The Bridegroom

Just as the bride waits and longs for
The Bridegroom’s soon return
So my soul longs for You oh Lord
 
Surely, You’ll return any day now
You’ve been gone nearly 2,000 years
Preparing a place for me
 
With each passing day, I long to be in Your presence
Not to escape the un-pleasantries of life
But to behold You in Your glory
 
Thank You for all You’ve given me this side of heaven
For entrusting me to care for Your people and creation
But this place is not my home
 
My prayers for salvation for those who don’t know You
Grow more intense with each passing day
That they might be spared the pain and judgment to come

Oh Lord, when You come to take me to home
May I be found faithful to the end
Looking up…waiting for Your soon return
 
 
Susan Bunts Wachtel
December 30, 2009

Broken and Contrite Heart

Oh God
May I come to You
Not with a prideful, haughty spirit
But a broken and contrite heart

Humbled
Knowing that Jesus’ blood was shed
Not only for my sin
But all who will receive Him

When I see those engaged in sin
May I not condemn them
But be broken over that which breaks Your heart
May I be moved to pray fervently and unceasingly

For the unbeliever
Who has no knowledge of God
May I be ready to share
Salvation is found in no other name than Christ Jesus

For those who say they believe
But their lives are no different from unbelievers
May I point them back to Your word
You alone are able to judge their thoughts and intentions

When I see Christ followers, following at a distance
May I encourage them to partake in the joy and peace
That comes from abiding and remaining in Christ
To receive His strength and not be conformed to this world

May I be mindful it is by grace alone, through faith alone,
I stand forgiven at the cross
It is through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit within me
That I can abide, remain and am sanctified daily

Susan Bunts Wachtel
December 23, 2009

The Hard Thing

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