path crossed
With those who bear a heavy burden
Whose tear stained face
Bears the marks of grief, pain and fear

Those who lost a loved one
A life cut down at such a young age
Family and friends who had no time to grasp the enormity
Before they stood at their loved one’s grave

Or the one who received a bad report
Without warning, in an instant
Life had changed
Each day recognized as a gift, not a guarantee

Then there is the one who suddenly
Finds themselves unemployed
In stiff competition with untold others
Praying that someone will just give them a chance

God did you burden my soul
Give me a small picture of their pain
That I might be compelled
To plead for them before Your throne


Susan Bunts Wachtel
November 16, 2009


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A Christian Ebner Christmas

Posted in Christian Ebner by

The above photo of Christian Ebner, our worship leader at Kindred Community Church, was taken while Christian was conducting the choir.  It’s one of my favorite pictures because the silhouette looks like he is in worship and prayer.

Christian just released his first Christmas CD “A Christian Ebner Christmas”.  It’s a lovely addition to my Christmas music.  Christian has a very clean and pure voice.  Below is the video showing the recording of his album.

If you would like to download Christian’s new album directly from I-Tunes…it’s now available. 

http://www.facebook.com/l/6ecb0;itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-christian-ebner-christmas/id337147210

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The Early Bird Catches the Goldfinch

Posted in Goldfinches, Towhee, Wild Birds Unlimited by
 
 
 
 

The early bird catches the Goldfinch…and maybe Towhee too.

It’s been at least three months, perhaps four since we put out the feeder to attract Goldfinches.  After being captivated by all the outdoor birds and wildlife in our backyard…we were hoping to attract Goldfinches.

Valerie and Vince at Wild Birds Unlimited in Yorba Linda assured us that they would come.  They said be patient…they are a little skittish…it may take them a while to come.  Well after a couple of months of trying lure them our way in the front yard…we finally moved the feeding sock to the backyard.  Again we waited.  It took a couple more months…but this time we hit pay dirt.

Yesterday, while ironing Chris looked out the back window and saw birds on the sock.  I ran out with my trusty camera…and was able to capture the elusive Goldfinches!  Throughout the day…I’d glance out while I was busy cleaning…and found the little critters out there, coming and going throughout most of the day.

Despite the chilly morning, I braved the elements to capture our new friends, the Goldfinches, and few old pals as well.  There is our beloved Towhees and of course our precious sparrows.

As a side note…a big thumbs up to Valerie and Vince at Wild Birds Unlimited in Yorba Linda, CA.  Their customer service is simply the best.  If you love birds…please be sure to pay them a visit.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins?  And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7




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Love Letter

Posted in Chris Wachtel, Love Letter, Weekend to Remember by
 
We both wept as you read
A love letter
Written from your heart

Recalling God’s providence
His miraculous work
In bringing us together

How He overcame obstacles
Combined our broken pieces into one
Smashed the word “impossible”

God has perfectly balanced our differences
Out of the ash heap of our weaknesses
He brought forth strength

He continues His work today
Turning us from blinding fear and unbelief
To unwavering faith and knowing that He is able

God has enabled you
To look beyond the surface
Love from the depths of your heart

Beloved, may I always remember
That you are God’s gift to me  
From our heavenly Father above


Susan Bunts Wachtel
November 9, 2009


Dedicated to Chris Wachtel…my beloved husband.