Transforming Power

In my weakness
I want to turn around and walk away
But by the power of the Holy Spirit
I will return to the lion’s den this day


In my flesh
I want to strike back
But under the control of the Holy Spirit
I will choose to turn the other cheek


In my sin nature
I want to tell others of the offense against me
By the transforming power of Christ within
I will instead offer a prayer for the offender


In my humanity
Tears flow as I’m surrounded by quite
From the Word planted in my heart
I’m reminded that God will wipe every tear from my eyes


In my solitude
I attempt to wrestle against the spiritual forces of darkness
When I remember I am part of the body of Christ
I reach out and ask for my day to be covered in prayer


In my self confidence
I fail to prepare for spiritual warfare
In His wisdom, power and strength
I put on the full armor of God so I can stand against the devil’s schemes


By Susan Bunts
July 25, 2008

Scars & Wounds

Scars deeply embedded

Wounds left over from childhood

Seemingly dead and buried

Make themselves known

Affecting relationships even today

What I hear

Is much different than what was said

Unable to differentiate

What was intended

Verses what was felt

At any hint

Of irritation, anger or disappointment

I find my defenses mount up

Emotions shut down

Now I don’t have to feel or risk being hurt

Trying and stay ahead

Anticipate each move

Feeling justified

In my inability to trust

Will I ever feel loved?

Will I turn to Him

The One who binds my wounds

The Healer of my soul

Only He can set this prisoner free

Will I allow Him to show me how to trust again

Will I let the One

Who taught the angels to sing

To fill my heart and mouth

With songs of praise

How long until I sing the song of freedom

By Susan Bunts

July 23, 2008

Decisions...Prayerfully Considered

Decisions, decisions,
Oh Lord, may my response,
Be according to Your will,
Answering Your call,
Hearing Your voice alone.

If this is my imagine,
Trying to shape circumstances,
Interpreting the signs,
Imposing my will, but calling it Yours.
Stop me in my tracks...let me proceed no further.

May my desire,
Be obedience to my Father,
To please Him,
To love my Savior,
By serving the body of Christ where You have called me.

May I not seek my own glory,
Or try to proceed,
On my own strength, wisdom and power,
Instead may I know that this call is so far beyond me,
That I’m fully leaning and relying upon You.

Decisions, decisions,
May You guide my heart and mind,
Make Your leading clear,
Give me a holy unease,
If I dare to stray from the path You have set before me.

Susan Bunts
July 18, 2008

Tonight I received a phone called that seems to be the answer to a prayer. But as I started to pray that God would guide and direct me....make His leading clear, I realized that as much as I want to have my prayer answered...more than that...I desire to be in God’s will.

Because this decision will effect my husband to be...I needed to seek his counsel. To ask him to be in prayer regarding this. I also must willing to heed his counsel. He is a godly man...and God is well able to guide and direct Chris’ thinking, as well as my own. Will I choose to respect Chris’ wisdom and direction...even if it differs from mine?

In bringing Chris and I together God answered my prayer for a godly husband. At the same time...God answered Chris’ prayer to be stretched and taken out of his comfort zone. Sometimes, I teasingly tell Chris to stop the prayers for stretching...because when He stretches Chris...He’s stretching me too.

At the end of the day...I honestly don’t know which way God will direct us. Is this God answering Chris’ prayer for stretching? Will it be a test to see if I will respect and obey my husband to be? Even if it’s contrary to what I want or feel comfortable with?

Will we be in unified in our decision...in step with one another? Of one accord?

I’m glad I don’t have to rely on my own wisdom or the fickle deceitfulness of my feelings. But instead I can fully lean and trust in God as He answers my prayer for Him to guide and direct Chris and I in an important decision.

Eternal Destiny

Dare I take comfort in the thought,
That my loved one is no longer suffering?
When in fact, an unbeliever who perishes without Christ,
Has just begun to suffer and now knows the truth of eternal punishment.

Dare I take comfort in the calm assurance,
From a man who calls himself “Pastor”?
But one who fails to proclaim Jesus Christ and Him crucified,
As the only way to salvation.

Dare I take comfort in the platitudes offered,
By those who ignorantly believe that being “spiritual” saves us?
Saves us from what?
Condemnation from a holy, righteous, just God who was offended by our sin?

Dare I believe that I will live on in the memories of others?
What happens when they perish?
Or is it then that I perish...when no one remains who knew me?
When there is no one who was once touched and influenced by me?

Dare I serve a god,
Made of my own making...a god made in my own image?
A hodge podge of my own choosing...taking only what I like,
Selecting that which makes me feel comfortable and good about myself?

Or dare I believe that there is but One God?
One Mediator between God and man.
One Savior, Christ Jesus, whose blood was shed on the cross,
Who for once, for all...paid my sin debt in full.

Dare I acknowledge my sin?
Receive forgiveness through God’s only Son?
Dare I repent and loudly proclaim to a world lost in their sin,
Jesus Christ...salvation is found only in Him!

By Susan Bunts
July 5, 2008

Dedicated to those who are perishing in their sin...who have yet to receive Jesus Christ and Him crucified, His death on the cross as payment in full, covering their sin. Dedicated to those who call themselves pastor, but who do not know that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life...thus they can not boldly proclaim Jesus Christ and Him crucified. It is my prayer that one day your name will be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and that you will not take or offer false comfort when someone dies without Christ. That instead it will become your life long mission to preach Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.

Becoming One

It’s in becoming one,
Where we will learn to willingly surrender,
That which God will one day require of us.

It’s in becoming one,
We learn that submission and selflessness,
Are far superior to selfishness that the world inspires.

It’s in becoming one,
That we learn the eternal immeasurable value,
Of people and relationships over things.

It’s in becoming one,
We learn transparency and loving communication,
Choosing vulnerability and risking wounds from a faithful friend.

Oh Lord, may we realize,
That in avoiding selfless surrender,
We will only delay...even increase pain inherent in the inevitable.

Lord, may You bless and reward,
The fruits of our labor to become one,
Enable and strengthen us as we draw close to You!

By Susan Bunts
June 30, 2008

Dedicated to my love...Chris Wachtel...whom I will become one with on October 4^th, 2008.

As we prepare ourselves to wed...we are not only amazed at how much work it is to get married but are becoming aware of just how painful that “becoming one” can be. Goodness knows that the sacrifices are many but the rewards are well worth it.

We contemplate the painful parting with things we once treasured and now find ourselves moving beyond our former lives. Forging ahead into “us” instead of “me”.

While at times it’s really hard...a reflection on the losses that so many people have experienced in recent days and weeks with the flooding in the Midwest serves as a timely reminder that which we may attempt to hold onto God may one day require of us. Will He have to pry it out of our tightly closed hands? How much better to come to Him with open hands and willingly surrender that which He has entrusted to us for a season.

In doing so...it is our prayer that God will reward and bless our willingly surrender to Him and His plan for our lives.

Concurrently Providential

When I see you,
I can perfectly see God’s presence in my life.

His mercy and grace,
Poured out in abundance to one so undeserving.

His sovereign plan,
That brought us together...in His perfect timing.

How He spent a lifetime,
Fitting us and forming two broken pieces for one another.

Yet...He left surprises,
In which we can delight and discover as we grow together.

I see His providence,
Because He went before me and prepared me for you.

I can testify to His concurrence,
As He worked a “good bad” in order to bring me to you.

Before you...He brought men into my life,
That made me desire...even long for a good man who loves the Lord.

Yet...He has given even more,
Deep blue eyes and warm smile...that melt my heart.

Chris...until “That Day”...and beyond,
May He continually, concurrently, providentially work His sovereign plan in us!

By Susan Bunts
May 21, 2008

Dedicated to Chris...the one I love

This poem was inspired by a sermon by Pastor Philip De Courcy that taught us about the sovereignty of God through His providence and concurrence in our lives. That sermon was providentially timed and has caused me to reflect and appreciate even more what God is doing in Chris and my life...and in our relationship.

Hard Work

“Relationships are really hard work!” he said.
Indeed they are,
But I’m glad to be doing that work with you.

When we step back...we clearly see,
God’s hand in bringing us together.
It’s very evident…plain for all to see.

As perfectly as He fitted us for one another,
We are being challenged,
By some of the differences we see.

He is the Potter…we are the clay,
We are continually being remolded,
Made into what He would have us be.

He’s bringing together,
A man and a woman,
With personalities that had nearly 50 years to set.

That “bringing together” is bound to hurt.
But thankfully,
It’s with someone I trust and respect.

May I never cease to marvel,
Even be amazed,
At how God has brought us together.

May we trust Him!
Eagerly anticipate what He is going to do,
With two souls yielded to the skillful Potter’s hands.

By Susan Bunts
May 19, 2008

Dedicated to Chris Wachtel...the one I love.

Both Chris and I marvel at how God has brought us together. We shake our heads in amazement that it’s only been two and a half months since we started dating. God turbo charged our relationship through the sickness and death of my mother...just a little over a month into our relationship. God used those circumstances to reveal Chris’ character...his emotional and spiritual maturity.

I’ve been speculating and teasing Chris that one day we are going to have our first argument. He tells me I’m a worry wart and it will be fine. Recently we both concluded that relationships are very hard work. But even with the work....it’s worth it.

It’s quite interesting bringing two people together that have been alone for close to 50 years. There’s the men/women difference and the personality differences. But I’ve got to say...while challenging...it sure helps when the person that’s meeting those challenges with me is someone whom I respect and trust. It’s a whole different ball game when it’s with a man who love the Lord and seeks to do God’s will before his own. Now that’s not only someone I can trust...but love.

I’m not the only one who’s happy Chris has come along. My kitty Rudy...loves Chris and is certain God brought Chris just for him.

The Key

Carrying a burden
You did not ask me to carry

Holding on
To that which you bid me to let go

Unforgiveness has locked me in
Forgiveness the key which will set me free

By Susan Bunts
October 30, 2007

May I Never

I took me 49 years to find you,
May I never take you for granted.

Pastor Chuck used to say he had the blessing of cancer,
We have the experience of a lifetime of being alone.

May we never forget how blessed we are,
To have found each other...even at this late stage.

We don’t know how many days God will grant us,
Or how long before our health will fail.

May I never take it for granted,
That I have my hand in yours.

May I never take for granted,
Your sweet kisses that I’ve come to love.

May I never take for granted,
Instead...always remember how it feels to be held in your arms.

May I always appreciate your thoughtfulness,
Considerate, kind and caring...that’s you!

May I take joy,
In the laughter you bring.

I don’t want to miss one more day without you,
Or assume we will have a lifetime together.

You are my first thought in the morning,
My last thought at night.

I don’t want to miss one more kiss,
Or spend another day without looking into your eyes.

I spent a lifetime finding you,
Now I want to spend the rest of my life getting to know you.

To Chris...the one I love!

Susan Bunts
April 14,2008

Ebbing Away

I walked in,
My first thought...
My Mom’s going to die here.

That smell hits my nose,
An odor of death surrounds me,
Makes me want to vomit...turn and run.

What little abilities she had,
Are quickly fading away,
There’s her body...but where’s the person I love?

The few words that used to be uttered,
Her occasional sentence is now all but gone,
In its stead...silence.

Her eyes that once would light up,
Along with a mischievous smile,
Has been replaced by a blank unresponsive stare.

Before she would grip my hand,
Now try as I might,
There’s nothing but a limp hand.

Tales of escape to Vegas,
Or climbing out of bed,
Have been taken over by one...who just wants to die.

Music that once inspired tapping toes,
As a knowing smile crossed her lips,
Can not even elicit a bob of her head.

She’s fading,
Her life is ebbing away,
She’s given up...I fear she will soon die.

Will it be with me by her side?
Or in the cold dark of night,
Alone?

Makes me want to vomit and run away,
But this sick feeling in my stomach,
Just will not go away.

Peace evades me as I question her salvation,
Please Lord...may her name be written,
In the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Your word assures me,
You desire that none would perish,
May she even now repent and receive Christ.

Even with a mind that may not comprehend,
You God...are able to reach in,
I beg You...may she please be saved.

In desperation,
By her bedside,
I told her about Jesus.

I pray,
That nod...barely noticeable,
Is confirmation my Mother is now my sister in Christ.

As I walked out the door tonight,
I wondered,
Will I ever see her alive again?

By Susan Bunts
April 9, 2008

In the Ordinary

Was it just a few short weeks ago,
That we met,
And I fell deeply in like with you?
Then you began to wow me in ordinary!

It’s in the simple,
Ordinary,
Everyday life,
That you take my breath away.

That’s where life is lived,
Not among the stars,
But do tell...my heart beats a little bit faster,
And the moon shines a little bit brighter because of you.

When I close my eyes,
I can see your face,
Feel as if I’m looking into your deep blue eyes,
Your smile...I just can’t get it out my mind.

Is this what falling in love feels like?
When it feels just right...to be in your arms,
Is that where I began to love you,
In the ordinary...everyday life?

Dedicated to him...who makes even the ordinary special. Are you my Sam?

Susan Bunts
April 6, 2008

Where Have You Been?

Where have you been all my life?
I know, I know...God has been shaping you,
Into the man who would one day touch my heart.

A warm smile,
Graces your face,
As a playful, teasing laugh escapes your lips.

Deep blue eyes,
And penetrating gaze,
At times...I must turn away.

Tendered heart and kind,
Caring...even for the least of these,
Bear witness to a heart transformed by his Savior.

No word goes unnoticed,
Our conversations so deep,
I could spend a lifetime getting to know you.

You treat me like a princess,
Like no man ever has,
Only time will tell...if this will have a fairytale end.

Susan Bunts
March 29, 2008

The Clock is Ticking

The clock on the wall is ticking,
In between the tick, tick, tick,
Only silence fills the room.

Before me lies one,
For whom I have prayed untold times,
Seeking his salvation before the throne of God.

His breathing is now labored,
Consciousness is fading,
Dare I plead one more time Lord?

Only You oh Lord,
Know the day and the hour,
When the beating of his heart will cease.

That moment when his fate will be sealed,
When the time to repent will have passed,
Entering that place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

But Lord, You tell me,
That today is the day of salvation,
That You desire for all to come to repentance.

So I pray oh Lord,
That You might move in his heart,
Enable him, even now...to hear the Gospel and respond.

Give me the words,
To tell him,
That all have sinned and fallen short.

That our sin debt,
Was paid in full,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

That if he will confess with his mouth,
Believe in his heart,
That Jesus Christ is Lord...he will be saved.

Before the night is over,
I pray that his name will be written,
In the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Susan Bunts
March 16, 2008

This poem is dedicated to those who bear the heavy burden of unsaved loved ones. Keep praying! Our hope is in Jesus Christ and Him crucified.